“nagarjuna Sagar – A Rich Historical Land”

By Author: Flin
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Nagarjuna Sagar, situated one hundred and fifty kilometers from Hyderabad in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh is significant for its rich history and natural beauty. It is one of the most visited and attractive tourist spots in Andhra. In the ancient times the town was known as Vijayapuri. It got its current name from the ancient Buddhist monk Nagarjuna. The monk was highly revered and governed his Buddhist “sangha” for nearly sixty years at the turn of the 2nd century AD. Nagarjuna is one of the prominent Buddhist centers of south India. Archaeological excavations have revealed Nagarjuna to be a center of Buddhist teachings and propagations in the ancient times. Today tourists visit the ancient monasteries and also enjoy the natural beauty of Nagarjuna.

The pride of Nagarjuna is the Nagarjuna dam which is the tallest masonry dam in the world. It was completed in 1966 and stands at a staggering one hundred and twenty four meters of height and is a kilometer long with twenty six crest gates. The lake it is built on boats of being the third largest manmade lake of the world. A few kilometers away there is a high ...
... point called the Viewpoint which offers a breath taking and majestic panoramic view of the beautiful landscape.

In the midst of the manmade lake is the Nagarjuna Kond Island which houses a unique island museum. The museum displays excavated and reconstructed relics of the remains of the Buddhist civilization dating back to 3rd century AD. The museum is constructed in the shape of a Buddhist Vihara. It contains rare relics related to the Buddhist culture and history. Prized relics include a tooth and an ear-ring believed to have belonged to Buddha himself. The main stupa called “Mahachaitya” is believed to contain the relics of Buddha. The main attraction is a partly ruined monolithic statue of Buddha. Anupu which is a few kilometer away from the dam was recreated to display some more Buddhist relics found during excavation. On display are a Buddhist viraha and an acoustically sound amphitheatre.

Nature lovers can visit the Ethipothala mountain stream cascading down the hills from a height of twenty one meters. The waterfall is a combination three streams, Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala vagu and Tummala vagu. The majestic waterfall forms a beautiful lagoon. The dazzling lagoon is a breeding center for crocodiles. The stream flows on to join the River Krishna. Two famous temples are located near the waterfalls. The caves found near the falls are believed to lead to Srisailam.

Nagarjuna Sagar is well connected by roads, rail and air and its proximity to Hyderabad makes it an easily accessible place.

For more information on Nagarjuna Sagar and Andhra Pradesh Tourism visit HolidayIQ.