Nagarajunasagar is a part of the Srisailam - Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve the largest under the Project Tiger Sanctuaries. Its also famous for its imposing dam on the mighty river Krishna.
My wife and me are simply crazy about travelling and a simple bike trip can make us feel good, and Nagarjunasagar being 150kms from Hyderabad where we stay, was simply irresistible.
People who are familiar with Hyderabad must be knowing the way to reach Nagarjunasagar, but anyone back packing to Hyderabad, should have this place on their map marked. From the Secunderabad Railway Station one must take the straight road to ’Uppal’ Cross Roads, and move straight from there. Left from Uppal you will go in the direction of the resident god of Hyderabad in Yadagirigutta, and to your left will be back into Hyderabad city via Ramanthapur. So simply stick to your road, and keep going straight.
You will cross Kamineni Hospitals, and further ahead you will hit the Ring Road Junction. Keep going strainght towards Srisailam, and you will find a left which you need to take. Once you have hit this left, it’s straight till you see Nagarjunasagar.
The Trip to Nagarjunasagar is more to do with enjoying a fabulous drive than being there, which will be a welcome change from the rush hour bumper to bumper Hyderabad traffic.
We started at about 06.00 in the morning (maybe a little earlier than that actually) just before sunrise, and little did we expect what we saw. The road from the ring road to Nagarjuna Sagar is like a Airport’s Tarmac on a flat land, with gentle swooping curves. We hit the road 15 minutes after we started from home on our Yamaha RX 135cc 5 speed. As we progressed on the road, there was a complete fog cover and we could barely see, 10 meters ahead of us. As I ripped the Yamaha to speeds in excess on 85kmph-90kmph, the dew hit my helmet and made me almost wish that I had wipers on the visor. My trouser from knee down was totally drenched with the dew. It was perhaps the most exhilarating feeling we have ever had. Our joy knew no bounds, and though my wrists were freezing, and for sometime I thought they hardened on the handles, I just could not stop for super hot cup of tea to bring back the blood, for I was scared the sun would come out and the fog - dew combine would disappear. As we crossed the 80th milestone, the trusty old Yamaha was all revved up and was doing a good 100kmph+ with a gentle reassuring hum.
The scenery is not exactly picturesque but is not bad either. You will find farms, of mustard and chilly, and if you do it the right time, you will find sunflowers as well. Overall its good.
There are a lot of places on route where you could stop and pick a snack with a delicious warm cup of tea. They are not the traditional Dhaba’s or the Highway joints which you usually find but are places in shacks set up by the locals of that region. Our favourite place has been about 50kms to Nagarjunasagar from Hyderabad, where the Aunty serves ’’Yams’’ or Sweet Potatoes (boiled) with Egg and wash it all down with a steamy milky cup of tea.
As you reach Nagarjuna Sagar you will find the river Krishna negotiate to your right side, and to go to the dam, there is a short 1-2kms ghat road. I mean..just a winding road up a hillock, ghat road is definitely not the term for this.
Once in Nagarjuna sagar you can do nothing, for there is nothing much to do, than to just recover from the drive you have had. The trip is worth it because of the road, and the drive it offers. There is a Government Rest House which you can book in advance for accomodation from Hyderabad, and reasonable modest lunch is served. You can take the launch to go to Nagarjuna Konda, but we never tried it.
About 10 kms from Nagarjuna Sagar you can see the ’’Ethipothala’’ Water Falls. Well...the tourism department stepped in, and instead of listening to the gushing water, you will hear very very loud cheap film music on the lawns which oversee the Ethipothala. So much for landscaping!!!
A trip to Nagarjuna Sagar is recommended for all those who love to drive and to speed, but are unable to do so anywhere close to Hyderabad or much worse in Hyderabad. The trip is worth only its drive, and there is nothing much to do in Nagarjunasagar. I believe the gates of the dam are now open, so that might add to the excitement.
We cant wait to get back for another drive. You leave early, you can be home in time for a good siesta. Enjoy!