Landmark · Necklace Road
Buddha Statue
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The Buddha Statue in Hyderabad is a massive 18-meter (59-foot) tall monolith carved from white granite, standing on a small island in the middle of Hussain Sagar Lake. It was installed in 1992 after years of effort and is one of the largest single-stone Buddha statues in the world. Visitors reach the statue by taking a short boat ride from the Necklace Road shore. The statue depicts the Buddha in a seated meditation pose, exuding serenity against the backdrop of the lake and the city skyline. The surrounding lake area is a popular recreational spot with gardens, walking paths, and food stalls. The statue is particularly striking at sunset when the light reflects off the water.
Don't miss
- Take a boat ride to the island for an up-close view of the statue.
- Photograph the statue from the Necklace Road promenade at sunset.
- Visit the nearby Lumbini Park for gardens and a musical fountain show.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Necklace Road with lake views.
- See the statue illuminated at night from the shore.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Buddha Statue
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Buddha Statue with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inHyderabad : Old City Walking Tour, Captivates 400+ Years History5★ · 50 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$43 per personSee dates →
Best full dayFull-Day Experiential Hyderabad Tour4.9★ · 233 travelers4–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$130 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMesmerising Hyderabad Heritage Cultural Tour with Ethnic lunch4.9★ · 77 travelers6–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$135 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Boat services run from 9 AM to 8 PM, but timings may vary on holidays.
- Carry water and sunscreen as the area can be hot during the day.
- The best photo spot is from the Necklace Road side, especially at sunset.
- Boat tickets are sold at the jetty near Lumbini Park. Expect a short queue on weekends.
A bit of history
The statue was conceived in the 1980s as part of a beautification project for Hussain Sagar Lake. Carved from a single granite boulder weighing over 350 tons, it was transported and erected on the island. The statue was inaugurated in 1992 and has since become a symbol of Hyderabad's cultural heritage.
Common questions
Can you touch the Buddha statue?
No, visitors are not allowed to touch the statue to preserve it. You can view it from a designated area on the island.
Is there an entry fee for the statue?
Viewing the statue from the shore is free. The boat ride to the island has a fee.
How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride takes about 10-15 minutes each way.
Are there restrooms on the island?
No, restrooms are only available on the mainland near the jetty.
Is the statue open on Mondays?
Yes, it is open every day. However, boat services may be limited on some public holidays.
Can I bring food to the island?
Food is not allowed on the island to keep it clean. You can eat at the lakeside food stalls.
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