Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, is known for its rich heritage, culture, and history. But did you know that Hyderabad is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in India? These lakes not only add to the city’s natural beauty but also provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From the famous Hussain Sagar Lake to the lesser-known Nallagandla Lake, Hyderabad has a plethora of lakes that offer breathtaking views, boating activities, and even water sports. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these lakes have something for everyone.
In this article, I have compiled a list of the Top 10 lakes in Hyderabad that you must visit. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the mesmerizing beauty of these natural wonders.
1. Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the most iconic and popular lakes in Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1562 by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, and it is a heart-shaped lake that spans across an area of 5.7 square kilometers.
The lake is known for its beautiful surroundings, which include lush green gardens, statues, and monuments. One of the most famous monuments near the lake is the giant Buddha statue that stands tall at a height of 18 meters.
The lake is also a popular spot for water sports and activities such as boating, jet skiing, and parasailing. Visitors can rent boats and explore the lake or take a romantic boat ride during sunset.
At night, the lake comes alive with a beautiful light show. The Necklace Road, which runs along the lake, is illuminated with colorful lights, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll or a night out with friends and family.
2. Osman Sagar Lake
Osman Sagar Lake, also known as Gandipet Lake, is a man-made lake located about 20 km from Hyderabad. It was built in the year 1920 by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, to provide drinking water to the city. The lake is spread over an area of 46 sq. km and has a maximum depth of 18 meters.
Osman Sagar Lake is a popular weekend destination for the people of Hyderabad. The lake offers a serene environment and is surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing in the lake. The lake is also a great spot for bird watching, especially during the winter season when migratory birds flock to the lake.
The lake is surrounded by several parks, including the Mrugavani National Park and the Chilkur Balaji Temple. The Mrugavani National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, peacocks, and monkeys. The Chilkur Balaji Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and visitors can enjoy a scenic drive to reach the temple.
3. Himayat Sagar Lake
Himayat Sagar Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Hyderabad, located about 20 km from the city. This lake was built during the reign of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, in 1927. It is a man-made lake that was created to provide drinking water to the city. The lake is spread over an area of 1,500 acres and has a capacity of 2.9 tmc ft.
The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and outings. There are several parks and gardens around the lake where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. The lake is also a popular destination for water sports like boating and fishing.
One of the main attractions of Himayat Sagar Lake is the Himayat Sagar Deer Park, which is located on the eastern side of the lake. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, peacocks, and rabbits. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Overall, Himayat Sagar Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Hyderabad. Its serene surroundings and tranquil waters make it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in nature.
4. Durgam Cheruvu Lake
Durgam Cheruvu Lake, also known as Secret Lake, is a beautiful and serene lake located in the heart of Hyderabad. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. This lake is also a great place for bird watching, with many different species of birds spotted here throughout the year.
The lake is located near the Hi-Tech city, making it easily accessible to visitors. There are several walking trails around the lake, making it a great place to go for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. Boating facilities are also available, allowing visitors to explore the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
One of the unique features of Durgam Cheruvu Lake is the floating restaurant located on the lake. The restaurant offers a variety of local and international cuisine and provides a unique dining experience for visitors. There is a Yacht club too near the lake. If you are the adventurous type and like to go kayaking or learn sailing then this place is for you.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot in the heart of the city, Durgam Cheruvu Lake is definitely worth a visit. With its beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
5. Shamirpet Lake
Located about 24 kilometers north of Hyderabad, Shamirpet Lake is a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike. This man-made lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Shamirpet Lake, including boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is also home to a number of migratory birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
There are also a number of resorts and hotels near Shamirpet Lake, making it a great place for a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stay amidst nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
6. Mir Alam Tank
Mir Alam Tank is a man-made lake located south of Musi river in Hyderabad, India. It was built in the 1800s during the reign of Asaf Jah II, the third Nizam of the princely state of Hyderabad. The lake covers a vast area of approximately 600 acres and served as a primary source of drinking water for the city before Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were built.
Mir Alam Tank is also an important recreational spot for locals and tourists alike, with its serene waters and lush green surroundings. The lake is surrounded by several parks, including Nehru Zoological Park. Unfortunately, in recent years, Mir Alam Tank has been facing severe pollution due to industrialization and human activity, threatening the ecological balance of the area.
Nevertheless, it remains an important landmark in Hyderabad and a beautiful attraction for visitors to enjoy.
7. Khajaguda Lake
Located in the city of Hyderabad, near Gachibowli, Khajaguda Lake is a picturesque water body that is frequented by locals. This serene lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a calming respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for its tranquil ambience and scenic beauty, Khajaguda Lake is the perfect spot for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake or simply sit by its banks and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
This place comes to life in the evening with numerous food stalls and bustling activities. With its serene ambience and breathtaking beauty, Khajaguda Lake is a must-visit destination in Hyderabad for nature lovers and people looking for a break.
8. Malkam Cheruvu
Malkam Cheruvu is a beautiful freshwater lake situated in the Shaikpet area in Hyderabad, India. This 50-acre serene oasis provides a welcome escape from the noise and chaos of city life. The sparkling waters of Malkam Cheruvu attract visitors from far and wide.
Many people come here to walk, run or simply to relax and soak up the scenery.
With walking and cycling tracks coupled with picturesque landscaping, this is an ideal spot for working up a sweat and nature walks. With its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views, Malkam Cheruvu is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city of Hyderabad.
9. Ameenpur Lake
Ameenpur Lake, located in Sangareddy District 26 kms from the city centre of Hyderabad, is a beautiful man-made lake that offers serene surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere. Spread across an area of about 90 acres, the lake is a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is home to various species of birds, including storks, egrets, and kingfishers, among others. The lake is a perfect destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ameenpur Lake has gained recognition as India’s first Biodiversity Heritage water body and is the first of its kind to be approved in an urban area. This is thanks to the large population of migratory birds that inhabit Ameenpur, the Environment Ministry declared it a Biodiversity Heritage Site
10. Nallagandla Lake
Nallagandla lake is a natural rain-fed water body of water situated in the Nallagandla region on the north-western border of Hyderabad. Covering an area of 90 acres, the lake bed includes a permanent marsh on its southwestern side, while its eastern boundary is shared with Hyderabad Central University. On all the other sides of the lake are residential properties.
The marshy area and water vegetation situated on the southwest side offer an ideal habitat for the moorhens and swamphens. Additionally, a few river terns, a couple of black-winged stilts, and a few red-wattled lapwings have been seen in the vicinity of the lake. Nallagandla Lake is a truly blissful spot for Ornithologists.
To sum up:
Hyderabad is a city of many wonders, and its lakes are no exception. From the bustling Hussain Sagar to the serene Durgam Cheruvu, each lake has its own unique charm and beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or an exciting place to sail, Hyderabad’s lakes have something for everyone. The top 10 lakes on our list offer a diverse range of experiences, from boating and fishing to birdwatching and picnicking.
So if you’re planning a trip to Hyderabad, be sure to add these lakes to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
What to do next?
Check out my article on 41 amazing places to visit in Hyderabad
