Nagarjunakonda is located near Nagarjuna Sagar in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. This is the historical Buddhist town. From Hyderabad it is located 150kms away. Earlier name of this place was Sri Parvata. Nagarjunakonda is one of the India’s richest Buddhist sites. This place is named after Nagarjuna. He was the south Indian master of Mahayana Buddhism. He lived at this place during 2nd century. Earlier this place looks like Srilanka, China, Gandhara with Buddhist Universities and monasteries. Now all were ruined. During the Ikshvaku dynasty this place acted as capital to that dynasty. This dynasty ruled between 225 AD to 325 AD. During the early period there were more than 30 Buddhist Viharas at this place.
What to see at Nagarjunakonda:
Nagarjunakonda Island Museum: Articles of late medieval era and prehistoric era were preserved here. Jewellery exhibits at this place belongs to Neolithic’s and Palaeolithic ages. Major attractions of this museum are tree nymphs, war scenes, folklore, artists, devotees, court scenes, palace interiors, articles depict Jataka stories. Buddhist Vihara built this museum.
Nagarjunasagar Dam: In the world it is the tallest masonry. In 1903, it was built on the river Krishna. This is the major source for the hydel power generation project. Thousands of acres of land cultivate under Nagarjunasagar dam. At this site 14th century fort is located. Several temples are also located near this place.
What to see around Nagarjunakonda:
Macherla: It is located in Guntur district. Earlier it was acted as capital to Palnadu Region. This place was originated from Mahadevi Cherla. On hearing the word Macherla every one will remember Palnati Yudhdham. This famous battle took place between 1176 AD to 1182 AD. Major attraction of this place is Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy Temple. Peruri Muktiraju constructed this temple during 13th century.
Kurnool: Name of this place is named after the Telugu word Kandanavolu. It is the gateway to Rayalaseema. Kurnool Attractions are Birla Mandir, Srisailam Dam, Belum Caves, Mahanandi, Bharmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, and Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary.
Srisailam: Srisailam is a holy location. Other names of this place are Srigiri, Mantharaparvata, and Sriparvata. In the epic Mahabharata it was mentioned as Sri Parvata. Major attraction of this place is Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam Dam, Hemareddy Mallareddy Temple, Srisailam Sanctuary, Shikareswara Temple, Hathakeswara Temple, Srisailam Ropeway, and Shakti Ganapati Temple.
Amaravathi: Other name of this place is Dharanikota. This place is situated on the banks of river Krishna. Earlier this place was acted as capital of Andhra Satavahanas. Satavahanas ruled this place between 2nd century BCE to 3rd Century CE. Major Amaravati Attractions are Amaravati Temple, The Stupa, and Amaravati School.
Getting to Nagarjunakonda: Nagarjunakonda is well connected with road. From Hyderabad, Kurnool, Amaravathi, Ongole, Bangalore, Vellore, Salem, Raipur, Panjim etc buses come to this place. Nagarjunakonda do not have railway station. Nearest railway station is located at Guntur which is 128kms away from this place. This railway station is well connected with Hyderabad, Salem, Raipur, Pondicherry, Vijayawada, Bangalore etc. Nearest airport is located at Hyderabad. From railway station and airport, buses and Taxis are available to reach this place.
Getting around Nagarjunakonda: Buses and Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Nagarjunakonda.
Best time to visit Nagarjunakonda: Best time to visit Nagarjunakonda is in the months of February, March, October, November and December.
Where to stay at Nagarjunakonda: Only one resort is available at this place i.e. Nagarjuna Resort. Some of the budget and midrange hotels are available at Macherla Village which is 30kms away from this place.
Where to eat at Nagarjunakonda: Nagarjuna Resort provides food to the people who visit this place.