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Nagarjunasagar is a vast
lake formed by the backed up waters of the Krishna River held back by a
dam, which is almost 9,000,000 kw of power and canals irrigating
thousands of square km. Take a motor launch to the island of
Nagarjunakonda to see Buddhist ruins which were located on the hill
which is now the entire island and other constructions which were
rescued from the waters of the dam and re-sited on the island. The
Museum holds Buddhist relics including coins of the Roman Emperors
Tiberius and Hadrian. Also explore a re-sited Buddhist monastery ashore
and Ethiupothala Falls (25 km) a 20 m high cascade of water.
Nagarjunasagar located in
Nalgonda Distrcict,from Hyderabad by road 150 KM.A two and half hour
pleasure drive from the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad, takes
you to the township of Vijaypuri. Nestled in the most picturesque
surroundings, this was the seat of the erstwhile Iksvaku Kingdom over
seventeen hundred years ago.
Here, be prepared for a truly magnificent sight that you are not likely
to forget for a long time to see
Nagarjunasagar Dam
There would be very few modern constructions you will come across
that evoke such a response. A feeling of awe and significance overcomes
you when you lay eyes upon the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam for the first time.
Its sheer size and magnitude leaves you breathless and astounded. As the
tallest and largest masonry dam in the world,truly stands as one of the
wonders of engineering excellence.
Stretching across the mighty river Krishna, the barrage also has another
distinction to its credit - it has created one of the world's largest
man-made lake! The reservoir is a vital source of irrigation for vast
tracts of the surroundings region. The two left and right canals, called
Bahadur Canal and Jawahar canal respectively, cater to the watering
needs of a very large area of the state. Successfully transforming a
barren, thirsty land into a lush verdant landscape with acres and acres
of green fields swaying in the breeze as far as the eye can see.
Naturally, it has played a leading role in helping the state of Andhra
Pradesh emerge as' the Rice Bowl of India'
Significantly, the creation of this lake has submerged the excavations
that were carried out here in 1926 which unearthed three historical
sites- Dhanyakataka, capital of the Satavahanas; Sriparvata, Vijayapuri,
capital of the Ikshvakus and a Buddist civilization that thrived here in
the third and fourth centuries B.C. What is of special interest to
historians is the fact that the excavations also revealed the existence
of Brahmanical temples here which indicates that Hinduism and Buddhism
flourished together in peaceful co-existence.
All the archeological findings and relics have been removed from here
and carefully preserved on an island in the middle of the lake -
Nagarjunakonda.
 Nagarjunakonda
Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important Buddhist
centres in South India from the second century BC until the third
century AD. It was named after Acharya Nagarjuna, a renowed Buddhist
scholar and philosopher, who had migrated here from Amarvati to
propagate and spread the Buddha's message of universal peace and
brotherhood. The founder of Mahayana Buddhism, this revered monk
governed the sangha for almost 60 years and the Madhyamika school be
established attracted students from far and wide including Sri Lanka and
China.
As the site, excavations have unearthed a university, monastries,
aswamedha altar, royal baths, advanced drainage system, viharas,
chaityas, mandapams the life and times of the Buddha. Of special
significance is the finding of nine stupa- like structures arranged in a
wheel shaped formation which includes the Mahachaitya, the most sacred
of them all. The Brahmi characters inscribed on it reveal that the
remains of Lord Buddha are preserved within it.
 With
the construction of the Nagarjunasagar dam and the subsequent flooding
of this site by the rising water, all the priceless finds have been
shifted to an island in the middle of the lake. The ruins were
transported and reconstructed at the unique island museum, in the form
of an ancient Buddhist Vihara. So that visitors can get a glimpse of a
great chapter in Indian history and see for themselves a rich culture
that has successfully survived through the centuries. Along with these,
the museum also houses invaluable relics such as stone tools and weapons
from the Paleolthic and Neolithic ages, which were found at the same
site.
The mammoth task undertaken to shift the archeological treasures and
preserve them at another location is reminiscent of the famous Abu
Simbel operation carried out in Egypt.
Anupa
A short distance away at Anupa, the Bhuddist University and Stadium,
which were excavated at Nagarjunasagar, have been reconstructed. The
stadium boasts of the most amazing acoustics that are truly remarkable
considering the time and age when it was built. a place that qualifies
as a 'must-see' for everybody interested in history, culture and
architecture.
Ethipothala Waterfalls
just about 11 kms from the Nagarjunasagar Dam are the Ethipothala
Waterfalls on the Chadravanka river, a tributary of the Krishna. In
absolutely scenic surroundings, you can marvel at the shimmering water
as it cascades down 70 feet into a lagoon. The picture postcard beauty
of the place with verdant valleys together with numerous cave temples
that dot the hilly countryside, have made this a favorite picnic spot of
visitors.
While at Ethipothala, another place well worth a visit is the crocodile
breeding centre. Here you can safely see these reptiles from close
quarters and observe their fascinating habits.
Also do visit A.P Tourism Souvenir Shop Gnapika at Ethipothala where you
can get great gifts & memntos crafted by artisans of Andhra Pradesh.
Nagarjunasagar is just 170
Km from Hyderabad and is well connected by road from Hyderabad and
Vijaywada.
Air:
The nearest airport is Hyderabad at a distance of 149 km.
Rail:
The nearest railhead is Macherla, on the Hyderabad-Guntur-Vijaywada
railway line. From Macherala it is only 22 km by road.
Road:
The best way to reach Nagarjunasagar is by bus from Hyderabad or Vijaywada.
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