Nagarjunakonda Museum near the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located on an island in River Krishna, amidst many significant Buddhist sites. The museum preserves many important and rare Buddhist artefacts obtained from the nearby excavation sites of what once consisted of ancient Buddhist monasteries and learning centres.
Built in the style of a Buddhist Vihara, the museum houses carved limestone slabs, inscriptions, figurines (made of terracotta and stucco), sculptures, coins, seals and other artefacts belonging to different eras, starting from Stone Age. Ceramic artefacts, household items, epigraphs and specimen of Ikshvaku art and architecture are extremely interesting.
It is also believed that the earring and tooth present at the museum are the sacred relics belonging to Buddha. Boat to the Nagarjunakonda Island start at 09:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 03:30 a.m. and begin their return trips after one hour stay each time. Huge crowds of visitors may make getting on and off the boat difficult.
Connectivites
Road:
Located on an island, the museum can be accessed in a ferry which can be boarded at Boat Launch Station of Vijayapuri South. The ferry takes about 45 min. to reach the Nagaarjunakonda Jetty Point from where the museum is at the walking distance.
Railway:
Macherla Railway Station (about 25 km. away) is the closest rail access point to the Vijayapuri Jetty Point. Hire an auto-rickshaw or a cab to cover the distance.
Airway:
Hyderabad International Airport (about 186 km. away) is the nearest airport. The best way is to hire a taxi from the airport directly to reach the boat launch station. You may also travel from Hyderabad to Nagarjunasagar by bus and reach the jetty point in an auto-rickshaw.