NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is situated on the borders of Nalgonda and Guntur districts and is about 150 kms away from Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) that is on the bank of Krishna River. The dam is a savior to the irrigating farmers of Nalgonda, Guntur, Prakasam and Khammam,

thereby covering a total land area of more than 10 lakh acres. It is through this dam that two canals, Bahadur and Jawahar provide benefits to the large parts of Andhra Pradesh and helps it in being the “Rice Bowl of India”.

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam stands tall at a height of 124 m and a length of 1 kilometer, thereby currently holding a record of being the tallest masonry dam in the world. You would be amazed to know that it holds a jaw dropping 11,742 million cubic liters of water that belongs to the 

Krishna River and it is because of this fact that when you stand before this massive masterpiece of engineering, you feel a rush of being powerful. This dam is a unique combination of engineering and scientific art put together. The dam also holds a record by providing water to the lake and there by making this manmade lake the third largest in the world.

The construction of the dam began in the year 1956 and it took 13 long years to complete it, that is in the year 1969, However it was in 1972 that the optimum usage of the dam began. Around 45000 to 70000 workers participated in building up the dam and a whooping 1300 Crore rupees in its construction and maintenance until 2005. However, the months, August to February are considered to be the best in the year to visit the dam.   

Other attractions include the Nakarjunda Konda Island, Srisailam Wildlife Reserve as well as the Ethiopothala Waterfalls which are located nearby the dam.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated just adjacent to the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and is also called as Nagarjuna Sagar- Srisailam Sanctuary. It covers a massive area of 3568 sq km which includes the area of districts Kurnool, Nalgonda, Mahaboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

Due to Tigers becoming endangered in India, the sanctuary declared the awareness to Save Tigers and became a “Tiger Reserve Sanctuary” in the year 1983. The Sanctuary is rich in:

Flora: The sanctuary is a deciduous forest having Anogeissus, Hardwickias, Terminilias, Bamboo, Teak and several medicinal plants.

Arial-fauna: The sanctuary is having around 150 species of birds such as the Grey Horn Bills, Pea Fouls etc.

Reptiles: Reptiles like the soft-shelled turtles, lizards, crocodiles, pythons etc are found here.

Fauna: The sanctuary has a diversified fauna such as Tiger, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Wild Dog, Peafowl, Rock Python, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Sambar, Black Buck, Mouse Deer, Cheetah, Tree Shrew, Indian Giant Squirrel etc.

Srisailam Sanctuary is different from other sanctuaries in India because of the very fact that it is the largest in terms of reserving Tigers in the country thereby river Krishna supporting the wildlife. Once here you can witness the beautiful valleys and hills which will definitely make your day. However you can make the most of the sanctuary in the months from October to May as during this time the climate is at its best as well.