Hussain Sagar Lake is located at the mouth of a tributary of the River Musi, which spans an area of 5.7 kilometres. The water body serves as the boundary between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. In the middle of the lake, there is a large statue of Lord Buddha.
This intricately carved, monolithic statue sits atop Gibraltar Rock in its honour, which was inaugurated in 1992. As one of Asia's largest artificial lakes, the man-made pond has a maximum depth of 32 feet. Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad is also regarded as the largest artificial lake in all of Asia, being named after its creator.
History of Hussain Sagar Lake
The lake was constructed in 1563 AD by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali throughout the period of Emperor Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, in appreciation of the assistance Wali had received for recovery while in a state of illness. The water body was originally built over a bund or dam that has come to be called the Tank Bund.
The key purpose of building the lake was to utilise its water for agricultural and irrigation purposes, and for other water-related needs. Between the years of 1860 and 1930, the locals of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were able to use the lake as a source of drinking water.
Best Time To Visit Hussain Sagar Lake
The best time to visit the Hussain Sagar Lake is during the winter months, which are characterised by nice and breezy weather, specifically from November to February. At this time, the temperature is quite moderate, and there are very few, if any, showers.
Conversely, the best hours of the day to visit Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad would be the sunset hours, which are from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During this time, you will observe the nightfall with its colours, and it is highly recommended to take a boat ride and watch the Hussain Sagar night view while the weather is temperate.
How to Reach Hussan Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar directions are easy to follow as it is well-connected to various parts of the city by road. The Hyderabad Bus Stand is only a 20-minute drive away from the water body. From here, you can take auto-rickshaws, buses, taxis or other local transport to reach your destination. Hence, the Hussain Sagar location is easy to discover.
Hussain Sagar Lake Other Important Information
Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad Timings: Open 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Hussain Sagar Boating Price:
Price per person
Sharing boat (mechanised): ₹50 to ₹60 per person.
Price per boat
Speed boat: ₹350.
Family boat: ₹500.
Deluxe boat: ₹700.
Hussain Sagar Ticket Price: INR 15 and INR 200 per person for Indians and foreigners, respectively.
Still Camera Charges: INR 25
Sound and Light Show: INR 130
Visitor's Facility: The adjacent parks to the lake include restrooms for visitors, which are pay-to-use.
Parking Facility: There is no parking facility within the lake premises, but motorists may want to park their vehicles on the adjacent roads.
Covering an enormous 5.7 kilometres, Hussain Sagar Lake was created artificially over the Musi River.
Due to its heart shape, the water body has been named the Heart of the World by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
The Tank Bund, which separates the two cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, is also part of the site and is three kilometres in length.
Places to Visit Near Hussain Sagar Lake
There are several places to visit near this beautiful pond. Let’s list them down below:
1. Shilparam Cultural Society
Located in the Hi-tech City, Madhapur, Shilparamam - an arts, crafts, and cultural village in Hyderabad, India - spans 65 acres of land. It was launched in 1992 with the intent of protecting and preserving traditional crafts. It provides a forum for artists and artisans to demonstrate their art and sell their items. Shilparamam is a crafts village and a cultural retreat, and also a paradise for creativity lovers.
2. Lumbini Park
Lumbini Park, after the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a large urban park in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Located next to Hussain Sagar Lake, it provides a peaceful retreat from the city. The garden is maintained by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). It is noted for its greenery, floral clock, waterfalls, and fountains.
3. Yadagirigutta (Lakshmi Narasimha Temple)
Yadagirigutta, which is the site of the famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a famous place of pilgrimage in the Nalgonda district of the Indian state of Telangana. Located on a peaceful hill, the temple has Lord Narasimha as its principal deity. It is also known as Yadadri or Yadagirigutta Temple. The deity here is self-manifested, attracting many people who visit the temple for blessings or the fulfilment of vows.
4. Paigah Tombs
The Paigah Tombs, situated in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, represent an architectural excellence that is unique in design. These tombs were built for the Paigah noble family, who were loyal servants to the Nizam and held important positions in the state. The site, which spans an area of approximately 30-40 acres, is richly decorated, inlaid with marble, and features intricate geometric designs.
5. NTR Gardens
NTR Gardens is a small urban park in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It spans approximately 36 acres and is situated adjacent to Hussain Sagar Lake, near the renowned Birla Mandir. The park is built in memory of the admired Shri Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), a well-known actor and politician who served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Restaurants Near Hussain Sagar Lake
There are many good restaurants in Hyderabad that are near to Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad. Let’s know them:
1. Ohri's 70 mm
This Bollywood-themed restaurant was created in honour of Indian cinemas and takes pride in its Indian and Asian cuisine offerings. The restaurant does require its customers to purchase an 'entry ticket' to participate in the buffet-style dining experience, and it is open quite late at night with many vegetarian options.
2. Kaficko
Kaficko originally started as an Italian restaurant and has now become one of the more popular cafes in Hyderabad. It has a nice French, Italian, European and international menu available for customers to choose from. The eatery provides both indoor and outdoor seating to customers and has parking facilities for diners. Kaficko is strictly a non-alcoholic restaurant and does not sell any kind of alcoholic beverages or mocktails.
3. The WaterFront
The Waterfront is a sleek, high-end dining establishment with an open feel that is located on the edge of Hussain Sagar Lake. This restaurant offers a range of global cuisines to its diners. The restaurant prides itself on offering guests decorations styled with Indian, Chinese and international foods. Additionally, The WaterFront's beverage menu also meets the high standards of the restaurant, featuring a mix of fine alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
4. Tansen2
This fine dining restaurant is also part of a restaurant group owned by the Ohri family. Tansen specialises in Mughlai cuisine served in an enchanting Mughal-style decor. With North Indian and Awadhi cuisine being the two specialities, the dishes served at Tansen make for an incredible dining experience and are definitely worth trying.
5. By the Bay
A fancy watering hole that overlooks the lake? Yes! By The Bay is a go-to favourite for many locals for good drinks, great food, and amazing views. Go in the evening to catch the sunset and see Necklace Road light up. The drink menu is standard, while the food menu includes pizza, fish and chips, pasta, grills, kebabs, and wings.
6. Aqua the Park
This is definitely a partying venue to enjoy music. Aqua has been a happy place for partygoers for 10 years now, and the place continues to hold its spot.
As for food, they have everything from finger food to real meals. Come here for a sundowner, then pick drinks from their long list that has the special drinks for seasonal events.
Laser and Fountain Show at Hussain Sagar Lake
The iconic Hussain Sagar Lake is also known for its incredible light and sound show. Let’s discuss it below:
1. Laser Show
Lumbini Park is apart from the Hussain Sagar Lake area, which hosts the largest light and sound show in Hyderabad. The laser show, done with 3D multimedia effects, creates a beautiful visual of the Hussain Sagar lake location. This light display illuminates the lights, sound and animation, recreating scenes of Hyderabad's past glorious history. The light and sound laser shows are displayed on all days of the week simultaneously.
The timings of the shows are
For Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday): 07.15 PM
For Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): There are two shows on weekends, one at 07.15 PM and the other at 08.10 PM.
The ticket fee for the light and sound show is Rs. 50 per person, and along with an entry fee of Rs. 10 at the park gate. The park is not open for guests on Monday.
2. Musical Fountain Show
There is also a musical fountain show at the park, where the running waters of the Lumbini fountains create the visual effects for the events of Hyderabad's past. There is no ticket fee for the musical fountain show. This is also a two-show experience that is displayed on all days of the week at 06.30 PM and 08.30 PM.
Watersports to enjoy at Hussain Sagar Lake
This beautiful pond is not just for sightseeing, but for enjoying adventurous water sports too. You can engage in activities such as:
1. Sailing
Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad is the most popular venue for watersports in Hyderabad. Possibly the most active club here is sailing. The EME Sailing Association and the Secunderabad Sailing Club have held Joint meets at the lake since 1971. The first in what would now be called the "Hyderabad Sailing Week" was held in 1984 on Hussain Sagar Lake.
2. Yachting
The Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation has launched two catamaran yacht voyages on Hussain Sagar Lake since 2016. The yacht rides embark from the adjacent Lumbini Park. The catamaran vessels have been imported from the USA, and can accommodate 12-15 people for every voyage. Passengers are charged Rs. 100/person per trip.
3. Boating
Boat trips on Hussain Sagar Lake commence from Lumbini Park. Visitors can rent boats of different sizes and types for multiple uses. Boat trips are relatively inexpensive. There are several different types of available boats, including speed boats, paddle boats, motor boats and jet-skis, among others.
Travel Tips for Hussain Sagar Lake
When visiting the great Hussain Lake, you need to keep in mind certain points to ensure a smooth experience, such as:
Activities such as boating, yachting and various watersports operate from the Lumbini Park, which is adjacent to the lake and closed on Mondays.
Please do not litter or throw plastic on the lake.
Please make sure you wear safety equipment before participating in any extreme sports activity.
One should not miss the opportunity to walk along the Tank Bund during sunset.
Conclusion
The Hussain Sagar Lake is an incredible artificial water body located in Hyderabad. It was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali throughout the period of Emperor Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1563 AD for the purpose of agricultural and irrigation purposes.
Children must visit this spot with their parents or teachers to learn about our rich cultural heritage. You can enjoy activities like boating, skiing, etc., here as well. The place is also ideal for couples and families. The distance from the bus stand is also not too far. So, when are you visiting Hussain Sagar? We’d love to hear from you!
