Serenity and Splendor: Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिए
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाएं
  [Kripya menu dikhayein]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं...खरीदना चाहूँ
  [Main...kharidna chaahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी क्या समय है?
  [Abhi kya samay hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (nakshay par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)(...के लिए) एक टिकट
  [(...ke liye) ek ticket]

Hussain Sagar Lake was constructed in 1562 by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, to meet the water needs of the city. The lake was named after Hussain Shah Wali, a Sufi saint, and it played a crucial role in the development of Hyderabad as a significant urban center.

The lake is famous for the impressive statue of Gautama Buddha, which was erected in the middle of the lake in 1992. This 18-meter tall statue has become a symbol of peace and is a significant landmark in Hyderabad, attracting countless visitors each year.

Hussain Sagar serves as a cultural hub for Hyderabad, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year. The annual Bonalu festival, celebrated in honor of the goddess Mahakali, sees vibrant processions and rituals at the lakeside, showcasing the rich traditions of the region.

During the British colonial period, Hussain Sagar Lake became a focal point for recreation and leisure activities. The surrounding areas were developed with parks and gardens, reflecting the British interest in landscaping and urban planning, which influenced the city's development.

In recent decades, Hussain Sagar has faced environmental challenges due to pollution and urbanization. However, various initiatives have been undertaken to restore the lake's ecosystem, including the introduction of bio-remediation techniques and community awareness programs to promote conservation.

Hussain Sagar is centrally located in Hyderabad, making it easily accessible from various neighbourhoods. You can reach Hussain Sagar by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw from popular areas like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, or the city center. For public transport, the nearest metro station is Necklace Road, which connects you directly to Hussain Sagar. Buses operated by TSRTC also serve this area, with several routes passing through.

Hussain Sagar is best explored on foot, especially around the lake where pedestrian paths offer scenic views. You can rent bicycles from local vendors to enjoy a leisurely ride around the lake. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for longer distances. The metro system is expanding, and while it currently does not cover all of Hussain Sagar, it can be useful for connecting to other parts of the city.

Hussain Sagar is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is advisable to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Areas like the outskirts of the lake can sometimes see petty crimes, so it’s best to stick to more populated areas after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for medical emergencies. There are hospitals and clinics in the vicinity, including Yashoda Hospital and Care Hospitals. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. For minor ailments, pharmacies are available nearby.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites near the lake. Avoid extremely revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting temples, remove your shoes and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do give your seat to the elderly and be polite. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod. Handshakes are common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is from reputable vendors. Don't drink tap water; stick to bottled water.

To experience Hussain Sagar like a local, visit the bustling markets nearby, such as Sultan Bazaar, where you can find unique handicrafts and local snacks. Engage in a boat ride to the iconic Buddha statue in the lake, especially during sunset for a picturesque view. Participate in the local evening walks along the lakefront, where you can mingle with residents. Try the local biryani at popular eateries like Paradise or Bawarchi, and don't forget to enjoy a peaceful evening at Lumbini Park.