Hussain Sagar, reservoir in Hyderabad, India

Hussain Sagar is a heart-shaped artificial lake in central Hyderabad, built in 1562 and covering 5.7 square kilometres. It separates Hyderabad from Secunderabad. On Gibraltar Rock in the middle stands an 18-metre white granite Buddha statue on a red lotus pedestal, erected in 1992.

Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah had the lake built in 1562 across a Musi tributary; his son-in-law Hussain Shah Wali supervised the work, and the lake was named after him. The 450-ton white granite Buddha was carved by 200 sculptors over two years and moved to Hyderabad in November 1988 on a 192-wheel vehicle. It was erected on Gibraltar Rock on 12 April 1992.

The name honors Hussain Shah Wali, a spiritual figure who held influence in the region during the time of construction. Today families come here to watch the sunset and walk along the promenade, while colored lights illuminate the waterfront areas in the evening.

The basin can be accessed from several waterfront areas, with boat rides to the island departing from specific docks where tickets can be purchased on site. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when light becomes softer and fewer people are around.

The 450-ton white granite block was carved at Venkateswara Gutta near Raigiri, then hauled to Hyderabad in 1988 on a 192-wheel vehicle. In thanks for the stone, the Venkateswara Swamy temple at Raigiri was developed. The statue was finally raised on Gibraltar Rock on 12 April 1992.