Buddha Statue Hyderabad is a monumental monolith of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, that stands on a rock island in the middle of Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is the world’s tallest monolith of Buddha, with a height of 18 meters and a weight of 350 tonnes. It was carved out of a single white granite rock by 200 sculptors for two years. It was installed on the rock island in 1992 after overcoming many challenges and obstacles.
It was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2006 after performing a ritual. The statue is a symbol of peace and harmony and a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad, Visit during Hyderabad Local Sightseeing By Cab. Here are some details you need to know before visiting Buddha Statue:
Location of Buddha Statue
Buddha Statue Hyderabad is located at Necklace Road, Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. The statue is situated on an artificial island called Gibraltar Rock in the Hussain Sagar Lake, which is a heart-shaped lake that connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The statue is about 3 km from Charminar and 4 km from Nampally railway station. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 23 km away.
Timing/Entry Fees Buddha Statue
The statue is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, except on Fridays and national holidays. There is no entry fee for visiting the statue. However, there are charges for various activities and attractions at the lake, such as boating, parasailing, jet skiing, etc. The charges are as follows:
- Mechanized boat: Rs. 55 per adult and Rs. 35 per child
- Jet ski boat: Rs. 250 per person and Rs. 300 per couple
- Rajahamsa boat: Rs. 100 per person (minimum 5 persons)
- Parasailing: Rs. 400 per person
- Still camera: Rs. 50
- Video camera: Rs. 100
How to Reach Buddha Statue
There are various modes of transport available to reach Buddha Statue Hyderabad from different parts of the city. You can take a bus, an auto-rickshaw, a taxi, or a metro to reach the lake. Some of the bus numbers that go to Buddha Statue are 8A, 8C, 8M, 8R, and 8U. You can also take a metro to Necklace Road metro station and walk for about 15 minutes to reach the lake.
Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle or rent a car or a bike to reach the lake. There is enough parking space available near the lake entrance.
Things to Do in Buddha Statue
There are many things to do and see at Buddha Statue Hyderabad. You can:
- Enjoy boating at the lake and admire the scenic views of the city skyline and the statue.
- Visit the statue by taking a ferry boat that takes you to the rock island.
- See the statue up close and marvel at its details and craftsmanship.
- Take photos and selfies with the statue as a backdrop.
- Explore the nearby attractions such as Birla Mandir, NTR Gardens, Sanjeevaiah Park, Indira Park, etc.
- Taste the local cuisine at the various eateries around the lake. You can try the Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, kebabs, qubani ka meetha, irani chai, etc.
Must See near Buddha Statue
Some of the must-see attractions near Buddha Statue Hyderabad are:
- The Hussain Sagar Lake , which is a heart-shaped lake that was built in 1562 by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah ,the founder of Hyderabad.
- The Tank Bund Road , which is a boulevard that runs along the lake and has statues of famous personalities from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- The Necklace Road , which is a circular road that encircles the lake and resembles a necklace when seen from above.
- The Lumbini Park , which is a park that has a musical fountain show with colorful lights and sound effects that depict the history and culture of Hyderabad.
- The Prasads IMAX , which is a multiplex that has the largest 3D IMAX screen in the world.
Significance of Buddha Statue
Buddha Statue Hyderabad is a significant historical and cultural site in Hyderabad. It was conceived by N.T.Rama Rao ,the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and a popular actor, who was inspired by the Statue of Liberty in New York. He wanted to have a symbol that would represent the greatness and diversity of Indian culture and heritage. He chose to depict Gautama Buddha because he was a humanitarian who taught the truth and compassion to the people.
The statue is also a symbol of peace and harmony, as it is located near a mosque, a temple, and a church. It is also a place of celebration, as it hosts various festivals and events such as Buddha Purnima, Bonalu, Bathukamma, etc.
FAQ’s
How much time does it take to visit Buddha Statue Hyderabad?
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to visit Buddha Statue Hyderabad, depending on your interest and pace. You can also spend more time if you want to enjoy the activities and attractions at the lake or visit the nearby attractions.
Is there any guide service available at Buddha Statue Hyderabad?
No, there is no guide service available at Buddha Statue Hyderabad. However, you can use audio guides, which are available in English, Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu languages for Rs. 60 per person.
Is there any food or water facility available at Buddha Statue Hyderabad?
Yes, there are food stalls and water coolers available at the lake premises. You can also find restaurants and cafes near the lake entrance.
Is photography allowed at Buddha Statue Hyderabad?
Yes, photography is allowed at Buddha Statue Hyderabad. However, you have to pay an extra fee of Rs. 50 for a still camera and Rs. 100 for a video camera.
Conclusion
Buddha Statue Hyderabad is a place where you can experience the beauty and serenity of a monolith of Buddha that stands on a rock island in the middle of a lake. It is a place where you can admire the art and skill of the sculptors who carved it out of a single rock. It is also a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Hyderabad and its rulers, who built and beautified the lake. Buddha Statue Hyderabad is a place that will inspire you and calm you…
