Nagarjunakonda, a small island on a man-made lake along the edge of the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, was named after a Buddhist monk Nagarjuna who had set up a Buddhist learning centre here to preach the teachings of the Buddha in the valley. A home to ancient chaityas, viharas, monasteries and stupas, the Nagarjunakonda caves are the richest Buddhist sites in the southern India.
Dating back to 300 century CE, the Nagarjunaconda caves, which were excavated in the 1950's, reflects upon a major Mahayana learning centre in the early India. The representation of the Buddha in physical forms not only reveals the phases of the Buddha's life but also reflects a splendid architecture of these caves. The pictures of elephants and flowers on the accurately carved pillars, high images of the Buddha in the cave temples and the presence of the Mahachaitya a large structure which contains the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, are some of the add on's to the splendid architecture of the Nagarjunakonda caves.
The Gateway to Nagarjunaconda
Vijaywada - Vijaywada, a famous business centre, located on the banks of the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, is considered as one of the major religious and cultural hub of the state. A home to numerous temples and historical structures like Kanaka Durga temple, Gandhi stupa and others, Vijaywada, 265 kilometers from Hyderabad, forms the gateway to the Buddhist Nagarjunakonda caves, 65 kilometers away.
Other Cave Attractions
Belum Cave: Unlike the Nagarjunakonda caves situated on a hilltop, the Belum cave is basically an underground cave. A horizontal one, the cave is 3229 meters in length and form the form the second largest cave in the Indian sub-continent. Located 106 kilometers from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, the Belum Caves further comprises long passages, spacious and large chambers, fresh water galleries and several siphons.
Mogalarajapuram Caves: The Mogalarajapuram caves, situated in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, are major attractions of the state. These caves, belonging to the 5th century CE, includes the idols of Hindu Gods Nataraja, Vinayaka and Ardhananareeshwara.
Undavalli Caves : The Undavali caves, named after the village Undavalli near Vijaywada(8 km), where they are situated, are among the major works of Buddhist rock-cut cave art in India. Basically a four storied structure, these caves, excavated in 4th-5th century CE, host a world famous 5 meter long reclining statue of Lord Vishnu sculpted from a single block of granite along with the Buddha's images.
Yaganti Caves: A group of caves such as Rokalla, Sanka and Venkateshwara at Yaganti, 100 kilometers from Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh are major natural scenic beauties.
Accessibility
Nagarjunakonda caves, located in Andhra Pradesh, India is easily accessible by air, water, rail and road.
By Air - The nearest airports are at Vijayawada, 65 kilometers away and Hyderabad, the state's capital, 150 kilometers away.
By Rail - The nearest railway station is at Guntur, 36 kilometers away from Nagarjunakonda.
By Road - The place can be reached by a good network of road by buses, coaches and taxis. Regular buses link Nagarjunakonda to Hyderabad, Warangal, Vijaywada and Guntur.
By Water - There are regular ferry services to reach Nagarjunakonda.
