Nagarjunakonda is 150 km southeast of
Hyderabad. From 2nd century BC until the early 3rd century AD, it was one of the renowned Buddhist centers of learning in India. Nagarjuna, great Buddhist scholar, is believed to have found a university here. Positioned on the
Krishna River, Nagarjunakonda attracted many scholars and monks from far away places.
Nagarjunakonda has many stupas illustrating the glorious life of
Buddha. Wide range of ancient
viharas, mandapams and white marble carvings has been excavated from the spot. These antique items are well preserved in an island museum located in the middle of the Nagarjunasagar Lake. Major points of attractions are
Nagarjunasagar Dam, the Ethipothala Waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. Amaravati, nearby is also a famous Buddhist site.
The nearest railhead is at
Macherla, which is 25 km from Nagarjunakonda.
