the aran islands and reliefs of the Buddha that span the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana periods. Bojjannakonda has

and reliefs of the Buddha that span the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana the aran islands periods. Bojjannakonda has a two-storey group of rock-cut caves fl anked by dwarapalakas (doorkeepers) and containing a stupa and gorgeous carvings of the Buddha (some restored). Atop the hill sit the ruins of a huge stupa and a monastery; you can still make out the individual cells where monks meditated. Lingalakonda is piled high with stupas, some of them enormous.

Nand International HOTEL $ (%24657511; the aran islands www.nandhotels.com; Kacheguda Station Rd; s/d/tr from 535/635/735; a) The Nand is a pleasant surprise the aran islands near Kacheguda Station. It has a roof garden with potted geraniums (and chai on order), sitting areas, water coolers, and well-looked-after peach-coloured rooms hung with weird mixed-media art.