Hussain Sagar

Hussain Sagar (Telugu: హుస్సేన్ సాగర్, Urdu: حسين ساگر‎) is a lake in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. It was 5.7 square kilometres built on a tributary of the River Musi to meet the water and irrigation needs of the city. There is a large monolithic statue of the Gautam Buddha in the middle of the lake which was erected in 1992. At the end of the Hussain Sagar one can find the Masjid and Dargah of Sayedani Maa Tomb.

Landmarks And Attractions:

• Masjid and tomb of Saidani Maa Saheba, Saidanimaa tomb and mosque, also known as Sayedani Maa Tomb, is an ASI-declared heritage site. These unique lime and mortar tombs are beautifully carved and have marble inlay work. At north end of the Tank Bund, Saidani Maa Saheba Ki Dargah and mosque is one of the most renowned dargahs of Hyderabad. She was a saint of the Nizam era in Hyderabad; it is a sacred place where people throng in large numbers. The dargah is believed to be a tribute to a mother by her son. A remarkable instance of Islamic architecture, the tomb has been carved intricately with marble lattice work.
• Buddha statue, An 18-meter high monolithic statue of Lord Buddha towers over the lake from atop the Rock of Gibraltar. The idea of erecting a giant monolith Buddha statue in the midst of Hussain Sagar lake on the Gibraltar rock was a part of the Buddha Poornima project in 1985. The statue was chiseled out of a white granite rock, weighting 450 tons. It was carved by 200 sculptors for two years. The statue was transported to Hyderabad in November 1988. After initial problems, the statue was erected on 12 April 1992 on a red lotus pedestal. Attached to it, Lumbini Park was inaugurated with musical fountains, bonsai plants and a boat ride from Lumbini Park to the statue. The whole atmosphere reflects peace and perseverance.
• Sailing, Hussain Sagar lake is a popular spot for sailing. Regattas have been held here since 1971 jointly by the EME Sailing Association and the Secunderabad Sailing Club. The Hyderabad Sailing Week has been conducted here since 1984 when the first laser boats (an Olympic class boat) were introduced by the Laser Class Association of India. The event has grown from 10 laser entries in 1984 to 110 laser entries in 2009. The event has traditionally been a multi-class event. In August 2009 the lake was witness to the monsoon regatta in which sailors from all over India participated. Different classes of sailboats and yachts were raced including four J24, eighteen Hobie Cat and Fourtyseven Optimist (dinghy).

Other Attractions:

• Boat club and rides are provided by the A.P. Tourism Department.
• Lumbini Park features a musical fountain and well-landscaped garden.
• Necklace road has been opened to public. It passes round the Hussain Sagar Lake and has many recreational facilities and gardens such as Jalavihar, Eat Street and Sanjeevaiah Park.
• NTR Gardens on the Necklace road is a good attraction.