Hyderabad's 450-Yr-Old African Tree Called 'Hathian Jhad' For A Reason, Can Fit 40 People Inside
The Hatian Jhad Baobab Tree at Hyderabad Golf Club, believed to be from Madagascar, is a centuries-old landmark with an elephant-like trunk, protected by the ASI
Tucked away inside the Hyderabad Golf Club lies one of the city's most extraordinary botanical and historical landmarks – the centuries-old Hatian Jhad Baobab Tree, believed to have originated from Madagascar and brought to India by Arab traders. Known for its massive trunk that resembles an elephant's body, this iconic tree has become a cultural and ecological treasure in the city of Nizams.
The baobab's unusual name, Hatian Jhad, comes from the Hindi word for 'elephant tree", a nod to its thick, gnarled trunk that curves and bulges like an elephant in motion. The trunk houses a cavernous hollow with a circumference of 25 metres, large enough to accommodate up to 40 people at once.
Hatian Jhad has become a popular destination for both tourists and local families.
Protected Monument Status
Local guide S Kumar told Local 18 that the Hatian Jhad Baobab Tree now sits within a secure enclosure inside the Hyderabad Golf Club, safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI installed an iron fence around the tree after environmental activists and residents raised alarms over potential damage and degradation. Responding to these concerns, the ASI officially declared the baobab a protected monument of national importance.
How To Visit
The closest metro stop is Jubilee Hills Check Post Metro Station, located about 3 kms away. From there, autos and rickshaws are readily available to take visitors directly to the site.
While folklore claims the tree was planted by an African traveller centuries ago, this remains unverified. No concrete historical record confirms its arrival in Hyderabad, leaving its exact origins shrouded in mystery.
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