Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar is the large artificial lake at the centre of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, built in the sixteenth century in the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah to supply water and later named for the nobleman who helped to build it. Today it is the main open space of the central city, a broad sheet of water surrounded by promenades, gardens, restaurants and traffic, with the Tank Bund road along its eastern edge connecting the two cities. The lake has been central to the way the city sees itself, and sunset over its water with the skyline behind is one of the best free views in Hyderabad. In the middle of the lake stands the Buddha statue, a monolithic figure raised on a rock island called the Rock of Gibraltar and unveiled in the early 1990s. It stands some eighteen metres high and is one of the largest monolithic statues of the Buddha in the world, and its transport to the site by barge, which famously went wrong once when the statue sank, is part of local lore. Boats run from the Tank Bund and from Lumbini Park to the island, and the short ride gives a close look at the statue and good photographs of the city from the water.

The lakeside has several things to do. Lumbini Park, on the southern shore, is a public park with a musical fountain and laser show in the evenings, boat jetties and a children's area, and it is popular with families. The Necklace Road along the north-eastern edge is a long promenade with food courts, gardens and views, and the Tank Bund is lined with statues of notable figures from Telugu history, a landmark popular for evening strolls.

The lake can be busy and in the monsoon season water quality is variable, but the setting is lively and a contrast with the Old City.

The private walking tour linked here is built around the lake and its surroundings. A guide explains the history of the water body, its role in the city's development, how the Buddha statue came to be here and the different people who gather around the shores, and takes in the promenade and the park. The experience is relaxed and flexible, and it suits travellers who want to see a part of Hyderabad that is not about palaces and forts. Check the arrangements when you book, including whether a boat ride is part of the programme.

For planning, the evening is the best time to go. The heat has eased, the lights come on, the boats are busy and families fill the promenades. Weekends are busier than weekdays. Allow about two hours for a walk and a boat ride, and more if you want to see the fountain show or have dinner on Necklace Road.

The lake is close to the Secretariat, the Birla Mandir and other central sights, so it pairs easily with a half-day in the modern city. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds, and wear sun protection if you go earlier in the day. Boat rides depend on the weather and the water level, so ask about the schedule.