A drive on the ORR from Hyderabad, taking exit 12 after about an hour, onto the state highway to Saidabad for about 186 kms, we reach this humble town which holds the worlds largest masonry dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Known as Vijayapuri, in the olden days which means ' The city of Victory', Nagarjuna Sagar takes its name from the most revered Buddhist Monk who lived during the 2nd century AD. This place also holds great importance of archaeological significance.
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Places To Visit Around
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarjuna Konda Museum, Ethipothala Waterfall are the famous attractions found around this place.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, is built in 1966 on River Krishna which lies between the two newly divided states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Dam is situated in Nalagonda District of Telangana. The bridge which runs across the river divides the two state boundaries now.
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| Taken from the bridge which divides the two states of Telegana and Andhra Pradesh |
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is at a height of 124 m and is spread over a length of 1450 m with 26 crest gates. The lake created by this dam is the third largest man made lake in the world. The abundant resource of this mighty dam serves the irrigation needs of the region and is also the source for hydro-electricity power.
Ethipothala Falls is a 70 feet high river cascade, situated in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh (on the other side of the bridge). Located on the Chandravanka river, which is a tributary of River Krishna it joins onto its right bank. The waterfall is a combination of three streams namely Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala Vagu and Tummala Vagu. It is situated about 11 kilometres from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The river formed from this falls joins the Krishna river after the dam, after travelling about 3 km from the falls. A strategic view point was created by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department from the adjacent hillock.
There is a crocodile breeding centre in the pond formed by the water fall which keeps the tourist from venturing into the stream below. Water from the Nagarjuna Sagar right bank canal is released into the above streams to keep the water fall alive or flowing throughout the year for tourism purpose.
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| View of the falls |
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| View of the Falls |
Nagarjuna Konda, is another tourist attraction and is where the ancient Buddhist excavations are found. It is in middle of the waters of Nagarjuna Sagar and can be reached by motor boats which takes about an hour ride. Steam boat rides are available to the dam where the turbines can be seen in action.
The Best Place To Stay
Haritha Vijay Vihar, is a lovely property with architectural design painted in light shade. It is situated on the banks of this dam and has a view right from the rooms. There is a decent restaurant attached within its premise. The rooms are spacious clean rooms and budget friendly.
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| The drive leading to the hotel |
The View From The Hotel Lawns
