The Rock-Cut Stupas of Bojjanakonda &
the GI Etikoppaka Lacquer Toys

The Rock-Cut Monasteries of Bojjanakonda & the Jaggery Markets

Carved out of Visakhapatnam district in 2022, Anakapalli is an ancient commercial and spiritual heartland situated along the Sarada River in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Named after the historic ruler Anna Varma, the district combines millennia-old Buddhist cave monasticism with world-renowned traditional craftsmanship.

The visual identity of Anakapalli is sugarcane jaggery amber gold and Buddhist rock-cut stone crimson. Defining the district is **Bojjanakonda** (Buddhina Konda) and **Lingalakonda**—twin hillocks at Sankaram housing 3rd-century BC rock-cut Buddhist stupas, monolithic Buddha reliefs, and chaityas. Nearby stands **Etikoppaka** (world-famous for GI-tagged non-toxic lacquerware wooden toys crafted from *Ankudu* wood), **Anakapalli Jaggery Market** (India's 2nd largest), **Kondakarla Ava** freshwater lotus lake, and **Nookambika Temple**.

The economic heart of Anakapalli beat is its agricultural trading market, famous as the second largest jaggery market in India after Muzaffarnagar. The surrounding plains of the Sarada and Varaha rivers are exceptionally fertile, supporting massive sugarcane fields. Farmers from surrounding districts bring their sugarcane harvest to Anakapalli's processing units, where it is boiled and solidifed into golden lumps of jaggery. This agricultural trade not only sustains the regional rural economy but has also shaped the culinary identity of Andhra Pradesh, with Anakapalli jaggery being a crucial ingredient in traditional sweets like *Ariselu* and *Pootharekulu*.

A short distance from Anakapalli town lies the historic village of Etikoppaka, renowned worldwide for its unique lacquerware toys (*Etikoppaka Bommalu*). Crafted primarily by local artisans from the soft wood of the *Ankudu* (Wrightia tinctoria) tree, these toys are turned on hand-operated lathes and coated with natural lacquer. The lacquer is mixed with organic dyes extracted from seeds, bark, roots, and leaves, making the finished products completely non-toxic and child-safe. This traditional craft, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017, is a living testament to sustainable, eco-friendly toy manufacturing that has survived the influx of cheap plastic alternatives.

On the ecological front, the district is home to Kondakarla Ava, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Andhra Pradesh. Fed by the Sarada River, this expansive wetland is covered with fields of pink lotuses and water lilies, serving as a critical sanctuary for migratory birds. Local fishermen operate unique, traditional double-palm tree dugout boats, offering a peaceful and eco-friendly way for travelers to explore the tranquil waters. The lake supports a rich variety of fish species and provides a vital habitat for birds like the purple heron, pheasant-tailed jacana, and various species of wild ducks, representing a delicate ecosystem that remains deeply integrated with local fishing communities.

Culturally, the town of Anakapalli is famous for the Nookambika Ammavari Temple, dedicated to a powerful manifestation of the mother goddess. The annual *Nookalamma Jathara* festival, celebrated in the Telugu month of Phalguna, attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh. During this month-long celebration, the streets of Anakapalli are decorated with colorful lights, traditional arches, and floral displays, while various cultural programs, including folk dances like *Tappeta Gullu* and *Dhimsa*, are performed in the temple precincts. This historic festival showcases the deep spiritual roots and community bonding that define the cultural landscape of the Anakapalli region.

"Where 3rd-century BC Buddhist monk stupas crown Bojjanakonda hill, Etikoppaka craft masters turn natural lacquer into child-safe wooden toys."

The Chronology of the Trade & Heritage Hub

From 3rd-century BC Hinayana Buddhist cave carving and 1907 Alexander Rea's archaeological excavation to 2017 GI tag for Etikoppaka toys and 2022 district creation, Anakapalli's timeline tracks regional history. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.

The Rock-Cut Bojjanakonda Caves & the GI Etikoppaka Toys

Explore the primary heritage of Anakapalli. From 3rd-century BC Bojjanakonda Buddhist caves to GI Etikoppaka lacquerware wooden toy craft villages and Kondakarla Ava lotus lake, these experiences define the district. Click through the tabs below.

The Rock-Cut Stupas and the Lacquerware Toys

Explore the primary landmarks of Anakapalli. From 3rd-century BC Bojjanakonda Buddhist caves to GI Etikoppaka lacquerware wooden toy craft villages and Kondakarla Ava lotus lake, these destinations showcase the district. Click or hover on the cards below.

The Culinary Staples & the Pure Cane Jaggery Sweets

Anakapalli's culinary heritage features pure cane Jaggery sweets, Arisa, Bobbatlu, and Andhra spicy seafood curries.

Plan Your Journey

The Unhurried 2-Day Route

Anakapalli is best experienced at a slow pace. Climbing 3rd-century BC Bojjanakonda rock-cut Buddhist caves, watching artisans paint GI Etikoppaka lacquer toys, riding palm-log boats on Kondakarla Ava lotus lake, and tasting fresh jaggery Ariselu require time to settle. This curated route captures the district highlights.

Frequently Asked