Hussain Sagar: A Lake of Two Cities
Hyderabad is one city that has come a long way. From the times it was ruled by the emperors of various dynasties to the present day, this city showcases a beautiful landscape and some of the most significant historical places of India. One of them is the Hussain Sagar Lake. Built on a tributary of Musa river, which itself is a tributary of Krishna River, the unmatched beauty of Hussain Sagar is worth looking and experiencing.
Location
Hussain Sagar is located at a strategic location between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, thus acting as a connecting link. This lake is surrounded by the Masjid and Dargah of Sayedani Maa Tomb on one end and at the centre of the lake stands a monolith of Gautam Buddha, a landmark statue that adds to the beauty of this place. However, this statue was erected in 1992, centuries later after the lake was built.
History
Built basically to satisfy the requirements of drinking and irrigation water for the city, this lake was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 though this does not account for the lake being named after Hussain. The lake, in fact, is named so because Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah wanted to express his gratitude to Hussain Shah, who had helped him while recovering from an illness.
Structure
The lake is a 5.7 kilometers long expanse that once was a primary source to quench the thirst of humans and the grounds used for cultivation. As time passed, the people realized that the lake has more than just the primary roles of being a water reservoir. There are lawns and sidewalk along the Tank Bund road. To enhance the beauty, the authorities had erected statues of thirty-three famous personalities that are disfigured now. Another attraction of this site is the Lumbini Park, where you can enjoy the musical fountain. There is an amusement park and a temple called Birla Mandir as well. Outside the park, there is a wide and bright road called the necklace road. The road has been designed in a way that the shimmering lights and the shape of the road appear like a diamond studded necklace. The entrance to the road is marked by a white arch that stands atop; two lion statues that support the roof and the dome are a sign of architectural brilliance. There is a sailing club where sailors engage themselves in various events held throughout the year.
The roadside gardens are a perfect place to enjoy the evening breeze and sit still while watching the people moving in cars, bikes, buses, etc. The increasing number of vehicles caused congestion and jams, and thus a parallel road called the Lower Tank Bund road was built for the convenience of the commuters. A trophy called Pakistan Patton Tank, which was awarded to the city post 1971 Indo–Pak War, is set on display at the middle of the Tank Bund. A unique combination of carvings designed on the marble, Sayedani Maa Tomb is an amazing example of the creativity and attention to detail the people used to possess during that era. This tomb is a tribute to Sayedani Maa by her son where people come in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the Islamic architecture.
The Buddha Statue, too, is one landmark that gives the lake a distinct identity and adds to its beauty. This statue is awesome to look at the time post sunset when it is surrounded by colorful lights from all sides. Standing 18 meters high on a red lotus pedestal, the statue was chiseled for two years after 200 sculptors put their efforts in carving a huge white granite rock. You just need to ride to this centre of attraction (literally) on a boat. A perfect place for sailing, Hussain Sagar Lake is a favorite destination of the local sailors. Various events are held by EME Sailing Association, Secunderabad Sailing Club, Laser Class Association of India, etc. There is no dearth of places worth visiting around the Hussain Sagar Lake. NTR Memorial, Sanjeevaiah Park, Raj Bhavan, etc., are some of the attractions in the area adjoining the lake.
Preservation
A heritage site, the lake has been facing days of adversity due to deterioration caused by several factors. One major factor is the immersion of Ganesh idols during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. What was once clean and usable has now been polluted severely. While some of the species of plants have gone extinct, other species are soon going to disappear if the conditions are not improved on time.
How to Reach
The Hussain Sagar Lake is easily accessible through road and rail transport. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses are available from major parts of the city. Trains for Hussain Sagar are available from Necklace Road and Sanjeevaiah Park.
Location
Hussain Sagar is located at a strategic location between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, thus acting as a connecting link. This lake is surrounded by the Masjid and Dargah of Sayedani Maa Tomb on one end and at the centre of the lake stands a monolith of Gautam Buddha, a landmark statue that adds to the beauty of this place. However, this statue was erected in 1992, centuries later after the lake was built.
History
Built basically to satisfy the requirements of drinking and irrigation water for the city, this lake was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 though this does not account for the lake being named after Hussain. The lake, in fact, is named so because Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah wanted to express his gratitude to Hussain Shah, who had helped him while recovering from an illness.
Structure
The lake is a 5.7 kilometers long expanse that once was a primary source to quench the thirst of humans and the grounds used for cultivation. As time passed, the people realized that the lake has more than just the primary roles of being a water reservoir. There are lawns and sidewalk along the Tank Bund road. To enhance the beauty, the authorities had erected statues of thirty-three famous personalities that are disfigured now. Another attraction of this site is the Lumbini Park, where you can enjoy the musical fountain. There is an amusement park and a temple called Birla Mandir as well. Outside the park, there is a wide and bright road called the necklace road. The road has been designed in a way that the shimmering lights and the shape of the road appear like a diamond studded necklace. The entrance to the road is marked by a white arch that stands atop; two lion statues that support the roof and the dome are a sign of architectural brilliance. There is a sailing club where sailors engage themselves in various events held throughout the year.
The roadside gardens are a perfect place to enjoy the evening breeze and sit still while watching the people moving in cars, bikes, buses, etc. The increasing number of vehicles caused congestion and jams, and thus a parallel road called the Lower Tank Bund road was built for the convenience of the commuters. A trophy called Pakistan Patton Tank, which was awarded to the city post 1971 Indo–Pak War, is set on display at the middle of the Tank Bund. A unique combination of carvings designed on the marble, Sayedani Maa Tomb is an amazing example of the creativity and attention to detail the people used to possess during that era. This tomb is a tribute to Sayedani Maa by her son where people come in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the Islamic architecture.
The Buddha Statue, too, is one landmark that gives the lake a distinct identity and adds to its beauty. This statue is awesome to look at the time post sunset when it is surrounded by colorful lights from all sides. Standing 18 meters high on a red lotus pedestal, the statue was chiseled for two years after 200 sculptors put their efforts in carving a huge white granite rock. You just need to ride to this centre of attraction (literally) on a boat. A perfect place for sailing, Hussain Sagar Lake is a favorite destination of the local sailors. Various events are held by EME Sailing Association, Secunderabad Sailing Club, Laser Class Association of India, etc. There is no dearth of places worth visiting around the Hussain Sagar Lake. NTR Memorial, Sanjeevaiah Park, Raj Bhavan, etc., are some of the attractions in the area adjoining the lake.
Preservation
A heritage site, the lake has been facing days of adversity due to deterioration caused by several factors. One major factor is the immersion of Ganesh idols during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. What was once clean and usable has now been polluted severely. While some of the species of plants have gone extinct, other species are soon going to disappear if the conditions are not improved on time.
How to Reach
The Hussain Sagar Lake is easily accessible through road and rail transport. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses are available from major parts of the city. Trains for Hussain Sagar are available from Necklace Road and Sanjeevaiah Park.
Comments
Post a Comment