Nagarjunasagar
:
It
is also called
'Vijayapuri' in ancient times is an important Buddhist site located 150kms from
Hyderabad. Nagarjunasagar is named after the Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjuna,
one of the outstanding Buddhist teachers in the Andhra Kingdom. The relics of
Buddhist civilization dating back to the 3rd Century A.D. that were excavated
here are carefully preserved on the picturesque island Nagarjunakonda situated
in the centre of a man-made lake. Nagarjuna
dam, which was completed in 1966, is 124 metres high and 1 km long, one of the
largest masonry in the world. The lake, which it straddles, is the third largest
manmade lake in the world. 4kms away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a
panoramic view of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes. On a
pylon not too far from the dam, is the image of Nagarjuna, the patron of the
ancient city. The Museum at
Nagarjunakonda, which displays relics also has
pre-historic finds in the form of tools from Paleolithic and Neolithic times.
Ethipothala waterfalls :
11 kms downstream, from the Nagarjuna
Sagar Dam are the Ethipothala waterfalls, a mountain stream cascading down the
hills from a height of 22 meters, the Ethipothala waterfalls are a radiant sight
of the power and beauty of nature. The dazzling, azure lagoon formed at the foot
of the falls houses a first-rate crocodile breeding center which is open to the
public. The 'Chandravanka' stream here plunges from a height of 21.3 metres
into a lagoon and flows on through a green valley much frequented by tourists.
Anupu :
It is few kilometres away from the Nagarjunasagar dam, Anupu is a site of
Buddhist excavations reconstructed to perfection with painstaking effort. The
reconstructed stupas have circular brick or rubble walls. The walls have
cladding of limestone slabs or plaster. The Simha Vihara has two Chaitya halls,
one encircling a Buddha image. The Chaitya Halls and monasteries had limestone
column set in to brick or stone walls. However only the lower portions including
the pavement slabs and access steps survive. Nagarjunakonda also has remains of
some Hindu shrines. The island has an archaeological museum rich in sculptures
mainly from the 3rd - 4th century AD and also a few pieces from much later
periods. Other reconstruction sites are at Anupu on the east bank of the river.
These include a temple (3rd - 4th century), monasteries (4th century) and a
Stadium (4th century). The monastery has also a refectory, a store and a bath.
The stadium has tiered galleries providing around a rectangular court
Srisailam wildlife :
The
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 132 kms south of Hyderabad on
the banks of the river Krishna. The
reserve is part of Project Tiger and supports a variety of animals birds and
reptiles. The temple at Srisailam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is
considered as one of his twelve Jyotirlingas. A cluster of minor shrines within
the temple enclosures include the ‘Sahasra Linga’ ‘Panchapandava
Temples’ and ‘Vata Vriksha’.
Mention of Srisailam as Sriparvata has been made in the immortal epic of the
Hindus- the Mahabharat.
|
