Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary to Nagarjuna Sagar
Thursday, September 21: Exploring Nagarjuna Sagar
In the morning, start your day by visiting the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of the largest masonry dams in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance. Enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. Afterward, head to the Nagarjuna Konda Museum, which showcases ancient Buddhist relics and artifacts. It's a great educational experience for the whole family.
Nagarjuna Konda Museum: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir and spend some quality time amidst the serene waters. You can even try fishing if you're interested. Later, visit the Ethipothala Waterfalls, located nearby. Marvel at the cascading waterfall and enjoy the lush green surroundings.
Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
In the evening, head back to your hotel and relax. You can enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and plan for the next day's adventures.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Biryani Paradise located near Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. Enjoy their delicious South Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 rupees per person.
For lunch, try out Rayalaseema Ruchulu, a local restaurant known for its authentic Andhra cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful biryanis, spicy curries, and traditional thalis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
For dinner, visit Rainbow Restaurant which offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. You can relish their tasty kebabs, biryanis, and noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the traditional South Indian delicacies at Saravana Bhavan. They offer a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Chaitanya Family Restaurant, which serves delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Their biryanis and thalis are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Sai Sagar Restaurant, known for its North Indian and Chinese cuisines. They offer a wide range of dishes including paneer tikka, butter chicken, and fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 22: Exploring Nagarjunakonda Island
Start your day by visiting the Nagarjunakonda Island, an island located in the middle of the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir. Take a ferry ride to reach the island and explore the Nagarjunakonda Buddhist Museum. Learn about the ancient Buddhist civilization that once thrived on the island. Admire the ancient ruins, stupas, and sculptures.
Nagarjunakonda Island Ferry Ride: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Nagarjunakonda Buddhist Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Great Indian Breakfast Joint, located near the ferry terminal. They offer a wide range of traditional Indian breakfast options like idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try Spice Bazaar, a popular restaurant known for its flavorful Indian cuisine. They serve a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, visit The Lakeside Grill, a lakeside restaurant with a relaxed ambiance. They specialize in grilled seafood and offer stunning views of the reservoir. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic on the island. You can pack some snacks and enjoy a leisurely time with your family amidst the beautiful surroundings. Take a walk around the island and soak in the tranquility.
Picnic on Nagarjunakonda Island: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
In the evening, take the ferry back to the mainland and return to your hotel. You can relax and reminisce about your wonderful time exploring Nagarjuna Sagar.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While visiting Nagarjuna Sagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Anupu, an ancient Buddhist archaeological site located near the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. It showcases the remains of an ancient city and monastic complex. It's a lesser-known gem that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Another local favorite is the Haritha Vijay Vihar Restaurant, situated near the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. It offers a wide range of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, perfect for a family meal after a day of exploration.
For a unique experience, consider taking a short hike to the Dindi Reservoir, located about 50 km from Nagarjuna Sagar. It's a scenic spot where you can enjoy nature and indulge in some bird-watching activities.