Nagarjunakonda Buddhist Site

Nagarjunakonda is an island archaeological site in the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir on the Krishna River near Macherla, Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh. It was a major Buddhist centre from the 3rd to 4th century CE under the Ikshvaku dynasty. Excavated remains of stupas, monasteries and sculptures were reconstructed on the island after submergence by the dam, now preserved with an archaeological museum.

Visitors reach the island by a government-operated boat from Nagarjuna Sagar. On the island they can explore reconstructed Buddhist ruins including the Mahachaitya stupa, monasteries, chaityas and votive stupas set in a landscaped open-air museum area. The Nagarjunakonda Archaeological Museum on the island displays Buddha statues, relics, inscriptions and artefacts. The setting is quiet and scenic, surrounded by reservoir waters and hills.