SITE SEEING

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, a magnificent feat of engineering on the Krishna River, stands as a premier tourist destination. Built in 1967, it was once the world's tallest masonry dam, a testament to local craftsmanship. The dam is especially popular during the monsoon season when its massive gates are opened, creating a spectacular cascade. The area is rich in history and natural beauty, offering attractions such as the serene Ethipothala Falls and the historic island of Nagarjunakonda, which is home to an ancient Buddhist settlement. Visitors can take a boat trip to the island to explore relocated historical monuments, making it a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history, and engineering marvel.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM

An architectural marvel, the Chaya Someswara Temple in Panagal, Telangana, is a captivating tourist destination. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, its most astounding feature is a mysterious, everlasting shadow that falls on the Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum. This "chaya" (shadow in Telugu) is not cast by any single pillar but is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, formed by the collective shadow of multiple pillars. Beyond this unique phenomenon, the temple's intricate carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The peaceful surroundings and the blend of Chalukyan and Kakatiya architectural styles make it a significant historical and spiritual site for visitors.

CHAYA SOMESHWARA TEMPLE

Buddhavanam is a remarkable Buddhist theme park in Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana, spanning 22 acres on the northern bank of the Krishna river. A must-visit for tourists, it offers a deep dive into Buddhist history and philosophy. The park features the Maha Stupa, a replica of the ancient Amararama Stupa with a Buddhist heritage museum, and the Buddhacharita Vanam, which illustrates key events from the Buddha's life through impressive bronze sculptures. Visitors can also explore the Jataka Park, where 40 stories of the Bodhisattva are depicted in sandstone reliefs, and the Stupa Vanam, which showcases miniature stupas from across Asia. This serene and educational site offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

BUDDHAVANAM

Ethipothala Falls is a stunning 70-foot cascade located in Andhra Pradesh. Fed by the Chandravanka River, a tributary of the Krishna River, the falls are a beautiful sight, especially since water is released from a nearby canal to ensure a year-round flow. A viewing platform on an adjacent hillock provides tourists with a spectacular panoramic view. In addition to the natural beauty, the site offers a unique spiritual experience with a temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Visitors can also see a crocodile breeding center located in the pond at the base of the falls, making it a fascinating and multifaceted destination for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.

ETTIPOTALA WATERFALLS

Nagarjunakonda is a captivating island and one of India's most significant Buddhist sites, accessible by a scenic ferry ride. Once the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty and home to a prominent monastic university, it was submerged by the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, with its historical relics carefully excavated and relocated to the island. Visitors can explore a museum designed as a Buddhist vihara, which houses a precious collection of Buddhist artifacts, including a tooth and earring believed to be of Gautama Buddha. The island also features a 14th-century fort and medieval temples, all set against a backdrop of panoramic valley views.

NAGARJUNAKONDA ISLAND