Kaleshwaram Project

Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project is the world’s largest multi – stage lift irrigation scheme dedicated to the nation on 21st June, 2019. The Kaleshwaram Project, a global engineering marvel, is the pride of the country and boon to the people of Telangana state. This project has established several records in the annals of the irrigation sector in the country. The water from Godavari River at Kaleshwaram is lifted from 92 meters height for supply of water to the farmland, taking it up to 618 meters height. The water is diverted into a huge and complex system of reservoirs, water tunnels, pipelines and canals across 13 districts. Telangana Tourism has started operating organised package tours to the project area.

Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the largest and the highest dams in Asia. The word is derived from a hillock island Nagarjunakonda where a Buddhist Guru once lived. Being the second-biggest water reservoir in India, the dam was built by 1967 across River Krishna. When the gates are open during the peak monsoon season, the view is breathtaking. It is at a distance of 152 km from Hyderabad. You can stay at Vijay Vihar Hotel, close to the dam, and wake up to a serene view. Nagarjuna Sagar is also extensively known for Buddhavanam Theme Park on the banks of River Krishna. The park is divided into eight segments and the thematic segments showcase the life episodes of Gautama Buddha. Ensure to visit the park when you visit the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The Nagarjunasagar Dam project commenced in February 1956 and after a brief gap, due to lack of modern equipment, it was constructed with stone rather than concrete. The dam was completed fully in 1972 once the crest gates were installed. The dam has two canals, the left and the right canals that supply water from the reservoir. The dam is also one of the earliest projects built in post-independence India for irrigation and hydro-electricity generation. A beautiful landscape and strikingly scenic water body adds beauty to the impressive structure. There is a famous and well-maintained museum here that houses ancient artefacts. The dam was envisioned to be a temple of modern India, according to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Apart from meeting drinking water needs, irrigation and power requirements, the dam is an attractive tourist destination owing to the large reservoir. Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation operates boating activities in the reservoir and pleasure cruising to Nagarjunakonda Island Museum.

Nagarjunakonda is located amidst the waters of Krishna river in Nagarjunasagar reservoir and at the boundary of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States. A tour to Nagarjuna Sagar includes the reservoir formed due to the construction of the dam across river Krishna and a visit to an island known as Nagarjuna Konda or Sriparvata. Nagarjuna Konda was named after the famous Acharaya Nagarjuna, Buddhist scholar, Mahayana Buddhism and Madhyamika philosopher, who spent his last days in a monastery on the hill called Sriparvata. The rich archaeological wealth of the valley came to the limelight in 1926. Excavations started here as early as 1927 and were completed by 1960 and yielded many sites belonging to various Buddhist sects like monasteries, shrines and stupas. Siriparvata Arama (Buddhavanam) at Nagarjunasagar is a Buddhist Heritage Theme Park attracting domestic and foreign tourists particularly coming from the South-East Asian countries. This attraction on the left bank of the river Krishna is divided into eight segments such as Buddhacharitavanam, Bodhisattva Park (Jataka Park), Dhyanavanam (Meditation Park), Stupa Park, Acharya Nagarjuna International Centre for Higher Buddhist Learning, Krishna Valley Park, Buddhism in Telugu States, and, A Mahastupa. The Buddhavanam symbolically represents the Astangamarga propounded by the Buddha. 

Laknavaram Lake

Laknavaram Lake, about 70 kilometers away from Warangal, is a trending picnic spot. The lake is an exceptional thing of beauty. The lake was formed by closing down three narrow valleys. Each valley is replaced with a short bund, and hills act as their natural barrier. The lake was constructed by the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty in 13th Century A.D. The entire region seems bountiful with green crops and pleasant water resources. The Laknavaram Lake which hides itself amidst the hills was discovered during the Kakatiya reign when the rulers expanded it to grow as a source of irrigation. An added attraction to this mystic beauty is the suspension bridge. The hanging bridge takes you to the mini island in the lake. The authorities maintaining the lake also provide boat riding facilities that will take you close to the most serene part of the lake. Laknavaram Lake is a popular getaway spot these days. It is nearly 219 km away from Hyderabad. There are 13 islands in the lake. A thick, dense forest surrounds the lake. Laknavaram lake, built by the Kakatiya kings, is one of the marvelous destinations spread on a saucer-like land extending to about 10,000 acres. The sprawling lake surrounded by a chain of beautiful green hillocks, serene waters with lush green islands dotting the expansive tank and hanging bridges attracts a large number of tourists. The hanging bridges are the special attractions. The lake has now been developed into a leisure tourism destination. 

Somasila Backwaters

Somasila is widely known for 15 temples built around Shivlings. At Somasila, the backwaters of River Krishna provide a scenic and serene view of nature. It is a perfect place for people who love greenery and water. There are water front cottages, which are operated by Telangana Tourism. With green valleys all around the spot is perfect to languish in. A visit to Sangameswara Temple, which is noted for its history and location and a boat ride in the backwaters from Somasila to Srisailam (one of the famous pilgrimage destinations of the country) is an awesome experience for visitors.

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