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Nagarjuna Sagar was previously called as "Vijayapuri"
and is an important Buddhist centre. Nagarjuna Konda is a picturesque
island consisting of well-organised museum where excavations dating back
to the 3rd century AD are preserved.
The Excavated Finds
It houses excavated material from early stone ages to medieval period
including beautiful stone sculptures, inscriptions, relic caskets, jewels,
and a library. The excavations have brought to light the 'Mahachaitya',
the most sacred of the Stupas. An inscription in 'Brahmi' characters
states that the sacred relics of Lord Buddha lay within the Mahachaitya.
Other excavations unearthed include the ruins of a university, 'Vihara'
and monasteries. The prehistoric findings include the tools from
Palaeolithic and Neolithic times. There are many artefacts on display like
Stone Age picks, hoes, hammers and spears.
Coins and coin moulds, which belonged to the local rulers like
Satavahanas, are also on display. There are fine and attractive sculptures
of large voluptuous women and also of 'Jataka' stories on long slabs. The
museum at Nagarjuna Konda has a model of the now submerged valley and the
environs.
Timings: 9.30am To 4pm
Closed: Fridays And Public Holidays
Entry: Free
Photography: By Permission
Conducted Tours: Tour facilities are available from
Hyderabad ,
conducted by AP Tourism. The tour covers Nagarjunakonda Museum, Right
Canal and Ethipothala
water falls.
Rail: Macherla is the nearest
railhead.
Road: A regular bus service connects Macherla with Nagarjunasagar.
Vijay Vihar Complex
Project House
Youth Hostel