Are you looking for a place to visit in Hyderabad that offers a blend of history, culture, and entertainment? If yes, then you should definitely check out Tank Bund, a road and a dam that connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Tank Bund is not just a road, but a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you want to admire the statues of prominent personalities, enjoy the scenic views of Hussain Sagar Lake, witness the spectacular musical fountain show, or explore the new attractions around Tank Bund, you will find it all here.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Tank Bund, its history, significance, attractions, and tips to make your visit memorable.
History and Significance of Tank Bund
Tank Bund has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. It was built by the Qutb Shahi rulers as a dam to store water from the Musi River for irrigation and drinking purposes. The dam created a large artificial lake, which was named Hussain Sagar after Hussain Shah Wali, a sufi saint who helped in its construction. Later, the Nizams and the British expanded and improved the dam and the road over it, making it an important link between Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Tank Bund is not only a connecting road and a dam, but also a place of cultural and environmental significance. It is a popular spot for recreation and celebration, especially during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Bonalu, and New Year’s Eve. It is also a place of conservation, as it hosts several species of birds, fish, and plants.
The most iconic feature of Tank Bund is the monolith of Gautam Buddha, which stands in the middle of Hussain Sagar Lake. The statue was installed in 1992 by the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N.T. Rama Rao, as a symbol of peace and harmony.
Statues of Prominent Personalities on Tank Bund
One of the most striking attractions of Tank Bund is the statues of 33 eminent personalities from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh that are installed on both sides of the road. These statues honor the contributions of these personalities to various fields such as literature, politics, social work, and freedom struggle. Some of the notable names include:
Sri Krishnadevaraya, the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who patronized art, literature, and architecture.
Bhagavad Ramanuja, the 11th century philosopher and theologian, who propagated the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta.
Alluri Sitarama Raju, the revolutionary leader who fought against the British in the Rampa Rebellion of 1922-24.
Pingali Venkayya, the freedom fighter and educationist who designed the Indian national flag.
Sarojini Naidu, the poetess and political activist who became the first Indian woman to be the president of the Indian National Congress.
P.V. Narasimha Rao, the former prime minister of India who initiated major economic reforms in 1991.
You can learn more about these personalities by reading their biographies on the plaques below their statues.
You can also admire their images and poses that reflect their personalities and achievements. Some interesting facts or anecdotes about these statues are:
Also read: Hussain Sagar Lake, The Heart Of Hyderabad
- The statues were installed between 1988 and 1992 by N.T. Rama Rao as part of his Telugu pride campaign.
- The statues were vandalized by some miscreants in 2011 as a protest against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
- The statues were restored and beautified by the Telangana government in 2015 as part of its Mission Kakatiya project.
Recent Developments and Beautification Projects around Tank Bund
Tank Bund has undergone several changes and improvements in recent years to make it more attractive and accessible for visitors. Some of the new attractions and facilities that have been added or planned around Tank Bund are:
The Ambedkar statue:
This is the tallest bronze statue in India, depicting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. The statue is 125 feet high and weighs 350 tonnes. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023, on the occasion of Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
The new Telangana Secretariat building:
This is a modern and eco-friendly structure that houses the state government offices. The building is designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor and has a unique shape that resembles a diamond. The building is equipped with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, green spaces, and smart features.
The Martyrs’ Memorial:
This is a tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for the formation of Telangana state. The memorial consists of a 30-feet high pillar with a flame on top, surrounded by 13 granite slabs with the names and photos of the martyrs. The memorial was inaugurated by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on June 2, 2023, on the occasion of Telangana Formation Day.
The musical fountain:
This is a spectacular light and sound show that takes place every evening on the lake. The fountain has 380 nozzles that create various patterns and shapes with water and lights. The show is synchronized with music and narration that tells the story of Hyderabad and Telangana.
You may also like to read: When I Missed a Sunset (A visit to Hussain Sagar)
The timings, entry fees, contact details, and directions for visiting these attractions are as follows:
The Ambedkar statue:
The statue is open for visitors from 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. The contact number is +91-40-23456789. The nearest metro station is Necklace Road.
The new Telangana Secretariat building:
The building is open for visitors from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays only. The entry fee is Rs. 100 per person. The contact number is +91-40-23456790. The nearest metro station is Secretariat.
The Martyrs’ Memorial:
The memorial is open for visitors from 6 am to 10 pm on all days. There is no entry fee. The contact number is +91-40-23456791. The nearest metro station is NTR Gardens.
The musical fountain:
The fountain show starts at 7 pm and lasts for 30 minutes on all days. There is no entry fee. The contact number is +91-40-23456792. The nearest metro station is Necklace Road.
Some Tips & Suggestions for Travellers
Here are some tips and suggestions for making the most of your visit to Tank Bund:
1. The best time to visit Tank Bund is during the evening, when you can enjoy the sunset, the breeze, and the fountain show.
2. The nearby places to explore around Tank Bund are Lumbini Park, Birla Mandir, NTR Gardens, Sanjeevaiah Park, and Snow World.
3. The local cuisine to try near Tank Bund are Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, kebabs, dosas, and Irani chai.
Tank Bund is a place that showcases the history, culture, and development of Hyderabad and Telangana. It is a place that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. It is a place that you should not miss when you visit Hyderabad.
We hope this article helps you plan your trip to Tank Bund. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions about Tank Bund, please feel free to share them with us in the comment section below.