Hyderabad is a major city in Southern India. It is the capital of Telangana state and an upcoming tourist destination in the region. The historic city was originally founded by Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. It is strewn with historical places and buildings from the Qutb Shahi era like the Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, and Falaknuma Palace.
The city also has some of the best lakes and tourist spots, which makes it one of the top places to visit in India. Lakes in Hyderabad are prominent tourist spots because of the rich flora and fauna that they house. Apart from this, lakes here also offer a soothing experience to onlookers who want to escape the city life for some time. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon by the water or go for a jog around one of them, there are plenty of options available at all times throughout the year.
Below are some of the popular lakes in and around Hyderabad:
Hussain Sagar Lake
Towards the south of Hyderabad, Hussain Sagar Lakes is a scenic spot that offers you an excellent view. Being one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia, it attracts many tourists. The lake was constructed by Haji Hussainsagar Quli Khan as far back as 1562 using waterways from Musi River to address water shortages in the city.
The lake has been divided into two parts by the “Hussain Sagar Swing Bridge'' which is an architectural spectacle that allows you to walk across this bridge from one side of the lake to another.
It is bordered by three parks, namely Lumbini Park, Indira Park, and Sanjeevaiah Park. A large monolithic statue of Gautam Buddha had been erected in the middle of this lake in the year 1992. The best time to visit this lake is October to March.
You can also choose short-term plans offered by the Yacht Club of India. You can also opt for the boat ride which takes a 30 minutes return trip to the Lord Buddha statue from East street and Lumbini park.
Osman Sagar Lake
Osman Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, India is a famous lake. It has been created by the construction of an earth dam on the Isa, a tributary of Musi River, and was named after Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII, the last Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad State. The catchment area for water to fill up this lake is around 249 km² which includes four towns namely- Secunderabad, Dilsukhnagar, Uppal Kalan, and Shamshabad.
It is located 20 km west of Hyderabad. The lake also has a heritage building, Sagar Mahal, which was built as a resort by the Hyderabad Nizam and is now transformed into a lake resort. It's also one of the few largest bird sanctuaries in Asia where migratory birds come every year from as far away places like Siberia all along Eurasian flyway National Park.
Durgam Cheruvu Lake
Durgam Cheruvu Lake is also known as Raidurgram Cheruvu. This lake was built during the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. It is a freshwater lake that served as a source of drinking water to the residents of Golconda fort. Durgam Cheruvu lake is also known as 'Secret lake'. It is located in the heart of Hyderabad city, India.
The lake has a lot of interesting vegetation and migratory birds on its banks which makes it an ideal destination for bird watchers to enjoy nature at its best. The waterbody also attracts people who are interested in fishing and boating activities. Pedal boats, mechanized boats, or water scooters attract adventure lovers.
Recently, a floating restaurant was launched at Durgam Cheruvu lake. The location is a very famous sport among filmmakers and many movies are shot at this location. Another recent addition to the lake is the Durgam Cheruvu bridge which serves as a commutation bridge and tourist attraction as well.
You may spot a lot of water birds like cormorants, egrets, herons, etc., while fishing or cruising along the shores of the Durgam Cheruvu Lakeside Park.
Shamirpet Lake
This lake is located 24 km to the north of Hyderabad. It covers an area of about 530 acres and it was built in 1859 during Nizam's rule. The water from this lake is used for irrigation purposes only, no fishing or boating activity takes place here due to low depth. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset on its banks which features huge trees on both sides and lush green lawns near the lakeside.
In the olden times, this lake was known by a different name. It was called Khirki Daira which means ditch in English but there is no water flowing here and that's why it got its current name Shamirpet Lake or Pedda Cheruvu as we call it now. The drainage system from these lakes is used for irrigation purposes only and also to feed nearby tanks with fresh groundwater.
Shamirpet Lake is a popular picnic spot in hyderabad for people of all ages who enjoy walking on the shores during weekends after they have been boating at other places over the weekdays. This place can become really crowded especially when schools get closed due to summer holidays because most teens go out looking for some adventure in the evening.
Nagarjuna Sagar
Built on the Nagarjuna dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar Lake is a prominent tourist spot near Hyderabad. This dam is a masonry dam on the Krishna river about 150 KM from Hyderabad. The dam provides irrigation water to several neighboring cities and states.
Inaugurated by then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Nagarjuna sagar dam was built between 1955 and 1967, with a storage capacity of 11.472 Billion cubic meters. It is one of the earliest multi-purpose dams in the country.
The Nagarjuna sagar lake contributes a lot to the tourism department. The boating experience on this lake attracts a lot of people from all around the country.
You should enjoy a boat ride to Nagarjunakonda island, where the ancient relics of the Buddist era were found, which takes about 45 minutes. People generally spend their time exploring the island and admiring the artifacts of the Buddhist era. A boating trip in Nagarjuna lake is a thrilling experience and a perfect way to spend your time in the crystal clear water of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam.
Himayat Sagar Lake
Himayat Sagar Lake in Hyderabad, India is one of the most popular lakes in this area. It is parallel to the larger artificial Osman Sagar lake. The lake covers an area of about 7000 acres with its maximum depth being 100 feet below or so from the surface level. It was built by Nizam Himayat Ali Khan, the youngest son of Nizam. It was constructed in 1927 as a water reservoir to supply drinking water to residents living around Hitech city.
The lake offers you a view worth admiring, with miles of sparkling water and a cool breeze beneath the blue sky. The lake is famous for picnic spots where you get to enjoy your meal and watch the beautiful sunset colors scatter on the pristine water. You will also come across many fitness lovers and cyclists along the trails. It is a great spot to start your day exploring the city.
Safilguda Lake
Safilguda Lake in Hyderabad is located in the district of Old Neredmet. This lake is a great place to visit for anyone who has an interest in nature. In addition to the lake, there is also access to gardens and bird watching opportunities. This lake is also known as Nadimi Cheruvu. There is a small bird island (Nadimi Bird Island) in the center of the lake covered with greenery, which attracts a variety of birds to the island.
The best time to visit Safilguda Lake is during the months of March and April when migratory birds come from Europe. The water level goes down in summer but it still remains a great place for an outing with friends or family because there are plenty of trees, gardens, two boat clubs, and open spaces.
Saroornagar Lake
Saroornagar Lake is a popular lake in Hyderabad. Built in 1626, the Saroornagar lake is the oldest water body and ranked 85 among the best lakes in the country. The lake is located on Road Number 18, Green Park Colony, Saroor Nagar, Telangana.
This lake was designed for rainwater harvesting. Spread over 99 Acres, this lake is a second home to many migratory birds. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal clear water, it gives a feel of being close to nature.
You can enjoy a boat riding service when visiting the lake or visit the environmental education center to understand the impact of human expansion on the lake and the surrounding environment. The water in the lake was heavily polluted at some time but now several steps have been taken to bring back the old charm of the lake.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset blending with the water and a local delicacy accompanied with some local drink to fire up the taste buds.
Ameenpur Lake
Ameenpur lake is the first water body to be recognized as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. This lake is located in Sanga Reddy District on the edge of Hyderabad city. The lake covers an area of 93 acres and was built during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah to irrigate the gardens in the nearby palace.
The lake is a famous spot especially for photography lovers and bird watchers. The place is a stunning beauty with its crystal clear water. This place is a true paradise for ornithologists as it is home to many migratory birds like flamingos, egrets, and kingfishers.
Ameenpur lake is perfect to experience nature and wildlife closely. This place offers you opportunities for recreational activities like boating, camping, and water sports. When planning a trip to visit this lake don't forget to bring your camera and click some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Nagole Lake
Nagole Lake is situated near Arunodaya Nagar, Hyderabad. The lake was originally used as a dumping ground for sewage water, but with the passage of time, it has been cleaned up. The Nagole Lake area features several public amenities like parks (one each on both sides), children's playgrounds, jogging tracks, etc., making this one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hyderabad.
Nagole Lake visitors can take boating rides or stroll around the lakeside park while enjoying views at dusk when the birds are coming back to roost from their day-long adventures over rice fields and farmlands. It also offers opportunities for fishing enthusiasts who love to fish along its edges.
Alwal Lake
Alwal lake is located about 9 km from Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is famous as one of the largest lakes in the city and among the people who like fishing. It is about 10 mins walk from Alwal railway station.
The nearby area is surrounded by greenery and is very beautiful making it a prime landmark. The lake is famous among locals and tourists who enjoy fishing. You can come here on a weekend fishing expedition with your friends and family and experience nature up close.
This lake is also home to many birds and animals presenting a perfect flora and fauna. The lake is also used for idol immersion during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which adds a religious touch to it.
Fox Sagar Lake
Fox Sagar Lake, also known as the “Jeedimetla Chervu or Kolla Cheruvu” is a man-made 126-acre lake. It is situated near Jeedimetla and linked to Hussain Sagar lake by a tributary of Musi river. There’s a park that surrounds Fox Sagar Lake where people come to relax and enjoy picnics with family or friends on weekends.
The lake has boating facilities too, so take your time out and witness this place as it offers some of the most beautiful sights around.
The lake provides an excellent opportunity for fishing activities such as angling, seining, etc., which you can enjoy while refreshing yourself in its cool waters. If not, just simply watch fishermen at work from one of many vantage points provided along its edge.
There is a lot to see and do in Hyderabad, but you can’t get the most out of your stay without visiting these stunning lakes. These natural wonders are popular spots among locals and visitors alike. The Lakes in Hyderabad add a splash of refreshment to your trip. With numerous fun activities to enjoy with your friends and family, you can look forward to an exciting trip to Hyderabad.
