Dam and Island: Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda4N/5D
Dam and Island: Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda
Start & City : Hyderabad
best deal price
₹
Without GST ₹63,000
per person on twin sharing
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Updated On: Nov 14, 2026
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Highlights
Stand on the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, with the Krishna river held back into a vast lake.
Take a boat across the lake to the island museum of Nagarjunakonda.
See the rebuilt stupa remains and monastery plans of the Ikshvaku kings, once a great Buddhist centre.
Visit Buddha Vanam, a Buddhist heritage park near the dam, and Anupu, a small Buddhist site.
See the Amaravati stupa and its museum, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Deccan.
Travel with a guide who explains both the Buddhist art and the engineering of the dam.
Essence of Journey
The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.
| Day | Route | Distance | Major Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Hyderabad (HYD) | Airport ~25 km, 45 to 60 min | Rest, evening drive past Charminar |
| Day 2 | Hyderabad to Nagarjuna Sagar | ~165 km, 3.5 to 4 hrs | Dam, Buddha Vanam, sunset on the lake |
| Day 3 | Nagarjuna Sagar and Nagarjunakonda | Boat, ~30 to 45 min each way | Island museum, Anupu, falls |
| Day 4 | Nagarjuna Sagar to Vijayawada | ~170 km, 3.5 to 4 hrs | Amaravati stupa and museum |
| Day 5 | Vijayawada (VGA) | Airport ~20 km | Departure |
About
This is a private 5-day (4-night) Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda tour package for travellers interested in Buddhist history and great engineering. From Hyderabad you drive to the vast Nagarjuna Sagar dam on the Krishna river, take a boat to the island of Nagarjunakonda, where ancient Buddhist monuments were rescued from the flooding valley, and finish at the Amaravati stupa on the way to Vijayawada. It is short, quiet and guided throughout, and costs from about INR 63,000 per person (twin sharing).
Some places tell two stories at once. At Nagarjuna Sagar, one of the largest masonry dams in the world holds back the Krishna river in a huge lake. Beneath that lake lies a valley that, 1,700 years ago, was one of the great centres of Buddhism in Asia.
When the dam was built in the 1950s and 60s, archaeologists moved the most important monuments to a hilltop that became an island. Today you reach Nagarjunakonda by boat, walk among rebuilt stupas and monastery foundations, and see the finds in its museum. Then you cross into Andhra Pradesh to Amaravati, where one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the Deccan once stood.
This is a small, focused trip, and we are honest about it. The sites are modest, the hotels near the dam are simple and much of Amaravati's finest carving now sits in museums. But for travellers who love history, it offers something rare: quiet, uncrowded sites and a guide who brings them to life.
The Sites at a Glance
| Site | State | What it is | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nagarjuna Sagar dam |
Telangana / Andhra Pradesh |
A masonry dam about 1.6 km long on the Krishna river, completed in the 1960s |
Walk the dam with your guide; sunset over the lake |
|
Buddha Vanam |
Telangana |
A modern Buddhist heritage park near the dam |
Replica stupas and Buddhist art, a good introduction |
|
Nagarjunakonda |
Andhra Pradesh |
Island of rescued monuments from the Ikshvaku era (3rd–4th centuries CE) |
Boat ride, stupa remains, monastery plans, bathing ghat and museum |
|
Anupu |
Andhra Pradesh |
A small Buddhist site linked to the valley's monastic life |
Short visit and site museum |
|
Amaravati |
Andhra Pradesh |
Site of a great stupa first built around the 3rd century BCE |
A low mound and foundations, with carved panels in the site museum |
Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda Tour at a Glance
Who This Tour Is For
Buddhist travellers and pilgrims following the history of Mahayana Buddhism in South India
History and archaeology lovers who enjoy quiet, uncrowded sites
Engineering enthusiasts curious about one of the world's great masonry dams
Travellers adding a short extension to a Hyderabad, Hampi or wider India trip
It is not the right trip if you want luxury every night or grand, intact monuments. Hotels at Nagarjuna Sagar are simple, and the Buddhist sites are mostly foundations and museum collections.
ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES
The three stays are the same in every tier. What changes is the room. Each tier maps to a room category at each stay, subject to availability on your dates.
| Stay | Nights | Premium | Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Taj Krishna, Hyderabad |
1 |
Luxury room |
Club room |
Suite |
|
Best available hotel, Nagarjuna Sagar |
2 |
Standard room |
Deluxe room |
Best available room |
|
Novotel Vijayawada Varun |
1 |
Superior room |
Executive room |
Suite |
Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda Tour Accommodation Categories
Note: Hotels at Nagarjuna Sagar are few and simple, and are confirmed when you book. Room names are confirmed with each stay when dates are fixed. If a category is full, we offer the nearest one at the same stay first.
WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION
A five-day private journey across two states, planned and run by BizareXpedition from arrival at Hyderabad to departure from Vijayawada.
Two nights at the lake. You reach the island boat early and do not rush the museum.
One direction, west to east. The route runs Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar, Amaravati, Vijayawada, and no road is covered twice.
Guides who explain. Each guide explains the dam, the Ikshvaku kings and the stupa carvings.
Honest about the facilities. Hotels near the dam are simple. We choose the best available and say so.
Private, always. Your own vehicle, driver and guides. No group coaches.
A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, books the hotels and runs the ground arrangements directly.
How Much Does a Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda Tour Cost?
A private 5-day Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda tour costs about INR 126,000 to 136,080 per couple in the Premium tier, which is about INR 63,000 to 68,040 per person on a twin-sharing basis. The price includes all 4 nights with breakfast, a private vehicle and driver for 5 days, local guides, boat fares, site entries and GST.
| Tier | Per Couple (approx.) | Per Person, twin sharing (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Premium |
Rs.126,000 – Rs.136,080 |
Rs.63,000 – Rs.68,040 |
|
Luxury |
Rs.153,720 – Rs.166,018 |
Rs.76,860 – Rs.83,009 |
|
Ultra-Luxury |
Rs.205,380 – Rs.221,810 |
Rs.102,690 – Rs.110,905 |
Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda Tour 3-Tier Pricing Summary
Indicative pricing, modeled per couple. The range covers date and season variation. A final quote is given once dates and room categories are confirmed.
SEASON ADJUSTMENTS
| Season | Months | What It Means on This Route | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peak |
20 December – 5 January |
Festive-season rates. The lake is busy at weekends. |
+15% to +25% |
|
High |
October – mid-December, and mid-January – February |
Cool and clear. The best months. Water is high after the monsoon, and boats run well. |
Base price |
|
Shoulder |
March |
Warm. Evenings by the lake are pleasant. |
–5% to –15% |
|
Hot |
April – May |
Very hot, with highs above 40 degrees. The island has little shade. Start at first light. Water is low and boat schedules may change. |
–15% to –25% |
|
Monsoon |
June – September |
Hot and humid with heavy showers. The dam and falls are at their fullest. Boats may stop in heavy rain. We do not advise this period for the island. |
–20% to –35% |
Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda Tour Season Adjustments
Hotel rates move with demand. We confirm the rate for your dates when you book.
PRACTICAL NOTES
Boat timings: Boats run in set slots, and the number of trips and the museum's closing day change. We confirm them before you travel.
Island shade: There is little shade on the island. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
Simple hotels: Hotels near the dam are simple. We choose the best available and say so.
What the sites are: Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati are protected monuments but are not UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Much of Amaravati's carving is in museums.
Walking: The island and stupa sites involve short walks on uneven ground and steps.
Food: Andhra food is spicy. Mild options are available at the hotels.
Clothing: Light cotton, a hat, and covered shoulders and knees at temples.
Photography: Photography is allowed at most sites. Some museum galleries may ask for a fee or bar cameras.
Safety: Our team is reachable 24 hours.
Visa: Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel. Allow at least a week.
Booking Summary
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Itinerary (Day Wise)
This short, quiet trip tells two stories at once: one of India’s great dams and the Buddhist valley that lies beneath its lake. You land in Hyderabad, rest at Taj Krishna and, if you have the energy, take an evening drive past the lit-up Charminar. The next day you cross the Deccan plateau to Nagarjuna Sagar, walk along the 1.6 km masonry dam on the Krishna river, explore the replica stupas of Buddha Vanam and watch the sun set over the lake. On day three you catch the first boat to Nagarjunakonda. When the valley was flooded in the 1960s, the monuments of the Ikshvaku kings were moved to this hilltop island, where you can see rebuilt stupa remains, monastery plans and a museum of sculpture and coins. The afternoon brings the small site of Anupu and Ethipothala Falls. On the last full day you drive into Andhra Pradesh to Amaravati, where one of the Deccan’s oldest stupas once stood and the carved panels now fill the site museum, before ending in Vijayawada. The sites are modest and the hotels near the dam are simple, but they are uncrowded and full of history. October to February is the best time to go.
Day 1
Arrive Hyderabad | A Rest Night
Route: Hyderabad airport (HYD) – Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, about 25 km
Your driver meets you at Hyderabad airport and takes you to the hotel. A long flight is tiring, so this first evening is for rest.
If you have energy, take a short drive through the old city to see Charminar lit up. Your guide gives a short briefing on the days ahead.
Experience of the Day
Airport pickup
Evening drive past Charminar
Food
Recommended: Dinner at the hotel.
Must-Try: A first taste of Hyderabadi cooking.
Activities to Do
Rest at the hotel
Day 2
Hyderabad To Nagarjuna Sagar | To The Dam
Route: Hyderabad – Nalgonda – Nagarjuna Sagar, about 165 km
Leave Hyderabad after breakfast and drive south-east across the plateau, past villages, rice fields and low rocky hills. The road ends at Nagarjuna Sagar, a large lake behind a dam on the Krishna river, finished in the 1960s.
After lunch, walk on the dam with your guide. It is a masonry dam about 1.6 km long, among the largest of its kind in the world. Visit Buddha Vanam, a Buddhist heritage park on the Telangana side, with replicas of stupas and Buddhist art. End the day with sunset over the lake.
Note on simple facilities: Hotels and restaurants near the dam are simple. We choose the best available and say so plainly.
Experience of the Day
Drive across the Deccan plateau
Nagarjuna Sagar dam
Buddha Vanam
Sunset on the lake
Food
Recommended: Lunch on the road. Dinner at the hotel.
Must-Try: A simple Telangana meal of rice, dal and fish or chicken curry.
Activities to Do
Evening walk by the lake
Day 3
Nagarjunakonda Island | The Island Of The Ikshvakus
Route: Nagarjuna Sagar – boat – Nagarjunakonda island – Anupu – Ethipothala Falls
Take the first boat across the lake to Nagarjunakonda. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, the valley was the seat of the Ikshvaku kings and a major centre of Buddhism. When the dam was built, the monuments were moved to the island and rebuilt on higher ground. See the stupa remains, the monastery plans, a rebuilt bathing ghat and the museum, which holds Buddhist sculpture, tools and coins from the valley.
After the return boat, visit Anupu, a small Buddhist site and museum near the dam, and, if time allows, Ethipothala Falls, about 11 km away, a waterfall on a small river. Falls are strongest after the monsoon.
Note on boats and closing days: Boat timings, the museum's weekly closing day and the number of boats change with the season and the water level. We confirm them before you travel. Heavy rain can stop the boats.
Experience of the Day
Boat to Nagarjunakonda
Island museum and stupa remains
Anupu site and museum
Ethipothala Falls
Food
Recommended: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Must-Try: Simple Andhra and Telangana meals.
Activities to Do
Optional rest in the afternoon
Day 4
Nagarjuna Sagar To Vijayawada | Amaravati And The Krishna
Route: Nagarjuna Sagar – Macherla – Sattenapalli – Amaravati – Vijayawada, about 170 km
Drive north-east across the Andhra plain to the village of Amaravati on the Krishna river. In the 3rd century BCE, a great stupa stood here, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Deccan. Little of the stupa remains. The carved marble panels are held in museums, and the site museum shows copies and some originals. Your guide explains the carving and the story it tells.
Reach Vijayawada by the late afternoon. Check in, and walk by the Krishna river barrage at dusk.
Note on what remains: The Amaravati stupa is a low mound and foundations. Its richest carvings are in the museum, and some are in Chennai and London. We set expectations plainly.
Experience of the Day
Drive across the Andhra plain
Amaravati stupa site
Amaravati museum
Evening by the Krishna
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch on the road. Dinner at the hotel.
Must-Try: Andhra meals, which are spicy. Mild options are available.
Activities to Do
Rest at the hotel
Day 5
Departure From Vijayawada | Farewell
Route: Novotel Vijayawada Varun – Vijayawada airport (VGA), about 20 km
After breakfast, your driver takes you to Vijayawada airport for your onward flight. If your flight is later in the day, you can visit the Kanaka Durga temple's outer areas or the Undavalli caves, a cave temple of the 7th century on the river bank, as a short morning stop.
You leave having seen a great dam and a drowned Buddhist valley.
Experience of the Day
Optional Undavalli caves
Drive to the airport
Farewell
Tour Information
Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.
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Important factors to consider before your trip!
Cancellation
Need To Know
Be Responsible Traveller
- Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
- Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
- Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
- Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
- Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
- Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
- Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
- Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — Dam and Island: Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda
We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.
How many days do you need for Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda?
Five days is enough, with two nights at the lake. This plan has one night each in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, which cover the flights. You can add Hampi and Badami before it, or a Hyderabad city stay at the start.
What is a nagarjunasagar nagarjunakonda tour package international guests can book?
It is a private five-day journey from Hyderabad to the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, a boat to the island of Nagarjunakonda, and the Amaravati stupa on the way to Vijayawada. You have your own vehicle, driver and guides, and honest notes on what each site holds.
What is this andhra telangana dam island combined trip for foreigners?
It joins one landmark across two states. The dam stands on the Telangana bank, and the island of Nagarjunakonda lies in Andhra Pradesh. The trip suits travellers who like both engineering and Buddhist history. The sites are small and quiet.
What does a twin state landmark package include?
It includes four nights at three stays, a private vehicle and driver, local guides, boat fares and entries, permits and daily breakfast. International flights, visas and most lunches and dinners are not included.
Is Nagarjunakonda a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No. Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati are protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India but are not on the UNESCO list. They are important Buddhist sites. We say this plainly so that your expectations are right.
What will we see on the island?
You see the rebuilt stupa remains, the monastery plans, a bathing ghat and a museum with Buddhist sculpture, tools and coins. The monuments were moved to the island before the valley flooded. Boat timings and the museum's closing day change, and we confirm them.
Are the hotels near the dam comfortable?
They are simple. Rooms are clean, with air conditioning in most, but there is no luxury. We choose the best available. The stays in Hyderabad and Vijayawada are comfortable business and luxury hotels, and give a comfortable start and end.
What is the best time to go?
October to February is the best time, with cool and clear days. April and May are very hot, and the island has little shade. June to September is the monsoon, when the dam is full and boats can stop in heavy rain.
How much does the 5-day trip cost?
This 5-day trip costs about Rs.126,000 to Rs.136,080 per couple in the Premium room tier, about Rs.153,720 to Rs.166,018 for Luxury, and about Rs.205,380 to Rs.221,810 for Ultra-Luxury. Prices include the three stays, the vehicle, guides, boat fares, entries and GST. International flights are not included.
Do we need a visa for India?
Yes. Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel. Check which airports accept e-Visa arrivals for your nationality, and apply at least a week ahead on the official e-Visa site.
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Dam and Island: Nagarjunasagar and Nagarjunakonda
best deal price
Without GST
₹63,000
per person on twin sharing
Book Now