Date: Take the first day from Holiday Inn review
Venue: Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad
Hyderabad was fairly new for us. Yet one of the many images of Hyderabad that are iconic to the city is the Buddha statue in the center of Hussain Sagar. We were in Hyderabad staying at Holiday Inn Express. On the first evening itself, we decided to visit the Buddha statue which, at a height of 58 ft, is reportedly the largest Buddha monolith in the world.
The Buddha statue is erected on Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake. The statue can be viewed and clicked from far. But we wanted to see this up and close. A ferry took us to this island, Rock of Gibraltar, which carried the statue. It was evening and the statue looked regal under the coloured lights. The statue was sculpted by S.M. Ganapathi Sthapati with the assistance of hundreds of labours. The face of the Buddha exuded peace and tranquility. The fine lines of Budhha’s robes indicated eye for details. We have seen various Buddha statues across the globe in all shapes and sizes. Rarely have we come across such calmness carved in stone more so at this gigantic size. It was literally a humbly experience.
There is not much to do at the island except seeing the statue and enjoying the serenity of the place. In fact, this place has religious significance as well. During the earliest endeavors of carrying the statue to the middle of Hussain Sagar in 1990, the statue toppled over and submerged in the lake. The accident led to deaths as well. The statue was recovered from water and was finally erected on the Gibraltar Rock whereafter it was consecrated by His Holiness Dalai Lama in 1992. Since then it has been an important addition to the skyline of Hyderabad.
If you are in Hyderabad, and have some time on hand in the evening, the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar is a must do. All you need is an hour in the evening for this activity. The Budhha statue here leaves an impression.
I had heard a lot about this but never had got the opportunity to see it really despite my umpteen visits to this city.
After reading your post, I have decided that my next visit won’t be without it, whatever may be my busy schedule
It’s almost a traveller’s crime if you haven’t – you must
Hyderabad is in my wish list.
I want to go and visit these places.
The statue looks so nice.
What an arresting statue that is! I would love to see it someday soon.
that would be so cool to go see! I have always wanted to go to that area!
This place is so cool. Such Buddha monoliths should be a must visit. And having such a place in India is our pride
Totally!
Looks you have really great travel to Hyderabad. Holiday Inn and Buddha statue has enhanced more of this experience
Wow, I had no idea about this. I can imagine the serenity of the island.
Evenings are very serene here.
This is surely a great post. I never been to Hyderabad , may be sometimes soon.
I was not aware about the Buddha statue in Hyderabad thanks for increasing my knowledge.
Wow! Looks like this place will give some peace of mind. Will definitely plan here whenever we go to hyderabad. You have written about it so beautifully!