Nagarjuna Konda, Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjuna Sagar, formerly known as Vijaypuri, lies in the Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh and is one of the most visited destinations in the state. The site, dating back to 3 rd century AD, was a major centre for Buddhist learning and went on to become the capital of Ikshvaku kingdom. The first excavations were made in 1926 when a number of Buddhist monuments were discovered. But the major excavation followed for seven years continuously in the 1950s during the construction of the Nandikonda Project. The remains from the submergence due to construction of the dam across the River Krishna are now preserved in the Nagarjuna Konda Buddhist Site in open air as well as in an extensive museum.

The Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjana lends his name to Nagarjuna Sagar. The excavations have brought to focus the Mahachaitya, the most sacred of the Stupas that is believed to preserve the sacred relics of Lord Buddha. Excavations have discovered the remnants of a University, Vihara, Monasteries and an "Aswamedha" sacrificial altar, as well as prehistoric tools. The serene monolithic statue of the Buddha is one of the major attractions in Nagarjuna Konda.

Places of interest around Nagarjuna Konda

• Nagarjunasagar Dam: The enthralling Nagarjunasagar Dam the world's largest masonry dam and is one of earliest hydro electric projects of India. It stands amidst the tranquil waters of the world’s third largest man made lake that it gave rise during its construction.
• Srisalam Wildlife Sanctuary: Dense forest rich in wildlife, it includes a tiger reserve. Enroute to a motorboat ride along the Krishna river that will take you from Nagarjuna Sagar to Srisalam. Also famous for Mallikarjuna Swamy, Brahmaramba, Uma Maheshwara and Saraswati temples.
• Ethipothala Waterfalls: The gorgeous Ethipothala Waterfalls that beautifully gush from a height of 22m is situated at a distance of 11 km from the Nagarjunasagar Dam. An adored picnic spot and Crocodile Breeding Farm are added attractions.
• Anupu: 4 km away from Nagarjunasagar, Anupu houses the excavated Buddhist remains of the university, the sacred Stupas, monasteries, an altar, a Vihara and an amphitheatre with fine acoustics...all dating back to the third century AD.

Reaching Nagarjuna Konda, Nagarjunasagar

• By Road: Located at 150 kms from Hyderabad Nagarjunasagar is well connected by road. From Nagarjunasagar, a ferry ride takes you to Nagarjuna Konda across a man-made lake.
• By Rail: Macherla is the nearest railway station to Nagarjuna Konda, 20 kms away.
• By Air: Hyderabad houses the nearest airport to Nagarjuna Konda.

Last Updated on 19 May 2011