Hyderabad: Sanjeevaiah Park, where birds and blooms create morning melodies

More than a recreational space, Sanjeevaiah Park located at the edge of Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar, is a haven of biodiversity

By N Shiva Kumar

Snugly located at the edge of Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake, Sanjeevaiah Park is a sprawling 90-acre 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.

On 8 February, before the city awoke, 56 nature enthusiasts gathered for the 76th nature walk organised by the Nature Lovers of Hyderabad. Led by ecologists Sadhana Ramachander and Kobita Dass, the group — ranging from seasoned birders to young explorers — embarked on a guided tour through this botanical paradise. The free-of-cost monthly walks foster an engaged WhatsApp community of 476 members, actively discussing nature’s nuances.

Located along Necklace Road, Sanjeevaiah Park was once a secluded retreat for waterbirds before urbanisation altered its landscape. Today, it houses diverse plant life, including Fragrance, Maze, Bamboo, Rock, Cactus and Rose Gardens, along with a vibrant Butterfly Garden. Notable botanical treasures include cannonball trees, young baobabs and an astonishing 25,000 specimens spanning over 2,000 species.

Sanjeevaiah Park’s avian diversity is a delight for birdwatchers. Over 202 bird species have been recorded here, and on the day of the walk, 34 species made an appearance. The Indian koel’s melodious call intertwined with the cooing of spotted doves, while golden orioles, sunbirds and Shikras flitted through the trees. A peepal tree heavy with figs hosted coppersmith barbets, while a nearby beehive buzzed with thousands of bees. Fruit bats screeched from the treetops, settling after a night of foraging.

‘Every breath you take and every move you make I’ll be watching you’ was our dictum for the day as we meandered through Sanjeevaiah Park, a sensory experience. The rustling bamboo clumps, earthy scents and vibrant blossoms create an immersive connection with nature. The group spotted a Praying mantis nymph, a two-tailed spider, a grasshopper, and an ant-lion lurking in its sandy pit-trap.

More than just a green space, Sanjeevaiah Park is a living testament to the delicate balance between urban life and nature. It offers not just scenic beauty but an enduring reminder of the intricate, interwoven web of life waiting to be explored, cherished, and preserved. This park is a living, breathing testament to nature’s resilience, offering an enchanting escape to those who seek solace amid its lush greenery.