Dec 24, 2005 03:20 PM
21050 Views
(Updated Dec 24, 2005 04:52 PM)
While lying foundation stone to Nagarujuna Sagar Dam, Javaharlal Nehru told that the dams and industries we are building are modern temples of India which will help to grow our country.
As now we are celebrating the 50th anniversary, I thought it is apt to write a review on this great monument of Modern India.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the world's tallest masonry dam that irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land. This dam is situated between the Nalgonda and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. The construction was started in 1955 and was completed by 1966.
There is a huge man made lake here. The lake, which the dam straddles, is the third largest manmade lake in the world. 4-km away from the dam is the viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes.
There are many places of tourist importance near Nagarjuna Sagar like Ethipothala waterfalls, Nagarjuna Konda (Buddhist place) and the thick forest of the Srisailam Wildlife Reserve.
It was during the building of this dam, that the ruins of an ancient Buddhist civilization were excavated. Some of the relics unearthed have been carefully preserved on a picturesque island called Nagarjuna Konda, located in the centre of the man-made lake. The vestiges of a sacred Buddhist stupa, vihara, monasteries, a university and a sacrificial altar have been carefully reconstructed at Anupu on the east bank of the reservoir.
My trip:
My husband and I went to Nagarjuna sagar in October, 2005 by bike from Hyderabad. This is around 150 KM distance and the travel was great. The highway from Hyderabad to Nagarjuna sagar is very nice. After the city limits, the greenery is enjoyable.
When we are near the dam, we can see the huge reservoir and the mountains around it, which is splendid. We visited Kerala some time ago and were thrilled to see that near sagar we could find the nature’s beauty the same way we found in Kerala.
Other than the sea water, I never ever have seen such huge water and it was a feast to eyes. We walked on the one KM dam stretch twice. Once in the morning and once in the night. Both were two different experiences and are lifelong cherish able moments. When we were watching the water falling from the open flood gates of dam, I never felt that I should leave that place.
The 1 hour drive from sagar to Ethipothala is also great. We see wide Spread Mountains and greenery around and for people who are coming from traffic and concrete jungles, this lush green open environment is definitely a boon.
Especially the water falls is very nice. Water is falling from 80ft to 100 ft height and there are color lights and music (similar to musical fountains in parks), which add glamour to the water falls. The whirling sound of water along with the colours is work watching.
People can visit Nagarjuna Konda and feel proud of our land which created a wave in Buddhist culture.
The APTDC hotel for stay is comfortable and the food was manageable. I observed that Autos, cars and city buses are there to take people to the palces in and around.
Reaching Sagar by road either from Hyderabad or from Vijayawada through Gunturu and macherala is easier.
This is a nice weekend party place. As we traveled such a long distance by bike and enjoyed, this trip is one of my life time trips.
