Nagarjunasagar - A Marvel of Nature and Engineering
Nagarjunasagar is a beautiful site that is rich in both man-made and natural beauty dripping down the green surroundings. The town is located in the Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh and is famous for the world’s tallest masonry dam known as the Nagarjunasagar dam. The dam is built over the Krishna river and is the major tourist landmark of the town.
The dam has a capacity of irrigating around 10 acres of land and is an architectural marvel. The town is quite popular for numerous reasons and Buddhist civilization is one of them which is named after a Buddhist saint and scholar Acharya Nagarjuna. It is blessed with the scenic beauty of nature and the influence of Buddhism which makes it a great destination for tourists.
Major Attractions in and Around Nagarjunasagar
1. Ethipothala Waterfall
A spot enriched with beauty and magnificence; Ethipothala Waterfall is a favorite among the visitors. The wonderful mainstream has three different river streams - Nakku Vagu, Chandravanka Vagu, and Tummala Vagu merging together. Alongside this, one can adore the crocodile breeding center over here with stunning sights.
2. Nagarjunasagar Dam
The world’s largest dam encircled with 26 gates that are 14m in height and 13m in width, the Nagarjunasagar Dam is sited in Nalgonda district. The dam is 150m tall and 16 km in length and is one of the most-visited tourist places in this region. Surrounded by lush green forests, the site is famous for its incredible architecture.
3. Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is an iconic spot for nature lovers, sited in Srisailam and also known as the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary. Spread in an area of around 3,568km; the massive area covers many districts like Kurnool, Prakasam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Guntur. Travelers can also find guesthouses, temples, and cottages within this sanctuary.
4. Nagarjunakonda Museum
The museum embraces a man-made lake named Nagarjunakonda, sited on an island of Nagarjunakonda. In the Buddhist museum, one can also admire the collection of Buddhist structures and sculptures.
5. Shopping at Kaman Bazaar
The Kaman Bazar in Nagarjunasagar is popular for clothing and accessory shopping. You can find different types of jewelry that are designed here.
6. Dhamma Nagarjuna
It is a meditation center where people can perform several dhyana and yoga asanas for mind, body, and soul rejuvenation. It was established by the chief abbot of Nalanda University. Dhamma Nagajjuna consists of the famous Vipassana Meditation Centre that teaches the Buddhism way of living.
Things to Do in Nagarjunasagar
- Visit Nagarjunasagar Dam – Witness the massive structure and stunning views of the Krishna River.
- Explore Nagarjunakonda Island – Take a boat ride to the Buddhist museum and ancient stupas.
- Enjoy Ethipothala Waterfalls – Relax by the picturesque cascading falls.
- Visit Anupu Ruins – Walk through the relocated Buddhist heritage site.
- Go on a Wildlife Safari – Spot tigers and exotic wildlife at Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Explore Macherla – Discover the Chennakesava Swamy Temple and local traditions.
Best Time to Visit Nagarjunasagar
- September to March – Ideal weather for sightseeing and nature exploration.
- April to June – Very hot summers (above 40°C), best avoided.
- July to September – Monsoon season offers stunning views of the overflowing dam and lush greenery.
How to Reach Nagarjunasagar
To reach here, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,735, 863, 1,422, 637 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the following details on how you can travel to this place by the following means of public transport.
By Air
To reach here you will need to deboard at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) aka Hyderabad Airport situated 150-155 km away. The airport is well-connected with other Indian cities. From the airport, you can easily book a taxi to reach here.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Nagarjunasagar
By Train
Deboard at the Macherla Railway Station situated about 20-25 km away. This railway station is well-connected with nearby cities via frequent trains. After deboarding at the station, you can easily book a taxi or take some other means of public transport to reach your destination.
By Road
Depending upon your location, you can travel here by well-maintained road networks. From the nearby cities, there are plenty of state-run and privately run buses available. If you don’t want to travel on a bus then consider booking a taxi to reach your destination. Otherwise, you can also take your own vehicle to reach this place.
- From Vellore - 494 km via NH40
- From Vijayawada - 186 km via NH16
- From Visakhapatnam - 530 km via NH16
Frequently Asked Questions about Nagarjunasagar
Q. Where is Nagarjunasagar located?
A. Nagarjunasagar is a town in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, India.
Q. What are the main tourist attractions in Nagarjunasagar?
A. The main tourist attractions in Nagarjunasagar include Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ethipothala waterfalls.
