Tuni

Tuni is a town in East Godavari district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It belongs to Andhra region. It is located 65 KM towards North from District head quarters Kakinada. It is a Mandal head quarter. It is a major commercial marketing center for more than forty surrounding villages in the district. Tuni is border point for the district of East Godavari. Tuni is known for mango export, with nearly 250 varieties of mangoes. It is also famous for betel leaves, jute bags, Cashew nuts are major produced variety in Tuni. Tuni may be a historical site dated back to 1st century CE in connection with Buddhism, which flourished in the nearby hillocks and villages such as Gopalapatnam, Satyavaram and KummariLova nearby to the city of Tuni on the banks of Thandava River. The Buddhist monks would have resided in Kummarilova village (Kummararam) from the 2nd century CE to 6th century CE and propagated Buddhism. The Buddhist 'aramas' and 'stupas' found in the village are testimony for their presence, they said. This village is being called 'Panchasheela Buddhist centre' as five Buddhist 'stupas' were found here in recent times. Archaeology authorities have found a Buddhist site at Kummarilova of Tuni during a general survey carried out recently in the area.

Tuni is famous for its handloom industry and mango exports. Tuni has a rich historical heritage. Buddhism flourished from here and there are many Buddhist aramas and stupas to testify the history of this place. It is considered a very sacred place for Buddhists and the town is also called ‘Panchashhela Buddhist center’ due to the recent discovery of five ancient Buddhist stupas. It is also famous for Jute bags. Cashew nuts are other major produce of Tuni.<