🌿 NTR Gardens
A Green Tribute to a Legend – Hyderabad's Memorial Garden on Hussain Sagar's Shores
A Memorial in Bloom: NTR Gardens stands as a living tribute to one of India's most beloved political icons – N. T. Rama Rao. The park was built on land that once housed the Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, which was demolished in 1995. Today, this lush green space offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling city, with stunning views of Hussain Sagar lake, the Buddha statue, and the Hyderabad skyline.
Constructed in several phases since 1999, the area that is predominantly a park is maintained by the Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPPA) that functions under the directives of the Government of Telangana. The park was inaugurated on 15 December 2001 by N. Chandrababu Naidu, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
📜 History – From Power Station to Memorial Garden
🏭 From Thermal Power Station to Green Paradise: The land for the garden was cleared in 1995 after demolishing the Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, which had supplied power to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad from 1920 to 1983. In 1999, a land of 5 acres (20,000 sq m) from a 55-acre (220,000 sq m) plot was utilized for erecting a memorial for N. T. Rama Rao, the former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Buddha Purnima Project: This memorial was a part of the Buddha Purnima Project that was being handled by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) for the beautification and development of Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings as a major tourist attraction.
Controversy and Legal Hurdles: Upon the beginning of work at these gardens in January 2000, a petition by two non-profit organizations sought an immediate halt to construction activity. They contended that regulations showed the area around the lake as a recreation zone which must be kept away from all constructions for commercial or residential purposes. The local apex court instructed the authorities to stop construction until further orders. Despite the controversy, the extensive work at 34 acres (14 hectares) of gardens was completed by 2001 at a cost of ₹400 million (equivalent to approximately ₹1.6 billion or US$17 million in 2023).
Inauguration: The gardens were opened to the public on 15 December 2001.
🏛️ The NTR Memorial – A Cinematic Tribute
The garden houses a memorial dedicated to N. T. Rama Rao, showcasing his life journey from a legendary actor to a revolutionary politician. The memorial features:
- Life-sized statues and photographs documenting NTR's film career (over 300 films)
- Artifacts and memorabilia from his political journey as the founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
- Displays highlighting his tenure as Chief Minister (1983-1989, 1994-1995)
- The museum section is planned to be further expanded to provide deeper insights into his legacy
🎡 Attractions – A World of Recreation
🚂 Mini Train Ride
A mini train on a single track takes visitors all around the garden, making your visit all the more enjoyable. The toy train is especially popular with children and offers a convenient way to explore the park's 36 acres of attractions without getting tired.
🏜️ Desert Garden – A Unique Collection
🌵 One of the Latest Additions: The Desert Garden is the brainchild of Mr. Nitish Roy, who designed this unique project. It consists of about 150 plant varieties, mainly those which are commonly referred to as desert plants – such as cacti, succulents, agaves, and aloe vera. These plants, which also boast medicinal importance and are used for various herbal remedies, have been brought to Hyderabad from various parts of the country – including Kolkata, Shirdi, and Rajasthan.
🇯🇵 Japanese Garden
A beautifully landscaped section of the park inspired by traditional Japanese garden design, featuring:
- Carefully arranged rocks and stones
- Pruned trees and shrubs in the Japanese style
- Water features and koi fish
- A serene, meditative atmosphere
🌊 Roaring Cascade and Fountains
The garden features a roaring cascade (waterfall) and various fountains that add to the park's charm. The sound of flowing water creates a calming ambiance, making it a perfect spot to relax.
🐂 Massive Entrance Plaza with Nandi Bulls
The entrance plaza with grand Nandi bulls is quite captivating. These massive sculptures set the tone for the cultural and spiritual experience that awaits inside the garden.
🧒 Children's Playing Area
A dedicated children's playing area keeps kids entertained with various play structures and activities, making NTR Gardens a family-friendly destination.
🍽️ Unique Dining Experiences
🌳 Machan Restaurant – Dining on a Tree
🌲 A Multi-Storeyed Restaurant Built on a Tree Shape: One of the most unique attractions at NTR Gardens is the Machan Restaurant. The trunk has been built using massive concrete planks, while the branches are created with fiberglass and painted green, giving it the look of a real tree. This multi-storeyed restaurant offers a whimsical dining experience that children and adults alike will remember.
🚗 Car Cafes – Mobile Dining on Wheels
The Car Cafes are primarily cafes with a seating capacity of six that are mobile. This offers visitors unique café experiences – dine inside a stationary car while enjoying the garden views. These are perfect for small groups and families seeking a quirky dining experience.
🍓 Fruit Restaurant
A 2000-square-metre restaurant circumvented by three petal-shaped ponds offers not just mouth-watering dishes but also a beautiful setting to relish them. The fruit-themed restaurant specializes in fresh fruit-based dishes and desserts.
🍢 Local Food Stalls
Various stalls offer local food items such as mirchi bajji (chili fritters), samosas, chaat, and other Hyderabad street food favorites. Try out these local delicacies while relaxing amid the beauty of this garden.
🛍️ Souvenir Complex
The gardens also house a souvenir complex where visitors can purchase memorabilia related to NTR, traditional handicrafts, and Hyderabad-specific items such as pearls, bidri ware, and lac bangles.
🌅 Breathtaking Natural Surroundings
The garden has been created in such a way that it offers breathtaking natural surroundings along with ample entertaining activities. From the garden, visitors can enjoy stunning views of:
- Hussain Sagar Lake – The heart-shaped lake with its shimmering waters
- Birla Mandir – The white marble temple perched on Naubath Pahad
- The Buddha Statue – The 18-meter monolithic statue in the middle of the lake
- Telangana State Secretariat and Assembly – Visible in the distance
- Necklace Road – The scenic promenade along the lake
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address
NTR Gardens
Opposite Telangana State Secretariat,
Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500004
Coordinates: 17°24′36″N 78°28′20″E
🕐 Timings
Open: All days of the week
Timings: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Note: The park opens after noon, so plan your visit accordingly.
💰 Entry Fees
Adults: ₹15 per person
Children: ₹10 per child
Still Camera: ₹30
Camcorder/Video Camera: ₹65
🚗 How to Reach
Metro: Lakdi-ka-pul and Assembly stations (Red Line) – walking distance
MMTS Train: Lakdi-ka-pul station
Bus: Well connected by TSRTC buses to Khairatabad
Auto/Cab: Easily available from anywhere in Hyderabad
📅 Best Time to Visit: The park is best visited during the evening hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) when the weather is cooler and the garden is beautifully lit. Winter months (October – February) offer the most pleasant weather for a leisurely stroll. The park is less crowded on weekdays compared to weekends.
📸 Photography Tips: The best spots for photography include the entrance plaza with Nandi bulls, the Japanese Garden, and the views of Hussain Sagar from the garden's edge. The Desert Garden with its 150+ cactus varieties offers unique macro photography opportunities. The Machan Restaurant is a great subject for architectural photography. For sunset shots, position yourself to capture the sun setting over Hussain Sagar with the Buddha statue in silhouette.
🏛️ Nearby Attractions
- Hussain Sagar Lake – The heart-shaped lake with the Buddha statue (adjacent)
- Birla Mandir – White marble temple on Naubath Pahad (walking distance)
- Lumbini Park – Urban park with laser show and boating (adjacent)
- Necklace Road – Scenic promenade along the lake (adjacent)
- Telangana State Secretariat and Assembly – Opposite the garden
- Sanjeevaiah Park – 92-acre public park (approx. 2 km)
- Prasad's IMAX – Largest IMAX screen in India (approx. 2 km)
📊 Visitor Statistics: NTR Gardens attracts a significant number of visitors each year. In 2007 alone, a record 25,114 visitors were recorded on a single day (3 January 2007), highlighting the garden's enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike.
✨ Key Features Summary
- Name: NTR Gardens
- Location: Opposite Secretariat, Khairatabad, Hyderabad (adjacent to Hussain Sagar)
- Area: 36 acres (0.15 sq km; 0.056 sq mi)
- Constructed: Several phases since 1999 | Inaugurated: 15 December 2001
- Construction Cost: ₹400 million (≈ ₹1.6 billion in 2023 value)
- Named After: Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) – legendary actor and former Chief Minister
- Maintained By: Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPPA), Government of Telangana
- Previous Land Use: Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station (demolished 1995)
- Key Attractions: NTR Memorial, Mini train, Desert Garden (150+ plant varieties), Japanese Garden, Roaring Cascade, Machan Tree Restaurant, Car Cafes, Fruit Restaurant, Souvenir Complex
- Park Timings: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM (all days)
- Entry Fee: ₹15 (Adults), ₹10 (Children), ₹30 (Still Camera), ₹65 (Camcorder)
- Nearby Metro: Lakdi-ka-pul and Assembly (Red Line)
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