BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE |
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NAGARJUNA KONDA -
The
island takes its name from the Buddhist monk, Nagarjuna, who lived around
the turn of the 2nd century AD. Excavations carried out in its this valley
have unearthed the Maha Chaitya, Viharas and Monasteries. Nagarjunakonda is
150 kms. from Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Named after acharya Nagarjuna, a Buddhist Scholar, Nagarjuna Konda is a
burning feat of both engineering and ancient Buddhist architecture. The site
is a remake of another original, to save it from submersion, under the
Nagarjuna Sagar dam. While the dam is one of the largest, the site also
presents some of the most antique items of Buddhism. More than that it
represents a lost civilization, rich and excellent, thousand years ago, in
the same place where Nagarjuna Sagar dam is now situated. The excavations
led to the findings of ruins of a university, some statues of Buddha, relics
and other pieces of Buddhist origin. The museum at Nagarjuna konda houses
all these precious findings which, are considered priceless, in terms of
Buddhist sentiments and, not to forget, for the rest of the artistic people
too.
The ancient
sculptures are thought to be built mainly during the Ikshvaku rule, which
was the golden era for this region due to commercial and political success.
Now, in the midst of the dam, it's like an artificial island, proudly
representing the glorious past and the fabulous present.
Location : The site is located in Guntur District, at a distance of
150 km from Hyderabad, the state capital. The Guntur District is located
between Latitude: 16º18'North and Longitude: 80º27'East
Attractions
Ethipothala Water falls : The waterfalls are natural and
the scenic beauty of the place is mesmerizing, the Chandravanka river flows
down straight from a height of 70 ft, with hammering sounds and swift speed,
and thrashes on to a lagoon which, serves as a crocodile breeding centre.
So, you get another attraction for the time and price of one. The flow
rushes in to a deep green forest.
Ethipothala is a popular picnic spot, not only for the reptiles, but also
for the tourist folk.
Nagarjuna
Konda museum : The museum houses all the important excavated items
including relics by Buddha himself, stone images, Jataka tales encrypted
panels and many other inscriptions.
Nagarjuna sagar waterfall : The dam, which caters to
irrigation 10 lakh acres of land, is one of the largest man-made dams in the
world. In the middle it contains the Nagarjuna Sagar Island which houses a
museum.
Rajiv
Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated between Nagarjunasagar and
Srisailam, Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is a home ground to many types of
playful animals, the dreadful tigers and some of the rarest birds.
Excursions
Anupu : Mere a 4 km away from Nagarjuna Sagar, Anupu
became the virtual place to house the excavated pieces of artistic and
architectural items, as transfer of the items was necessary to save them
from immersion. Now, Anupu houses the university, the sacred Stupas,
Viharas, monasteries and an altar.
Srisailam : Located at an altitude of 1500 m, Famous for
the wildlife sanctuary, which houses the tiger reserve, there's also famous
for Mallikarjuna Swamy, Brahmaramba, Uma Maheshwara and Saraswati temples.
This temple is one of the Jyotiralingas and looks splendid as the ambience
is quite perfect and the lush greens add to the beauty of the surroundings.
The place has a "soothing the soul " effect and could serve as a
perfect break for the always on the go types.
How to reach there :
Air : Nearest is the Hyderabad Airport.
Rail : Macherla is the nearest railhead, 20 km from
Nagarjuna Sagar.
Road : Nagarjuna Sagar is located at 150 km from
Hyderabad, well connected by Road.
Where to stay
Hyderabd, is a good option for stay and easy travel assistance can also be
obtained from the city. The Taj Banjara, ITC Hotel Kaktiya Sheraton, The
Viceroy, Hotel Sitara, The residency, Tulip Manohar, and Hotel Taj Krishna
are good hotels.
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