Hussain Sagar

Hussain Sagar is a large artificial water basin in central Hyderabad that separates two parts of the city and connects through several bridges. On an island in the middle stands a white Buddha figure 18 meters (59 feet) tall that remains visible from the shore.

Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah ordered the construction of this water basin in 1562 to supply drinking water to the growing city and support agriculture. The Buddha figure was placed on the small island only in 1992, after it sank once during transport and was later recovered.

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 figure was carved from a single block of white granite and weighs around 450 tons, making it one of the heaviest monolithic sculptures in the world. Over 200 sculptors worked on it for two years before it was brought to the island by barge.