Hussain Sagar is a heart-shaped lake in Hyderabad, Telangana, built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1563. It is spread across an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is fed by the River Musi. A large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992, stands on Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake.
Hussain Sagar was built across a tributary of the river Musi river in 1563 by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. The lake was named after Hussain Shah Wali, who helped to design it. It is an artificial lake that holds water perennially fed by canals from Musi river. Hussain Sagar was the main source of water supply to Hyderabad before Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar were built on river Musi.
The Buddha statue was chiseled out of a white granite rock, weighing 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.
Lumbini Park Hyderabad was developed by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority in the year of 1994. Perfect place for relaxation and amusement, Lumbini Park has been named after birthplace of Siddhartha who later came to be known as Lord Buddha. The park is part of the Buddha Purnima project of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority. After the later Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, this park was renamed at the T. Anjaiah Lumbini Park in the year of 2006. However, popularly it is still known by the name of Lumbini Park.
One of the main attractions of the Lumbini Park is the giant clock at the entrance of the park which has been designed using various kinds of colourful flowering plants. Along with seasonal flowering plants, wide variety of cacti and rocks, the park also has many options to keep kids entertained. The Musical fountain and water cascades attract everyone. The sight of water shooting up to the sky, making a screen of water where the history of Hyderabad is being shown is something not many of us have seen before. It is an experience in itself. The best part of laser show is that just 3D. You will see a city created in 3D right at a park.
Raymond's tomb is the tomb of Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, a French general in the army of 2nd Nizam - Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II. The tomb, located in Hyderabad, India is a black granite tombstone, conical, about 7 metres high and it has the initials JR on it. The pavilion was built by the Nizam and collapsed in October 2001 in heavy rain.
The tomb is located near Asman Garh Palace on top of a hillock at Tirumala Hills, Malakpet, about 3 km from the Oliphant Bridge (currently known as Chaderghat Bridge), in East Hyderabad. Until about 1940, people would visit his tomb on the anniversary of his death, taking incense and other offerings to him. The Nizams would send to his tomb on 25 March every year, a box of cheroots and a bottle of beer. His grave had become like a shrine. He is also remembered in Hyderabad, with the area called Mussa Ram Bagh (Monsieur Raymond). This Obelisk also offers a beautiful view of the Old city of Hyderabad.
Spread across an area of 30-40 acres, the origin of Paigah Tombs can be traced back to late 18th century. One of the popular sightseeing places of Hyderabad, Paigah Tombs are known for their architectural excellence. One of the best examples of Indo Saracenic architecture, the tombs presents a beautiful blend of Asaf Jah and Rajputani style of architecture. Built of white marble, Paigah tombs captivate visitors with intricately designed interiors.
Paigahs who married daughters of the Nizams were the highest ranking nobles in princely state of Hyderabad, after the family of Nizams. Paigahs were the only noble family who were permitted by the Sultan to have their private army.
These tombs have been skilfully carved and their inlaid mosaic tile work is breathtaking. The famous ‘Jali’ work makes it even more attractive. Each Tomb has been designed differently, ensuing a unique style and design. Each Paigah tomb is consisted of elaborate covering and marble fences which are adorned with exemplary geometrical and floral designs. However, if you observe carefully, you will be able to notice the designing difference between the tombs. The semi circular arches, representing Indian architecture, are also seen here.
The building was at once the embassy of the East India Company to the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the residence of James Kirkpatrick, the British Resident, as well as his successors. Within its compound there were several quarters, including a zenana (women's quarters) where Khair un Nissa lived. Within the compound is a miniature model of the building- legend has it that this was so Kirkpatrick's wife, who remained in purdah, could see the entire mansion, including the front. This scaled model has recently been beautifully restored.
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a group of rebels, led by Maulvi Allauddin and Turrebaz Khan, attacked the residency. After the events of 1857, the British erected martello towers at the residency, which were demolished in 1954.
After independence in 1947, the building became vacant. In 1949 it was converted into a women's college, Osmania University College for Women.
After a court directive to the Archaeological Survey of India, it is now a protected monument. However, the building has suffered much damage and part of the ceiling has collapsed.
Taramati Baradari is one of the popular monuments of Hyderabad. Taramati Baradari is consisted of a music hall with 12 entrances. It was used as an auditorium. Taramati has been situated on the top of the hill, which was done so as to avoid any disturbance to the sound from the population of the surrounding area. Its hall is spacious. This huge structure is in the shape of semi-arch; it opens into an art gallery.
Taramati Gana Mandir and the Premathi Nritya Mandir are the places where both legendary sisters Taramathi and Premamathi have resided. Both the sisters used to perform at two separate pavilions which are circular dais atop a two-storied structure. Both the baradaris are located at a distance of few kilometres from each other.
This place has great acoustics and because of its association with Taramati, who had dedicated her entire life to dance and music, it is now used for performances on classical music and other folk art forms.
NTR Gardens is a small public, urban park of 36 acres adjacent to Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad. Constructed in several phases since 1999, the area that is predominantly a park is geographically located in the centre of the city, and is close to other tourist attractions such as Birla Mandir, Necklace Road and Lumbini Park. It maintained by the Buddha Purnima Project Authority that functions under the directives of the Government of Telangana.
In 1999, a land of 5 acres from a 55-acre plot was utilized for erecting a memorial for N. T. Rama Rao, the former Chief Minister of unbifurcated Andhra Pradesh. It was inaugurated by N. Chandrababu Naidu. It was planned to further expand this area, which has since been referred to as NTR Gardens, by constructing a museum about N. T. Rama Rao. This memorial was a part of the Buddha Purnima Project that was being handled by Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) for the beautification and development of the Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings as a major tourist attraction.
Lotus Pond is a small water body Inside MLA Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India. The pond is surrounded by lush green flora and a 1.2 kilometer path.
Lotus Pond has a rich flora and fauna. It has about 20 varied species of birds. Some of the common birds that can be spotted here are little grebe, common coot, white wagtail, little egret, pied kingfisher, common moorhen and sunbirds. Trees at the park have boards with their scientific and common name. Some of the trees found here are Neem, Custard Apple, Bamboo, Singapore Cherry and Australian Thumma, etc.
The Lotus Pond was conceived to be an eco-conservation project bringing natural elements into the concept of the project without disturbing the ecosystem and conserving the natural rocks and pond.