Hussain Sagar Lake, is the largest artificial lake in Asia, located in Hyderabad. The lake was commissioned by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah back in 1563 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. But what makes this lake special? The 18-meter-high monolithic Buddha statue that stands right in the center of the lake, making it the tallest of its kind in the world! No wonder they call it the “Heart of the World” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Hussain Sagar Lake, also known as Tank Bund, is located on a tributary of River Musi and has a 3 km long dam wall connecting the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is surrounded by three parks- Indira Park, Sanjeevaiah Park, and Lumbini Park, making it a perfect getaway from the city’s chaos.
But what’s a lake without boating, right? You can go for mechanized boats, speed boats, Rajahamsa boats, and even dance in a boat. Yes, you read that right. You can dance in a boat ride that starts in the late evening. But if you’re looking for some high adrenaline-pumping activities, the lake has got you covered with parasailing and jet skiing. You can also take a cruise but be ready to shell out around INR 8000 for the first two hours and INR 3000 per hour after that.
If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, check out the floating musical fountain that spans 180 meters in length, making it the largest musical fountain in India. It’s a rare aqua-screen type that combines light, sound, and water, making it a sight to cheer. Located near the Hussain Sagar Lake is Lumbini Park, which is the venue for one of the most kaleidoscopic light and sound shows in Hyderabad. You’ll be treated to alluring 3-D imagery that narrates the city’s history, accompanied by complementing audio, making the show an educational as well as an entertaining activity.
And last but not least, the gigantic Buddha statue in the middle of the lake. It was brought to Hyderabad in 1988 by N.T. Rama Rao, the then Chief Minister of the state. It was sculpted by 200 sculptors and carved out of a single granite rock weighing approximately 450 tons. Erecting the statue in the middle of the lake was no easy feat, but now, people from all over the world come to Hyderabad to see it.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Hussain Sagar Lake for some Buddhaful time and some much-needed relaxation away from the city’s hustle-bustle.