Nagarjuna Sagar is bliss for stressed-out souls from Hyderabad. Once the domain of princely nawabs and their begums, Hyderabad has always supported a leisurely and languorous lifestyle. In today’s hi-tech age, Hyderabad is home to technocrats and corporates. With a pressure-filled week being the norm, spending long relaxing weekends becomes all-important. One such weekend getaway is the town of Nagarjunakonda, 150 km away from Hyderabad. Home to one of the largest man-made lakes, the Nagarjuna Sagar, the town is a popular tourist center and a unique symbol of the past and present existing in harmony.
Called the world’s largest masonry dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar dam straddles the mighty river Krishna and is one of the largest hydroelectric power producers in India. It is an impressive sight to see the water thundering down during the monsoon when the sluice gates are opened. Archaeological excavations show that Nagarjuna Sagar was an important center of Buddhist learning.
Relics of Buddhist civilization and from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras found here have been preserved in the museum on the picturesque Nagarjunakonda island, located in the middle of the lake.
Monsoon is a great time to visit, with the lake becoming a symphony of greens and blues. It proves to be the perfect tonic for stressed-out souls from the city! For a more up close and personal view of the huge dam, there is a luxury cruiser that ferries people around the dam and to the island. A nearby place to visit includes Anupu, a place of great archaeological interest. Downstream from the dam is the dazzling Ethipothala waterfalls, a stream cascading down 22 m to form a lagoon.
Getting There
By Air: The nearest airport is in Hyderabad.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Macherial, 27 km from Nagarjuna Sagar town. Hyderabad and Secund erabad are extensively covered by the railway network.
By Road: Regular bus services are available from Hyderabad.