Buddha Vanam- An upcoming tourist attraction

Buddha Vanam, Buddha Charita Vanam or "Life of Buddha Park" is being built on left bank of Nagarjunasagar. Ghumakkad visited the Park in June 2017. It depicts the life of Buddha through free-standing bronzes. Well laid out with plenty of trees in a 275-acre site, it will surely emerge as a key tourist attraction in that area.
Picture story for you including two short video clips.

Below is a video link taken inside the Maha Stupa. You can hear the echo inside the dome.

As we exit the Stupa, we can see numerous stone panels carved beautifully. Some panels are yet to be completed.

The Stupa also depicts the famous Jataka tales carved in stone.

Apart from Jataka tales carved in stone, the Maha Stupa also has stone carvings of modern day personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Dalai Lama. See the short video linked below:

We end this story on Buddha's life with his famous  quote "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." Enjoy the picturesque quote with a picture of Buddha Statue in Husainsagar lake in Hyderabad taken by me sometime back.

Thanks for browsing our journey to Nagarjunasagar and its surroundings. Our previous stories, just in case you missed, can be browsed by clicking the links below:

1. Nagarjunasagar- A Getaway from Hyderabad
2. Flying with a River Tern
3. Nagarjunakonda- Island and Museum
4. Anupu- Buddhist Excavations Reconstructed

You are welcome to share your pictures or memories.

    -Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Neeta Bhargava/ 12th July 2017.

Anupu-- Buddhist Excavations Reconstructed

There are many Buddhist monuments and sites in India like Sanchi, Sarnath and Gaya. But Anupu in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh is unique because it is a reconstruction of Buddhist excavations namely a monastery, temple and amphitheatre. The reconstruction has been done using bricks, stones and pillars dating back to 3rd century AD and excavated in 1920s and 30s. Located 8 kms from Nagarjunasagar boating station (in AP), it is a must-visit for those interested in history. You may browse this link for a short write up on Anupu. 
Ghumakkad visited Anupu in June 2017 along with five other travellers. We had engaged the services of a local guide Mr Satyanarayana. He did a great job. Not many tourists visit Anupu. From AP boating station, it is a mere 15 minutes drive. Cabs or autos can be hired. Maintained by ASI- Archaeological Survey of India, it is worth a visit. Visitors must clear the area by sunset.
Pictures for you.

We invite you to our earlier story on Nagarjunakonda Island and Museum and how to get there from Hyderabad. The route map reproduced below.

Normally we hear of transplantation of trees or kidneys. But Anupu is a re-transplanted Buddhist site.

Here is a 50 second video giving you an all round view from top of the amphitheatre.

Here is another short video wherein you can hear the faint yet clear call 'wapas aao' वापस आओ (come back) by Neeta who was sitting in the car more than 500 meters away! Please concentrate on the audio as the video may be blurred!

You may like to view a short 30-second video of a black-winged kite calling while flapping its tail.

Ghumakkad's last story (5th in the series) will bring out an upcoming tourist destination near Nagarjunasagar called 'Buddha Vanam'. Constructed on a sprawling 35 acre site, it portrays the "Life of Buddha". Preview picture for you.

We end with a quotation from Abram Joseph Ryan who said "A land without ruins is a land without memories-- a land without memories is a land without history". Anupu is surely helping in recreating history of Buddhist era in India.

Thanks for browsing,

    Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ 8th July 2017