Nagarjuna Sagar and Nagarjunakonda Island

Nagarjuna is a big name in Southern India, not just because of the Akkineni Nagarjuna famous for his Tollywood movies and his construction company in Hyderabad, but also because it is related with largest man made reservoir in entire world.  Built on Krishna River and located in Nalagonda district of Andhra Pradesh Nagarjuna Sagar was earlier called as Nandikonda and derives its current name from Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjuna.

Situated at a distance of 150 km from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is an excellent destination for the trekkers as wells the city picnickers alike.  The area which the dam submerged has got relevance since ancient times. In those times the city of Nandikonda which got submerged during the construction of this dam was called as Vijaypuri.  Even today for the people who want to enjoy the boat ride and visit Nagarjunakonda have to park their vehicles or alight at Vijaypuri south.  Along with the enjoyable experience of boating a visit to Nagarjunakonda enriches with the numerous destinations that we can visit on Nagarjunakonda island.

Enroute to Nagarjuna Sagar from Hyderabad, after crossing Pedda Uru going ahead for approximately 12 km, we are welcomed by a board ‘Crocodile Zone – Swimming here is not safe’. Looking around you will find some boat men.  At this point one can enjoy the Coracle (a small circular boat made of cane) ride offered by these boat men for a cost of  ` 20 – ` 30. After coracling for a while one can proceed towards Vijaypuri south.  Enroute to Vijaypuri we pass over a newly constructed bridge. The sight of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam especially when the flood gates are open is mind blowing.  After crossing this bridge it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the boating station.  There after purchasing the tickets, one can board the launch. A launch which can carry 100-150 people takes 60 - 70 minutes to reach the island.

Nagarjunakonda Island

This island stretches east west with the launch dropping us at the eastern end. Nearby we can find some fortification which is a sign of obvious fort at this place.  A flight of steps and then a walkway through the garden takes us to the museum.  This museum is a very good attempt by Archeological Society of India for protecting the Buddhists remnants found in this area. However after having a look at this museum the obvious suggestion would be that the statues should be barricaded so that visitors cannot touch them.  The wonderful statues hoisted by the museum are truly appealing and reminds us about the glorious rock art of bygone era.

After visiting the museum, an ancient graveyard can also be spotted on the way to a large Buddhist statue.  Near this Buddha’s statue there is a uniquely constructed stupa.  This stupa is decorated by some brickwork which is made to appear like a garland to the stupa.  On our way to this stupa one can see the fortification which still stands testimony to the importance of this place in the ancient era. The settlement of Nagarjunakonda was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty (225 AD - 325 AD), the successors of the Satvahanas in the eastern Deccan

After visiting these spots one can come to the lone eatery on the island. After having some snacks one can spend time relaxing at the steps near this eatery. A warm evening with your friends around you and you sitting beside a huge water body with your legs dipped in it is all that one can ask for the moment.  During all this don’t forget to keep a watch on the boat timings!!!

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.

Tiger sanctuary:

The largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjuna Sagar and upstream Srisailam. Spreadover 3,500 sq.km, it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districts - Nalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

On a special note please see following link:- CEPCE India is committed for electrification of villages, clean drinking water and schools for primary education. The ongoing projects target electrification of two tribal villages; Geesugandi and Kudichintabaayalu. http://www.cepceindia.org/programs/rural-electrification/

How to Reach This Place

Road : Located at 150 km from Hyderabad. Buses are available from Hyderabad to Vijaypuri south.
Rail : 20 kms from Macherla.
Air : Hyderabad Airport.