Nov 3rd 2012, Nagarjuna Sagar is around 150 Kms away from Hyderabad which makes it a perfect weekend gate-away. It has one of the worlds largest, tallest masonry dams which is a sight to behold when in full flow. I've very fond memories of this place as I've studying here in 7th grade and is always close to my heart.
We've planned for this trip in winter which is not the best season to visit the place as the water levels would be very low. However our trip turned out really well thanks to some lovely weather and great company.
The drive was really good with light traffic and took us about 3 hrs with one stop to reach Vijay Vihar Resort. Even though I've been to Sagar numerous times this is my first visit to this resort. I was surprised how well it was maintained and the fact that it's located in a scenic location overlooking Krishna River & the Dam itself adds to the flavor, I'd highly recommend staying at this place.
What I've liked most about Vijay Vihar resort is the location it's in, as you can see below overlooking from the window of our room is the lovely panaromic view of the Dam and it's back waters. Also one can walk all the way down to the banks of the river from the resort. The steep ascent would take some where up to 20 mins, going down is not an issue but coming up takes quite a lot of effort. If you're a bird lover you can do good bird spotting early in the morning from up here.
The accommodation is with basic amenities but with ample space with lovely views of Krishna River.
I woke up early to do bird watching and as expected I was not disappointed at all. The morning mist with fresh breeze all around was very refreshing and without realizing I've spent more than an hr. gazing at the morning action that's taking place all around. I was able to spot Kingfishers, Herons, Kites, Jungle Bablers, Parrots, Squirrels to mention few.
Nagarjuna Sagar dam when in full flow is truly a sight to behold. Rainy season is the time to visit this place when the mighty Krishna river would be in full flow and you can get a glimpse of dam with all gates opened. When in full flow the intensity is such that the surroundings in a mile radius can hear the sound of water rushing through the gates and experience slight drizzle around. Nevertheless in any season you visit you can rest assured you can enjoy the engineering marvel that it is as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the landscape.
Apart from the dam there are bunch of things to do, one of which is taking a boat ride to Nagarjuna Konda. It's an Island which is one of India's famous Buddhist's sites, boat ride to this place usually takes around 1 - 1.5 hrs where you can indulge in sight seeing the buddhist ruins and the museum which has ancient artifacts.
Even though I've been to this place numerous times, this was my first time to take the boat trip to Nagarjuna Konda. Thanks to weather Gods our boat trip was truly breath taking and memorable.
Whether it rains or shines life must go on for these fishermen.
There's nothing more tranquil than sailing on Krishna river enjoying picturesque surroundings and getting lost in your thoughts. A day well spent for me!
- Rain, Rain follow us,
- Shower your love forever on us,
- With you around life is a great joy,
- Looking back at this trip, I always enjoy!
I first heard of this place while I was studying at Sagar back in 7th grade, my friends used to tell me stories of this place about how crocodiles would lie underneath the water and take the people who venture into the water.
Listening to those stories back than I imagined water falling from a considerable height with huge ravine but to my surprise it seems to be a rather calm one given the pace of rapids at that time. However after visiting this place I realized part of the stories I heard in childhood are true. There are crocodiles at this place and there are warning signs everywhere alerting people about dangers of getting into water.
After a long walk down to the waterfall base I've realized the water pool under the fall is not an easy one to negotiate as it looks. There are very deep parts in the pool which would swallow anyone who ventures too close. Not sure if crocodiles here can take people but these deep areas combined with strong rapids have claimed lives in the past I'm told.
With this our trip has ended on high as we're able to cover more than what we wanted and had a really great time for the entire trip.
Am I going back to this place again, A big YES! The fact that it's closer to Hyderabad would definitely keep me interested in visiting this place again and again. All in all I'd highly recommend this place for it's diverse landscapes, the dam itself and last but not the least a touch of history to go back in time.