May 31, 2006 06:23 PM
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(Updated May 31, 2006 06:23 PM)
Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the hottest destinations when visiting Hyderabad.Though an attraction - what most people donot always realize is the distance and time it takes to get there. It is approximately 150 kms from Hyderabad
As always - the best time to go to the dam is anytime but the monsoons and the summers !! Post monsoons,when the air is cleaner and the drive is less taxing - the trip in toto is enjoyable.It takes approximately three to four hours from the city limits and its advisable to start for the destination early morning so as to beat the traffic as one gets to the roads that take you out of the city.Stock up on water bottles and snacks since there is not much to pick up en route and it also saves you the stop-over time when travelling.
In General :
Nagarjuna as a tourist destinations boasts of the vast expanse of a water body over which one of the biggest dams in Asia is built. And also in the midst of this man made lake is the famous amd well known island called Nagarjuna Konda.It is on this island that a museum was made to house all the Buddhist relics and artifacts that were found during the construction of the dam.
First the dam.What you will enjoy as you arrive in the vicinity is this long drive over the dam that gives you a splendid view on either sides.The state tourism has a few hotels there which are available at very reasonable rack rates. Bookings and information about this tourist site are available at :
https://indiasite.com/andhrapradesh/nagarjunasagar/
There are ferries/boats that take groups to the island.Timings are available at all information desks of the hotels in the area.The boats are large and have an option of an open seating area as well as a berth belly option where snacks are served.It takes about half an hour to get to the island.Once on the island - you have one hour to take the tour of the museum and return to the ferry.
The island is an amazing well maintained expanse of greenery.Getting off the planks of the ferry one cannot view the sights till you climb up a steep set of steps and onto the landmarked area.What instantly hits you are the trees and the very cool environment.There are paved paths that lead you to the only attraction on the island which is the museum.There is drinking water provisions on the island and also alot of shaded areas to sit around and relax after the boat ride and museum visit.
The museum is a historian's delight.But for the lay man..the only amazing fact would be that there are things here that date back to the 3rd century AD!And that there are weapons,pottery and statues from a period we read of in our history classes.We will leave the treasures one gets to view at the museum as a surprise :))) Dont want to give it all away,no? !!!
There are the Epipothala falls one can proceed to after visiting the dam and taking the ride.Great place to chill out with play area for kids and refreshment counters.The catch here is the light show in the evening ! Fentastic display.You can also walk down to the falls - however - it's marshy,littered with garbage and what not!Best to view the falls from above.
All in all - will make a nice day visit.
It is pointless to stay overnight unless you are with a huge group and want to spend an evening in a serene environment far away from the city lights.
