 The picturesque lakes of Hyderabad have contributed to
its immense beauty and tourist attraction. The lakes offer
a fabulous time for holiday makers and water fiends. The
Hussain Sagar is one such lake. Its uniqueness lies in
the fact that it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad
and Secunderabad. The Hussain Sagar was built on a tributary
of the Musi river by Hussain Shah Wahi during the reign
of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562. It is a sprawling
artificial lake that holds water perenially.
On the banks of the placid waters of the Hussain Sagar
a water front or bund was constructed to arrest the
flow of water on the other side. The "Tank Bund",
as it is called, has become a busy motorable road for
both light and heavy vehicles. The Bund is adorned on
one side with 33 statues of the great luminaries of
Andhra Pradesh. They seem to be a silent witness to
the changing colors of the city.
Over the years the "Tank bund" has become
a favorite haunt for the evening promenaders to take
a stroll, while in the morning the health fiends are
seen toning their muscles in jogging suits.
As the dusk unfolds, the environs of Hussain Sagar
is crowded with colorfully attired young couples and
families. Dozens of vendors make brisk business selling
yummy eatables. During the rainy season especially,
the aroma of the freshly roasted maize corns pervades
the air and beckons any passerby to halt and take a
bite. Come summer time, visitors can enjoy a refreshing
treat of sugarcane juice served in tall glasses or beat
the heat with flavored ice creams.
Throughout the year the Tank Bund presents a picture
of hustle-bustle of the regular traffic and the fun
loving people who come to the water front for recreation.
Also for these people, the cold and pleasant breeze
along the lake takes them into a reverie where they
are untouched with the present until the blaring sounds
of the moving vehicles jostle them to reality!
A major attraction at the Hussain Sagar is the 16 meter
high, 350 tonne monolithic Buddha statue on the Rock
of Gibraltar. Made of white granite, it is finely sculptured
and stands majestically amidst the shimmering waters
of the lake.
The lake is encompassed on one side by the beautiful
"Lumbini Park", an amusement park for the
young and old alike. Then there is the enchanting "Birla
Mandir" hewn on a hillock nearby. Standing on the
Tank Bund at night, one is awe-struck to see the glimmering
row of lights outlining the lake that look like a diamond
studded necklace. This is the necklace road being readied
to enhance the beauty of Hussain Sagar.
Hussain Sagar has other attractions for lovers of water
sports. The yatching and sailing clubs at the lake are
active and the annual regatta draws a good number of
sportspersons and lay people alike from all around the
country. During the regatta competitions, the lake looks
picturesque and colorful with the yatches sailing on
the shimmering waters.
Indeed the Hussain Sagar is a haven for young and old
hearts, a thrill for yatchers and above all an ideal
place for relaxation and recreation!!
Photography : Allowed Entry fee : None 6 km from the
airport Tank bund.
|
