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We went to NagarjunaKonda Dam last saturday. A Jing bang of 24 hyper guys & gals left ISB at about 7 AM on a March Saturday in 2008. Simply put, a few people left for the dam on 8th March 2008. After plenty of stops we finally reached the place by about 12:30 at the dam. Half an hour travel on a trawler made one feel as if we were on a vacation. We were on an island which housed a few of the ancient relics apart from plenty of Budhism associated relics.Ruins excavated belonging to the 3rd and 4th centuries mention that the place was known as Vijayapuri. It is believed that the place is named after Vijaya Satkarni, the Satavahana ruler and founder of the township.
The place was subsequently the home to Ikshavaku rulers. The women in the harem who were deeply influenced by Budhism made this place a Budhism hotbed. In fact, Nagarjuna Konda is namd after the Budhist saint/monk.(need to google about this guy).
The historical importance of this township came to light in 1926 when Mr A.R. Saraswati, an Assistant is the ASI, along with M.H. Kuraishi and Mr. Longhurst, Superintendent, Southern circle ASI recovered and excavated the sculptures leading to finding a number of monuments, monastries and other sculptures. The good work was further consolidated by Mr T.N. Ramachandran who succeeded in excavating many more such monuments.
The compulsions of building the Nagarjun Sagar dam post independence (remember – temples of modern india argument by hamara Panditji) led to ASI making a determined effort to salvage the ruins before the submergence. In a short span of 6 years, over 100 sites spanning the entire length and breadth of the valley; from early Stone Age to late medieval period were discovered. As the site could not be preserved, a new way to combat cultural destruction was found. The entire findings were transplanted to safer locations and about 9 monuments were rebuilt in their original size and alignment and kept for display. Some of the statues had been reconstructed piece by piece.
We then had a brief look at the Budha statue which was stationed at a location nearby before hurrying back to the mainland. This was an experience in itself, the boat ride. The sight of the sun with the reflections on the water body was a sight to behold. The rocks and the imposing dam(though dry) against the backdrop of the setting sun was imposing. Indeed, a shiver went done my spine at the thought of the humungous construction which the country had witnessed in the 50s and 60s. (See pics) 
Sadly, the inconveniences of going with a big gang prevented visiting further places. There was a water fall apart from some temple which I thought I would visit later. Some of the people who had come in smaller groups later said that the falls was great too.
One thing I noticed in this place was the pathetic network coverage. It surprises me coz, I expected better service in terms of lower congestion as it is a tourist resort. But it was not so. Those who go there better have a BSNL sim, which I expect to have better network in rural areas.
Night set in and it was dinner. The only thing about the restaurant worth remembering would be this…….The hotel stood for transparency. A "outsider's" view of the loo.
One thing I noticed in this place was the pathetic network coverage. It surprises me coz, I expected better service in terms of lower congestion as it is a tourist resort. But it was not so. Those who go there better have a BSNL sim, which I expect to have better network in rural areas.
Night set in and it was dinner. The only thing about the restaurant worth remembering would be this…….The hotel stood for transparency. A "outsider's" view of the loo.
We returned to the hotel by about 11:30 post which we played Killer, a game.(more of it later. It is now a rage in the campus) Then we played thumbola and slept early by about 3:30. We left the hotel by about 10 in the morning and reached campus by 3:00 PM.
This weekend, I am planning a trip to srisailam. Will update soon.
