Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar is known for the worlds tallest masonry dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar dam which is built on the Krishna River. Nagarjuna Sagar dam is a magnificent man-made wonder surrounded by equally beautiful panoramic views of a lush green environment. The dam gets its name from a nearby island called Nagarjuna Konda. Located at a distance of about 150 km from Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, it is among the popular places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. Boating at Nagarjuna Sagar is the best way to enjoy the blue waters of the dam. The places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar also include Nagarjuna Konda and Anupu which are known for the excavated remains of Buddhist civilization that date back to the 2^nd century. Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, Ethipothala falls, Amaravati, Laxmi Chennakesava Swamy Temple and Srisailam are some of the other places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar.

Nagarjuna Sagar Overview

Best Time to Plan a Trip to the Places to Visit in Nagarjuna Sagar

The best time to visit Nagarjuna Sagar is during winter (October to February). Nagarjuna Sagar weather is pleasant during this time and is best suited for outdoor activities like boating, trekking, camping and sightseeing. March to May is considered an off-season for tourism. It is extremely hot and humid but if you are looking for heavy off-season discounts then this is the best time to visit Nagarjuna Sagar.

How to Reach Best Places to Visit in Nagarjuna Sagar

The roads to Nagarjuna Sagar are in good condition, and places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar enjoy good connectivity via road to nearby towns. Deluxe and Volvo buses are available from cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam. Guntur is the nearest railway station and is about 150 km from Nagarjuna Sagar. Many South-bound trains halt at Guntur railway station. Taxis and buses are available at the station that will take you to Nagarjuna Sagar. The drive will take almost 4 hours. There is no airport at Nagarjuna Sagar but if you want to travel from a distant city, you can take a flight to Hyderabad. Almost all important Indian cities are connected to Hyderabad by air. From Hyderabad airport, it takes less than 3 hours to reach Nagarjuna Sagar. 

Things to See & Do in Places to Visit in Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The Nagarjuna Sagar dam that is built over the Krishna River between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar during the monsoon season. All the gates of the dam are opened during this time and a large number of tourists visit the dam to enjoy this view. The construction of the dam was completed in 1966. It has 26 crest gates and is more than 1450 metres in length and 124 metres in height.  The dam's lake is the third-largest artificial lake in the world. Boating in the backwaters of the dam is a refreshing experience. The network of canals is the largest network of canal systems in the world. These features make it one of the most unmissable parts of places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. The viewpoint near the dam will startle you with a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Ethipothala Falls

River Chandravanka (a tributary of River Krishna) gives birth to a majestic waterfall that cascades down from a height of 70 feet into a lagoon. Located at a distance of 14km from Nagarjuna Sagar dam, Ethipothala Falls is one of the places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar that will leave you bedazzled. The waterfall is formed by three streams- Nakka Vagu, Tummala Vagu and Chandravanka Vagu. It is believed that saints used to perform penance in the caves nearby and thus the place is called Ethipothala. The name comes from the Sanskrit word Etitaposthal which means place for penance. The right bank canal of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam feeds these three streams and keeps the waterfall alive for tourists. The water then flows into the Krishna River. The waterfall forms a pond where a crocodile breeding centre has been developed. Add it to the list of places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar if you are interested in taking a close look at these reptiles!

Nagarjuna Konda

Nagarjuna Konda is a tiny island in Nagarjuna Sagar Lake that is located 23 kilometres from Nagarjuna Sagar Bus Station. It is home to the unearthed relics of the Buddhist culture from the second century. This is one of the most important historical locations and one of the best places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. Vijayapuri, now Nagarjuna Konda, was formerly the Ikshvaku Kingdom's capital. It was given this name in honour of Acharya Nagarjuna, a well-known Buddhist philosopher and scholar. The remnants of a Buddhist university and Buddhist communities, which were found in 1926, are preserved in the Nagarjuna Konda museum. You will find a number of ancient structures on the island. You will have to take a boat from Vijayapuri South to reach this island. This place provides you with the best experience that you can get at places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar.

Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across 3568 Sq. km, Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest Tiger reserve in the country. It is located at a distance of 60 km from Nagarjuna Sagar and lies between the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir and Srisailam reservoir. Pick this destination from your list of places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar and get ready to explore the animal world. You will find various species of rare plants and animals. You will find panthers, tigers, spotted deer, mouse deer, black buck, sambars, chousingha, nilgai, mugger crocodile, sloth beer & wild dogs. The one-and-a-half hour jeep safari will take you inside the forest. This is one of the best places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar, especially for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. 

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Nagarjuna Sagar

Food available in places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar is inspired by Telangana and Andhra cuisine. Both the cuisines are typically spicy and have a hint of tamarind, asafoetida, red chillies and sesame seeds. Sarva Pindi is a nutritious dish that is widely popular in places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. It is also called Tappala Chekka. It serves as a perfect breakfast. Hyderabadi Biryani is a must-taste dish on your trip to Nagarjuna Sagar. Dum Pukht is another type of biryani that is cooked in a closed earthen pot. It has a unique flavour and is an all-time favourite of travellers. Malidalu is a sweet dish that is made using Chapati pieces, jaggery and fry fruits. It is a nutrition-packed sweet dish to satiate your cravings between meals. Tamarind rice, Haleem, Boti Kabab, Double Ka Meetha etc. are some of the dishes that you should not miss while exploring places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar.

Things to Buy in Nagarjuna Sagar

There are not many shopping destinations near places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar. However, you will find local malls and clothes shops in the market from where you can buy south Indian sarees and dress materials. If you are taking a flight back from Hyderabad, then you will find plenty of shops at the airport, from where you can buy souvenirs for your near and dear ones.

Nagarjuna Sagar will fascinate you with its rich heritage. You will love outdoor activities, boating in backwaters, trekking, camping and sightseeing. Seek solace with a pilgrimage to Nagarjuna Sagar.

Known for its Heritage, Nagarjuna Sagar is a hugely popular tourist spot. Thronged by tourists mainly during October, November, December, January and February, Nagarjuna Sagar is a tourists delight. Pongal, Ugadi, and Ganesh Chaturthi are some of the most popular festivals that happen during the month of (Mid-January, March-April, and August-September consecutively.

While June, July, August and September are considered moderate season, (months) March, April and May are considered off-seasons to visit the place. In peak season, i.e., in October, November, December, January and February you can expect a pleasant weather weather, in the moderate season you will experience rainfall and comparatively cooler weather. In off-season the weather here is extremely hot and humid weather.

In terms of activities, tourists enjoy getting indulged in outdoor activities, boating in backwaters, trekking, camping and sightseeing in the peak season, whereas in moderate season the fresh and green surroundings and the view of the dams open gates are the frequently enjoyed activities. However, if you are travelling in off-season you can enjoy escaping the crowds and heavy off-season discounts.

Tourists love to enjoy Ethipothala Falls, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conclusion

Nagarjuna Sagar is a perfect weekend getaway for people who are in love with history and nature. Places to visit in Nagarjuna Sagar will take you back to the 2^nd century Buddhist colonies and you will be baffled to see the rich heritage that the capital of the Ikshvaku kingdom possessed. The outdoor activities will keep you excited and the beauty of nature will leave you mesmerised. The memories of the trip will be etched forever and you will crave to come back again.