Overview:
Tank Bund Hyderabad is an iconic landmark in the city of Hyderabad. The Tank Bund structure serves to dam Hussain Sagar lake on the eastern side and links the two cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Tank Bund is a 2.2 km long embankment that was built to prevent flooding of the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is made of granite and has 33 statues of famous personalities from the state of Telangana. Tank Bund is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, with numerous recreational facilities and stunning views of the lake.
History:
The Hussain Sagar Lake which is an artificial man-made lake is equally famous in this city and was built even before the city of Hyderabad was founded. This lake was built in 1578 during Ibrahim Qtub Shah’s reign and was supervised by Khaja Hussain Shah Wali, his son-in-law.
Attractions you shouldn’t miss on Tank Bund:
Tank Bund is a popular tourist destination in Hyderabad and offers a range of attractions for visitors. Some of the major attractions of Tank Bund are:
Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake is a man-made lake that was built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562. It is spread over an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia. Visitors can enjoy boating and water sports on the lake, and the view of the sunset over the lake is a must-see.
Lumbini Park
Lumbini Park is a beautiful park located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is named after the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and is a popular picnic spot. The park has a musical fountain show that is a major attraction for visitors.
NTR Gardens
NTR Gardens is a public park named after the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao. The park has a variety of attractions, including a Japanese garden, a souvenir shop, a food court, and a children’s play area.
Statue of Buddha
The Statue of Buddha is a 16-meter tall statue located in the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake. It was installed in 1992 and is made of white granite. The statue is illuminated at night and is a breathtaking sight.
33 Statues
Tank Bund has 33 statues of famous personalities from the state of Telangana. These include historic figures, freedom fighters, and poets. The statues were installed between 1949 and 1968 and are a major attraction for visitors.
Telangana Martyrs Memorial
Standing on a 3.29-acre site with a built-up area of 2.88 lakh square feet, Telangana Martyrs Memorial is an astounding four-floor stainless steel structure that took 3.5 years to complete at a staggering cost of Rs 179 crore. Its design takes inspiration from an illuminated clay lamp and bears a resemblance to the Cloud Gate in Chicago. The structure is a dedicated tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the cause of the state.
Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Statue
Located at Hussain Sagar lake, the 125-feet tall Dr. B R Ambedkar Statue is the tallest bronze statue of Ambedkar in India. The statue is made of more than 360 tonnes of steel and 100 tonnes of bronze and was constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 145 crore.
Musical Fountain on the Hussain Sagar
There is a spectacular musical floating fountain on Hussain Sagar Lake measuring 180 meters in length and 90 meters in height.
The musical floating fountain boasts an array of unique features, including three sets of lasers for various displays, a mist fairy fog for a cloud effect with music, and 800 jet nozzles, and 880 underwater LED lights to make a dynamic show. All of these components are programmed through a DMX controller to sync with the music.
The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad ( HMDA) holds three 20-minute performances on weekdays and four on weekends, all in the evening between 7 pm and 10 pm. Make sure to check it out.
The renowned Hussain Sagar Lake, located around Tank Bund Road, is home to a monolith statue of Gautam Buddha in its centre. This statue is said to be one of the largest monoliths in the world.
The stunning vista of the Lake from Tank Bund is truly breathtaking and draws numerous visitors to the area. It is particularly captivating at night when the lights around the statue are illuminated.
Tank Bund Road has undergone quite a transformation since 1976, when it was widened. Now, it is a popular attraction among both local people and tourists, thanks to the beautiful bronze statues and lush green gardens adorning it. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll with family and kids, or an outing with friends or your special someone, Tank Bund has something for everyone.
At one end of Tank Bund Road, you will find an M47 Patton Tank opposite Marriot Hotel which was captured from Pakistan during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan and donated to the city of Hyderabad by the 54th Infantry Division.
At the same end, you will also find the Tomb of Saidani Maa – Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba tomb, a tomb built by Nawab Abdul Haq Diler Jung for his mother Hazrath Saidani Ma Saheba. The tomb has been built in Mughal and Qutb Shahi styles with elaborate stucco decorations and jali screens.
A second road, running parallel to the Tank Bund Road, was constructed to alleviate traffic congestion – the Lower Tank Bund Road. You will find Snow World on that road. Snow World is one of the most popular amusement parks in the city and a great place to enjoy sledding, snowboarding, tubing, and even ice skating. The park has a variety of rides and activities to keep you and your children entertained.
Tank Bund is situated in a great spot. To the south, the area is home to the Secretariat buildings, Dr B.R Ambedkar Statue, Telangana Martyrs Memorial, Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens, and Hyderabad Boat Club. On the other side, the northern part houses Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba tomb, Sanjeevaiah Park, and Secunderabad Sailing Club. You can also go and visit Birla Mandir when you go to Tank Bund.
Tank Bund Road, a treasured landmark in Hyderabad, connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad is an important part of the cityscape of Hyderabad, and the vibrant culture on the road makes it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
Note: Tank Bund tends to be shut for vehicular traffic on Sundays making it pedestrian friendly.
Must-Do Activities on Tank Bund
- Take a stroll along the bund: The bund offers stunning views of Hussain Sagar Lake and is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll with family and friends.
- Check out the lake as the sun sets. It’s quite a sight.
- Take a boat at Lumbini Park and go around the Buddha Statue and have a look.
- There are a lot of eating joints on Necklace Road. Go and try them out. By the way Necklace road is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is the main arterial road that encircles Hussain Sagar Lake. It is constructed similarly to the Queen’s Necklace of Mumbai, resembling a necklace in its design.
- Take a selfie with the 33 statues of famous personalities: Tank Bund has 33 statues of famous personalities from Telangana, including poets, freedom fighters, and political leaders. Visitors can take selfies with the statues and learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Watch the show of the country’s largest musical fountain on the Hussain Sagar
Tip:
Remember to carry a mask with you. The lake is quite polluted and can smell at times.
Address:
Tank Bund Road,
Hyderabad,
Telangana, 500004
Entry Fees:
Free – No Entry Fees
Timings:
Tank Bund Road is open all the time
What to do next?
Check out my blog on 41 amazing places to visit in Hyderabad
