Known as Katakasila in ancient times, Ghantasala was once a renowned Buddhist centre. Rooted in history, it invites history-lovers and archaeologists for its rich heritage. A Buddhist stupa and other Buddhist sculptures, unearthed in 1919-20, are among the most popular attractions. Maha Chaitya, a famous stupa excavated here bears similarity with the stupas of the Satayahana period of Buddhism. It is said that the dome of the stupa once had 47 slabs that referred to Lord Buddha. The museum in the town has a wide collection of Buddhist remnants as well as Roman and Satavahana gold coins. The Jaladheeswaraswamy Temple is also a major attraction of Ghantasala and houses idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Famously known as Chinna Kasi, the temple is believed to have been constructed by different gods. It is also said that saint Adi Shankaracharya had performed his first ever rites at this temple. Ghantasala is located at a distance of 64 km from Amaravati and makes for a great one-day trip.