Nagarjunakonda, Nagarjuna Sagar

The Nagarjunakonda also called Nagarjuna Hill is an island located near Nagarjuna Sagar in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the historical Buddhist sites. 

During the construction of the reservoir, ancient remains were found which were now preserved in this island. This place once had Buddhist monastic university complex . It got the name Nagarjunakonda after an Indian saint Nagarjuna and a southern Indian master of Mahayana Buddhism.

History:

In Nagarjunakonda, coins issued by the later Satavahana kings have been discovered. There is also an inscription of Gautamiputra Vijaya Satakarni which proves that Buddhism had spread in the region by this time.

In 1926, a local school teacher, Suraparaju Venkataramaiah, Shri Sarasvati, the Telugu language assistant to the Archaeological Superintendent recognized ancient ruins. The ruins of several Buddhist stupas and chaityas, as well as other monuments and sculptures were found.

How To Reach:

This island is near Nagarjuna sagar dam and Hill colony bus stand is the nearest bus stand from reservoir at a distance of around 6 KM. From the bus stand you can reach the reservoir by taking a local taxi or auto.

After reaching the reservoir, you will have to take a boat cruise across the reservoir to reach the Nagarjunakonda or Nagarjuna hill.