The Unparalleled Beauty of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Hyderabad is a true engineering marvel that stands as a testimony to the country’s rich engineering history. Built across the Krishna River in the state of Telangana, the dam is one of the oldest and largest dams in India and stands as an impressive symbol of the nation’s engineering prowess.
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam was built in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, across the Krishna River. The dam today stands between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh, and the Nalgonda district in Telangana. It is situated around 150 km from the city of Hyderabad and is an important source of irrigation for both the Telugu states. The dam was built between the years 1955 and 1967 and has the distinction of being the world’s tallest masonry dam. It stands at a height of 124 meters and stretches across a length of 1,450 meters.
The dam is an important source of hydroelectric power and water supply for the state of Telangana. It has the capacity to generate up to 816 MW of hydroelectric power and can supply water to up to 11 districts in both states. Due to its immense significance, the dam has been declared a national project and is under the jurisdiction of the Central Water Commission.
What makes the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam unique is the fact that it has a spillway, which is used to regulate the flow of water from the reservoir. The dam also has two canals, the right and left canals, which are used to divert water to the different parts of the state. The right and left canals are connected to each other via a network of aqueducts and tunnels, ensuring that the maximum amount of water is utilized.
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is an impressive example of engineering prowess in India and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Hyderabad. It stands as a symbol of the nation’s progress and is an iconic landmark in the city.
When to visit:
Nagarjunasagar Dam is a top destination for weekend trips from Hyderabad. During monsoon season, the dam’s gates open, attracting thousands of visitors.
Where to stay:
Telangana Tourism’s Hotel Vijay Vihar at Nagarjunasagar is an excellent accommodation option.
What to see:
The dam is also home to a number of tourist attractions including the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Sanctuary, the Ethipothala Falls, and Nagarjunakonda.
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Sanctuary:
Spanning five districts – Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur, Nalgonda and Mahabub Nagar – Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is India’s largest tiger reserve inside Nallamala forest area. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals including the Tiger, birds, and reptiles, and is a must-visit for the wildlife enthusiast.
Within the reserve can be found a wide range of mammals, including the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, chital, sambar deer, blackbuck, and chinkara. Reptiles such as the mugger crocodile, Indian python, and peacocks can also be found. Reptiles such as the Ashwamedh writhing skink, Sharma’s mabuya lizards, and the Nagarjuna Sagar racer snake are also present.
Ethipothala Falls:
The Ethipothala Falls are a series of cascading waterfalls and are a popular tourist attraction. Situated 8 km from Nagarjunasagar, Ethipothala waterfall is an impressive picnic spot with its name meaning ‘lift and pour’ in Telugu. The hill stream Chandravanka cascades down 22 metres here, before merging into the Krishna river.
Nagarjunakonda:
Nagarjunakonda is an island town situated close to Nagarjuna Sagar in the Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. It is renowned for its ancient ruins of Mahayana Buddhist and Hindu shrines, making it one of India’s most significant Buddhist sites.
Since the area was going to be submerged due to the Nagarjunsagar Dam, the Archaeological Survey team took determined steps to safeguard Buddhist monuments. A lot of these monuments were virtually transplanted to Nagarjunakonda, and remain in their almost original state.
What to do next?
Check out my blog on 41 amazing places to visit in Hyderabad
