Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is a large artificial lake situated on the border of Hyderabad and Secunderabad in Telangana, built in 1563 during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. Spread over about 5.7 square kilometres, it is known for the 16-metre monolithic Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock at its centre. Connected by Tank Bund causeway, the lake is a major recreational and sightseeing hub with boating, parks and illuminated promenades.

Visitors can expect a large urban lake with a wide promenade along Tank Bund and Necklace Road, views of the city skyline, and the illuminated Buddha statue on an island in the centre. The lakefront includes Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens and Sanjeevaiah Park, boating jetties with motorboats and speedboats to the statue, landscaped gardens, food stalls, and evening lighting. The area is popular for leisure walks, photography and sunset views.

Hussain Sagar was built in 1563 by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the fourth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and was excavated and designed by Hussain Shah Wali. Originally constructed to meet the water supply and irrigation needs of Golconda, it is an artificial lake created by damming a tributary of the Musi River. The 16-metre monolithic Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock was installed in 1992.

The lake is an iconic landmark of Hyderabad and a symbol of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The Buddha statue at its centre is regarded as a symbol of peace, while the Tank Bund promenade displays 33 bronze statues of cultural icons from Telugu history and culture. The lakefront parks and promenades serve as a major public recreational and cultural gathering space.