Excavations in the 1920s unearthed the ruins of stupas and chaityas at what was once an immense centre for Buddhist learning in ancient India. The area was flooded in the 1950-60s, when the 1 km long Nagarjunasagar Dam was built on the River Krishna. Dedicated archaeologists managed to salvage almost everything, rescuing the ruins brick by brick.

The original site of Nagarjunakonda, complete with monasteries, stupas, and an Aswamedha sacrificial altar has been replicated on a little hill-island in a man-made lake. The site has a 14th century fort, medieval temples and a museum constructed like a Buddhist vihara. It has a collection of Buddhist relics, friezes, jewellery, coins and statues, including a partially ruined statue of the Buddha. The highlights of the museum are a tooth and an ear-ring that belonged to the Sakyamunni, according to a Brahmi inscription on the most sacred of the stupas, the Mahachaitya.

You can get a panoramic view of the valley from the Viewpoint near the Dam. Feel the spray from the Ethipothala waterfalls as they cascade down 22 m into a blue lagoon that is a crocodile-breeding centre. Or visit Anupu, where ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and Viharas have been excavated and restored.

While at Nagarjunakonda, make a trip to Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, a Project Tiger reserve and refuge for diverse reptiles, birds and animals. Srisailam, on the banks of the Krishna in the Nallamalai Hills is a hallowed spot with immense historical and religious significance, including a Shiva temple that is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.

Getting there: Nagarjunakonda is 150 km southeast of Hyderabad, which is the closest domestic airport. The nearest railway station is at Macherla, 29 km, from where you can rent a car, taxi or take a bus to Nagarjunakonda. There is a frequent bus service from Hyderabad (5 hours). A regular ferry service takes you from Nagarjunasagar to the Nagarjunakonda Museum. Joining the APTTDC tour is a good option. The tour leaves daily at 6:30 am from Yatri Nivas Hotel, Secunderabad and returns at 9:30 pm; tour cost is around Rs190, with lunch. (Tel 816375). This can be combined with a trip to Srisailam.

Best time: It is best to come here during the cool winter months between October and March.

Accommodation: Decent accommodation is available at APTTDC's Vijay Vihar Complex (Tel 08680-76633) near the boat jetty at Vijaypuram. Room tariffs range from Rs400 for a deluxe double room to Rs550 for a cottage. Andhra Tourism Department has cottages managed by Executive Engineer, Nagarjunasagar Dam unit. Accommodation is also available at Project House in Hill Colony, with tariffs at Rs250-350 (Tel 08680-76240). Private guesthouses, cottages, motels and the Youth Hostel are also an option.

For more information, contact APTTDC, Yatri Niwas Complex, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad. Tel 843931, 816375, 843932.
Tourist Information Counter, Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. Tel 848944.
Govt of India Tourist Office, Sandozi Bldg, Street No 1, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad. Tel 666877.

For country information, see India.
For state and visitor information, see Andhra Pradesh.