About Nagarjuna Sagar Tourist Places List

This important historical and archaeological site is set amidst one of the most picturesque surroundings.  The region is endowed with a rich and vibrant past.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

This highest and largest masonry dam in the world is built over the mighty Krishna River and is named after Buddhist sage Acharya nagarjuna, the revered Buddhist monk and founder of Mahayana Buddhism.  The reservoir of the dam covers an area of about 380 sq km and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

Nagarjunakonda

This ancient Buddhist site 24km both from Macherla and Nagarjuna Sagar Project was one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in South India.  Acharya Nagarjuna shifted here from Amaravati and established the Madhyamika School, which attracted students even from far off places like Sri Lanka and China.  The unique museum built in the form of an ancient Buddhist vihara is perched atop a hill on the right side of the Nagarjuna Sagar canal.  It preserves priceless archaeological relics and findings recovered from the valley area submerged under the waters of the reservoir.  The Nagarjuna Island can be reached by motor launch which departs from small village of Vijayapuri on the banks of Nagarjuna Sagar.

Places to Visit in Nagarjuna Sagar

Anupu

The relics of Buddhist University and stadium excavated at Nagarjuna Sagar have been reconstructed at Anupu, about 4km from the dam site.  The stadium is noted for its excellent acoustics and is a worth visiting site.

Ethipothala Falls (11km)

These spectacular falls are 6km from Macherla near Thallapalle village.  The Chandravanka stream merges here with the Krishna River, plunging from a height of 21 m amidst picturesque surroundings.

Srisailam (70km)

This major Hindu pilgrim centre is located on the banks of Swarnamukhi, amidst the scenic Rishabhagiri hills.  The magnificent Malikarjuna Swamy temple atop the hill enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas existing in the country.  Another important shrine is the fortified temple of Sri Parvata, which is regarded as one of the eighteen leading Shaktipeeths in the country.  Srisailam is well connected by rail and road.

Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam sanctuary (Project Tiger)

It covers an area of 3568 sq km and is the largest ‘Tiger Reserve’ in the country.  The sanctuary is endowed with rich flora and fauna.  Important tourist attractions of Srisailam – Nagarjuna Sagar area lie within the sanctuary area.  It is about 130km by road from Hyderabad.