๐ฟ Sanjeevaiah Park
Hyderabad's 92-Acre Biodiversity Haven – Home to the Second Tallest Indian Flag
A Green Sanctuary on Hussain Sagar's Shores: Snugly located at the edge of Hyderabad's Hussain Sagar Lake, Sanjeevaiah Park is a sprawling green sanctuary offering respite from urban life. More than a recreational space, it is a haven of biodiversity where flora and fauna harmonise in a symphony of nature, creating morning melodies. The shimmering waters of Hussain Sagar embrace the peninsular pied of landscape, almost like an island of oasis with an orchestra at play.
Located along Necklace Road (PV Narasimha Rao Marg), Sanjeevaiah Park was once a secluded retreat for waterbirds before urbanisation altered its landscape. Today, it stands as one of Hyderabad's most beloved public parks, attracting morning walkers, fitness enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and families seeking a tranquil escape.
๐ Naming and History – Honoring Damodaram Sanjivayya
๐จ⚖️ Damodaram Sanjivayya (14 February 1921 – 8 May 1972): The park is named after the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (11 January 1960 – 12 March 1962). He was the first Dalit leader from Andhra Pradesh to become All India Congress Committee president. He served as Minister of Labour and Employment under Lal Bahadur Shastry between 9 June 1964 and 23 January 1966 and was known for his administrative ability and uprightness of character. A statue of him stands opposite Public Gardens in Nampally, Hyderabad.
Development History: The Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPPA), responsible for beautification of areas surrounding Hussain Sagar lake, planned several new recreational facilities for public access in 2004. These included a 2.4 kilometre (1.5 mile) aerial tramway connecting this park to Lumbini Park on the other side of the lake. However, this proposal was later deemed harmful to the park's ecosystem. A study by the regional wildlife advisory board highlighted the need to protect the several species of flora and fauna in the park.
In 2010, HMDA came up with a new proposal for the park's development. While retaining all environmental aspects, the agency proposed a plan without construction of any concrete structures. Solar lighting was subsequently installed, and HMDA showcased sculptures made from recycled material as part of its Hyderabad Eco Art Project initiative.
๐ฎ๐ณ Second Tallest Indian National Flag
๐ A Monument of National Pride: Sanjeevaiah Park houses the second tallest Indian National Flag in the country (the tallest being in Ranchi, Jharkhand). The flag post stands at an impressive 291 feet (88.69 metres), and the flag itself measures 72 feet × 108 feet.
๐ Unfurled on 2 June 2016: The flag was unfurled by the Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, on the second anniversary of Telangana's formation since its bifurcation from Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The flag cost approximately ₹2 Crores to install. The original plan was to hoist the flag at 303 feet (higher than Ranchi's 293-foot flag), but the Airports Authority of India granted permission only up to 291 feet.
๐ฆ A Biodiversity Hotspot – 202+ Bird Species
Sanjeevaiah Park is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The park's diverse ecosystem supports an astonishing variety of flora and fauna:
๐ฆ Avian Diversity: Over 202 bird species have been recorded in the park. Common sightings include:
- Indian koel – with its melodious call
- Spotted doves – cooing in the trees
- Golden orioles – bright yellow flashes in the canopy
- Sunbirds – flitting among flowers
- Shikras – small birds of prey
- Coppersmith barbets – heard tapping on peepal trees
- Fruit bats – screeching from treetops
The pied crested cuckoo, considered a harbinger of the monsoon rains due to the timing of its arrival, is frequently spotted at this park. Local birdwatchers predict rains 15–18 days after spotting this bird.
๐ฆ Insects and Butterflies: About 100 species of resident and non-resident birds and more than 50 species of insects and butterflies are present in the park. The butterfly garden is a specially designed haven for these colourful creatures.
The park is also home to about 25,000 specimens spanning over 2,000 plant species [citation:6]. Notable botanical treasures include cannonball trees (Couroupita guianensis), young baobabs (the "upside-down tree"), and a stunning collection of Caribbean trumpet trees (Tabebuia aurea) that produce spectacular yellow flowers during spring, creating natural golden canopies along the pathways.
๐ธ Gardens and Themed Areas – A World of Botanical Wonders
The park houses diverse themed gardens that showcase different plant varieties and landscaping styles:
๐ฆ Butterfly Garden: A specially designed area that attracts and sustains local butterfly populations with nectar-rich flowers and host plants. It's a favorite spot for children and nature photographers.
๐ต Cactus Garden: Showcasing a variety of succulent plants adapted to arid conditions, adding unique texture and form to the park's landscape.
⏰ Flower Clock: A picturesque clock face created entirely with flowering plants – a popular spot for photographs.
๐♂️ Recreational Facilities – Something for Everyone
๐ถ For Fitness Enthusiasts
- Dedicated walking paths shaded by trees
- Refreshing morning air by the lake
- Jogging tracks along the waterfront
- Open spaces for yoga and exercise
๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ For Families
- Children's play area with swings and slides
- Spacious lawns for picnics, kite flying, and frisbee
- Food vendors within the premises
- Dedicated parking spaces
♻️ Environmental Initiatives – A Model for Urban Parks
Sanjeevaiah Park has been at the forefront of environmental conservation:
- Solar Lighting: The park is illuminated using solar power, reducing its carbon footprint
- Plastic Ban: BPPA enforced a ban on usage and littering of plastic in the park, with awareness activities to educate citizens about the hazards of plastic
- Recycled Art: Sculptures made from recycled material were showcased as part of the Hyderabad Eco Art Project initiative
- Water Conservation: The park's location on Hussain Sagar lake allows for natural water management
๐ Did You Know? A 2.4 kilometre (1.5 mile) aerial tramway connecting Sanjeevaiah Park to Lumbini Park on the other side of Hussain Sagar Lake was once planned. However, the proposal was deemed harmful to the park's ecosystem, and the plan was scrapped to protect the several species of flora and fauna in the park.
⏰ Visitor Information
๐ Address
Sanjeevaiah Park
Hussain Sagar, Khairatabad,
Hyderabad, Telangana – 500003
Coordinates: 17°25′56″N 78°28′32″E
๐ Timings
Open: All days of the week
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Morning walkers may have access from 5:00 AM as per some sources)
๐ฐ Entry Fee
General Visitors: ₹5 per person
Morning Walkers: ₹2 per day / ₹50 monthly pass
Children (below 10 years): Free entry
Note: Fees are nominal and subject to change.
๐ Contact
Phone: +91-1800-42546464
⏱️ Time Required
Recommended: 1–3 hours
๐ How to Reach
- Metro: The nearest metro station is Khairatabad or Lakdi-ka-pul (Red Line). From there, take an auto-rickshaw (approximately 10 minutes).
- MMTS Train: Sanjeevaiah Park railway station is located 390 metres north of the park, with James Street railway station 1.25 km east.
- Bus: Well connected by TSRTC buses to Necklace Road / Hussain Sagar stops.
- Auto/Cab: Easily available from anywhere in Hyderabad.
- Private Vehicle: Dedicated parking spaces available within the premises.
๐ Best Time to Visit: The park is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the early morning (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM) for birdwatching and a peaceful walk, or the late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) for cooler temperatures. The spring season (February – March) is particularly spectacular when the Caribbean trumpet trees produce their stunning yellow flowers, creating natural golden canopies along the pathways. The winter months (October – February) offer the most pleasant weather for a full day outing and attract the highest number of migratory birds.
๐ธ Photography Tips: The best photography spots include:
- The 291-foot national flag – Capture it against the blue sky for a dramatic patriotic shot
- Hussain Sagar lakefront – Sunrise and sunset reflections on the water
- Butterfly Garden – Macro photography of butterflies and flowers
- Rose Garden – Vibrant colours and fragrant blooms
- Flower Clock – A unique photo opportunity
- Caribbean trumpet trees (spring) – Golden canopies create magical lighting
๐ฆ Birdwatching Tips: The best time for birdwatching is early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM). Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide. Look for the pied crested cuckoo during the pre-monsoon period (May-June) – spotting this bird is said to predict rains 15–18 days later. Keep a respectful distance from the birds and avoid loud noises. The peepal tree heavy with figs is a hotspot for coppersmith barbets and other fruit-eating birds.
๐️ Nearby Attractions
✨ Key Features Summary
- Name: Sanjeevaiah Park (เฐธంเฐీเฐตเฐฏ్เฐฏ เฐเฐฆ్เฐฏాเฐจเฐตเฐจเฐฎు)
- Location: Necklace Road, Hussain Sagar, Khairatabad, Hyderabad
- Area: 92 acres (37 hectares)
- Named After: Damodaram Sanjivayya (Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, 1960-1962)
- Managed By: Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
- Award: Best Open Landscape Award, INTACH 2010
- National Flag: Second tallest in India – 291 feet (88.69 m), flag size 72 × 108 ft, unfurled 2 June 2016
- Bird Species: Over 202 species recorded
- Plant Species: Approximately 25,000 specimens across over 2,000 species
- Themed Gardens: Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Maze Garden, Bamboo Garden, Rock Garden, Cactus Garden, Butterfly Garden
- Special Features: Flower Clock, Cannonball trees, Baobab trees, Caribbean trumpet trees
- Butterfly Species: Over 50 species
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: ₹5 (General), ₹2 (Morning walkers per day)
- Nearest MMTS: Sanjeevaiah Park railway station (390 m)
- Nearest Metro: Khairatabad / Lakdi-ka-pul (Red Line)
๐ References & More Information
- Wikipedia – Sanjeevaiah Park
- Telangana Today – Sanjeevaiah Park: Where birds and blooms create morning melodies (2025)
- Holidify – Sanjeevaiah Park Timings & Entry Fee
- Trip.com – Sanjeevaiah Park Tickets & Opening Hours
- Bestbus – Sanjeevaiah Park Entry Timings & Fee Details
- Mapcarta – Sanjeevaiah Park Location
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