BUDDHAVANAM — Attraction in Telangana

Buddhavanam, a mega Buddhist theme park developed by the Telangana government at Nagarjunasagar on the banks of the Krishna River to attract international tourists, Considered to be Asia’s biggest Buddhist spiritual centre, the Buddhavanam has come up at a cost of over ₹100 crore. “It is a treasure trove of Buddhist relics, comprising numerous cultural remains dating back to the 3rd century AD, the project site has the potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists particularly from South-East Asian countries,” Buddhavanam project special officer Mallepalli Lakshmaiah told HT.

The project will be formally dedicated to the nation by Telangana industries and information technology minister K T Rama Rao, along with tourism minister V Srinivas Goud, energy minister G Jagadish Reddy and senior officials.

Lakshmaiah said Nagarjunasagar and its surrounding areas had once flourished as major Buddhist centres during the 6th century BC. There is a Buddhist pillar dating back to 3rd century AD, located on a platform inside a natural cave, once a habitat of the pre-historic man.

The project site also has several Mesolithic and Neolithic age grooves on the surface of laterite rocks located along the left bank of the Krishna River. There are also Mesolithic stone tools including blades and burins dating back to 8500 BC, he said.

Buddhavanam project has been divided into eight thematic segments -Buddhacharitavanam, Jatakavanam (Bodhisattva Park), Dhyanavanam (Meditation Park), Stupavanam, Mahastupa, Buddhist Education Centre, Hospitality units and Wellness Centre.

“These segments depict major events from the life of Siddhartha Gautama and his previous birth stories, miniature stupas of national and international models. The Sri Lankan government donated the Replica of Avukana Buddha Statue of 27 feet height and a “Dhamma Bell” under the Indo–Sri Lankan Cultural Exchange programme,” he said.

The centre of attraction of Buddhavanam project is the 21-meter high and 42-metre wide hollow Maha Stupa with a 24-metre radius commemorating the ancient Amaravati stupas, constructed at the centre of the project site. It is embellished with sculptural panels of Buddhist themes on its drum and dome portions all around. Under the dome of Maha Stupa stands a massive brass coated mandapam with eight statues of Buddha in five postures facing eight directions.

Lakshmaiah said another interesting feature of the Buddhavanam project is Jatakavanam or Bodhisattva Park. “According to Buddhist belief, a Bodhisattva goes through several lives practicing “ten perfections” before he is finally born as Siddhartha and attains enlightenment to become the Buddha. These stories about the previous births of Bodhisattva are illustrated in 547 stories called jatakas, which were revealed by the Buddha while giving sermons at various places,” he said.

He said Jataka stories had been an integral part of Buddhist culture. It is customary for practicing Buddhists to listen to the monks narrating the stories on full-moon days in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Cambodia and other Buddhist countries.

“Over 40 Jataka sculptures were installed at the project site and replicas of 13 prominent Buddhist stupas from across the country and including those from Southern Asia have also been...

Budhavanam & Siddhartha Hotel: A Tranquil Duo Near Nagarjuna Sagar

If you’re planning a getaway to Nagarjuna Sagar, make sure your itinerary includes Budhavanam and a stay at Siddhartha Hotel. This combination offers the perfect balance of spiritual calm, scenic beauty, and mouthwatering food—all without breaking the bank.

Budhavanam: A Spiritual Oasis Let’s start with Budhavanam, the star attraction. The meditation stupa is a masterpiece of serenity and architecture, offering a tranquil escape. The atmosphere here practically whispers peace into your ears as soon as you arrive. Whether you’re meditating or just admiring the stupa’s grandeur, the experience feels like a reset for your mind and soul.

Surrounded by lush greenery and thoughtfully designed, Budhavanam is ideal for anyone craving some calm in the chaos of life.

Siddhartha Hotel: Comfort That Won’t Break the Bank Your spiritual retreat wouldn’t be complete without a comfortable stay, and Siddhartha Hotel has you covered. At ₹1200 per night, it’s a steal for travelers looking for both affordability and convenience. The rooms are clean, spacious, and equipped with all the essentials you need to unwind. Located just 3-4 kilometers from the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, it’s the perfect base for exploring the area. The staff is courteous and goes out of their way to make your stay pleasant.

A Feast for the Senses: Veg Biryani & More Siddhartha Hotel’s restaurant is a culinary delight, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foodies. While non-veg options like chicken curry and fish fry are popular, the veg biryani is the standout dish. Fluffy, fragrant, and spiced to perfection, it’s the kind of biryani that converts skeptics into lifelong fans. Pair it with some cooling raita or tangy pickle, and you’ll have a meal to remember.

A Stone’s Throw from Nagarjuna Sagar Dam One of Siddhartha Hotel’s biggest advantages is its proximity to the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. Spend your mornings soaking in the engineering marvel and the scenic vistas of the dam. Return to the hotel for a refreshing lunch, perhaps a quick nap, and then head to Budhavanam for a soulful evening.

Why Choose Siddhartha Hotel? Budget-friendly: ₹1200 per night for a comfortable room? Yes, please! Prime location: Close to the dam, Budhavanam, and other attractions. Great food: That veg biryani alone is worth the trip. Peaceful vibes: It’s perfect for travelers seeking rest and relaxation.

Final Thoughts Whether it’s the spiritual aura of Budhavanam or the cozy charm of Siddhartha Hotel, this duo offers a complete travel package. Explore the meditation stupa for some inner peace. Relish the veg biryani, a dish that will make you want seconds (or thirds). Enjoy the stunning proximity to one of India’s largest dams.

This trip is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself while enjoying the best that nature, food, and hospitality have to offer. Plan your visit now, and prepare for a...

Buddha Vanam Nagarjuna Sagar: A Tranquil Oasis of Spiritual Serenity

Nestled amidst the picturesque surroundings of Nagarjuna Sagar, Buddha Vanam stands as a testament to the profound teachings of Lord Buddha and the timeless beauty of nature. From the moment I set foot in this tranquil oasis, I was enveloped by a sense of peace and serenity that seemed to permeate every corner of the sprawling complex.

The lush greenery and pristine surroundings of Buddha Vanam provide the perfect backdrop for contemplation and introspection. As I wandered through the well-manicured gardens and shaded pathways, I couldn't help but marvel at the natural beauty that surrounded me, feeling a deep connection to the earth and all living beings.

At the heart of Buddha Vanam lies the majestic Buddha statue, a towering symbol of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. Standing tall amidst the tranquil waters of Nagarjuna Sagar, the statue exudes a sense of calm and tranquility, inviting visitors to reflect on the timeless teachings of the Buddha and find solace in his message of peace and liberation.

One of the highlights of my visit was the peaceful ambiance that permeates the entire complex. Whether I was meditating by the tranquil waters of the lake, attending a spiritual discourse in the meditation hall, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection in the shade of a tree, I found myself immersed in a sense of inner peace and harmony.

But Buddha Vanam is not just a place of spiritual retreat; it's also a center for education and cultural exchange. The complex houses a museum showcasing artifacts and relics related to Buddhism, as well as a library containing a vast collection of scriptures and teachings. Visitors can also participate in various workshops and seminars aimed at promoting spiritual growth and holistic well-being.

In conclusion, Buddha Vanam Nagarjuna Sagar is more than just a tourist destination; it's a sacred sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha. Whether you're a devout follower of Buddhism or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, a visit to Buddha Vanam is sure to leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and...