Nagarjuna Sagar
Location : 150 kms from Hyderabad
Attractions: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Ethipotala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Konda
Ideal Time To Visit : October To February
Introduction
Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 km from Hyderabad, has a rich and iteresting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years. Recorded history, however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and subsequently the Ikshvakus in the third century.The Sriparvata and Vijayapuri of yore were really temples where the famous savant and Buddhist Philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna preached the message of the Buddha.
History
One of the early river valley civilization took birth here. Enthused by the peaceful environs of this place, Buddhists made this land a great hub of learning, setting up one of the four major Viharas here. Further down in history, one of the first Hindu kingdoms of South India, Ikshvakus made this city their capital. Once Vijayapuri, today Nagarjunasagar, this hoary land of antiquity and enligtment, now boasts of the world's tallest masonry dam.
Nagarjunasagar Attractions
1. Anupu
To prevent submersion of the outstanding structures in the valley, a rare feat of reconstruction of the remains was taken up. Anupu, 4 km from the dam site, was chosen for relocation of a Buddhist University.
2. Nagarjunakonda
As the area was threatened with submergence by the reservior, an Archaeological Survey team made determined efforts to virtually transplant nine monuments from the valley onto Nagarjunakonda.The hill forms an Island in the middle of the reservoir. A museum at Nagarjunakonda contains, Buddhadatu or Buddhas relics excavated from the valley.
3. Tiger sanctuary
The largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjunasagar and upstream Srisailam. Spreadover 3,500 sq.km, it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districts - Nalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.
4. Lumbini Festival
Lumbini festival is organized from the 2nd Friday to Sunday of December every year at Hyderabad and Nagarjunasagar to highlight and celebrate the 'Buddhist Heritage' of Andhra Pradesh
5. Ethipotala Waterfall
The Ethipotala waterfall is located around15 miles away from Nagarjuna Sagar. This lies on the way to Macherla. This beautiful waterfall is equipped with facilities like guest houses, etc.
6. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife sanctuary is one of the most important sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh. The sanctuary also boasts of a Project Tiger Reserve. Apart from the mighty tiger, a variety of animals, birds and reptiles are also found here.
Reach Nagarjuna Sagar
By Air
Hyderabad is the nearest airport to Nagarjuna Sagar. It is located 150 km away.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Macherla, about 24 km from Nagarjuna Sagar.
By Road
There are regular buses from Hyderbad, Guntur and Vijayawada to Nagarjuna Sagar.
