Nagarjunasagar dam, the largest masonry dam in the world, is 124 meters
high and stretches over a distance of 1 km. This massive irrigation
project on River Krishna was completed in 1969, helping to perk up the
irrigation scenario of the state. Water from this dam is supplied for
irrigation purposes to many districts in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of
the earliest hydro-electric projects in India. It also boasts of the
largest network of canal systems in the world. Tourists come here to
watch the turbines in action and to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Nine Buddhist monuments were relocated to Nagarjunakonda hill, when the
valley was threatened with submersion due to an upcoming hydro electric
project. With the flooding of the valleys, the hill is now an island in
the middle of the reservoir with a museum containing the Buddhist
relics excavated from the site. The museum galleries display a superb
collection of carved stone slabs, carved limestone slabs, inscriptions
and sculptures, dating back to early 3rd century B.C. The island could
be reached by boat from the mainland.
Anupu at a distance of 4 Km from the dam was selected for the relocation
of a Buddhist University, unearthed during the excavations carried out
in the valley. Each block of the University was painstakingly taken out,
transported and reassembled at Anupu in all its original grandeur. This
was done along the lines of the removal and reconstruction of the
temple of Abu Simbel in Egypt.
At a distance of 8 Km from the dam is the Ettipotala waterfall. This
splendid waterfall has created a beautiful lagoon in the river, making
it an ideal spot for picnics. There is also a crocodile breeding center
here set up by the Forest department.
The biggest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is located here between
Nagarjuna dam and Srisailam. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of
birds and animals and is an ideal place to spot the Indian tiger.
