With summer gone and the monsoon taking over, it is the season of rain.
This will fill our lakes that supply us our water every day . They are ideal picnic destinations as well.
“We visit the water bodies of the city on holidays. They teach us about the water ecosystem,” says Pravalika Rao, who regularly goes on picnics with her family and her friends.
Her neighbour, 12-year-old Ranganath, enjoys the boating and fishing facilities provided in some of these lakes.
Did you know that the lakes of Hyderabad are all man made?
Since the Deccan area receives heavy rain from the south west monsoon, the rulers here felt the need to store this precious liquid, so that they would have a constant supply of water through the year. Their planning and implementation, is the back bone of our lives too!
Hussainsagar lake
Built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, by revered saint Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, this lake is situated between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Tank Bund and Necklace Road, which skirt the lake offer various attractions to visitors. Boating is one of the most popular activities at this lake.
Osman Sagar
The dam was constructed on the Musi river in 1920 by Mir Osman Ali Khan, giving birth to the Osman Sagar Lake. This lake caters to the drinking water needs of the twin cities. To keep it clean, no activities are permitted on the clear blue water of this beautiful lake.
Himayat Sagar
Parallel to the Osman Sagar Lake is the Himayat Sagar Lake, which has been named after Himayat Ali Khan, the youngest son of the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. The water of this lake meets the drinking and irrigational needs of the twin cities. This scenic lake offers an ideal picnic spot to visitors.
Durgam Cheruvu
Situated near the HITEC City, this lake was constructed during the reign of the Quli Qutb Shahs.
It was popularly known as the Secret Lake, which could be due to the concealed location of the lake. This picturesque lake was primarily constructed to provide drinking water to Golconda Fort. Later the water was used for irrigation purposes by the British. Presently the angling and boating facilities available at this lake attract visitors.
Mir Alam Tank
This small lake was built in 1806 by Mir Alam, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State during that period. Completed in two years the unique feature of the tank is the mile long bund with 21 semicircular masonry arches. When the tank was built it provided portable water.
The water is said to be so pure that people going on long journeys took this water with them. Presently, apart from being a scenic place, this tank attracts many migratory birds during winter.
Shamirpet lake
North of Secunderabad is the pristine Shamirpet lake.
Due to its location, adjacent to the Shamirpet Deer Park, visitors can see plenty of deer going down to the water to quench their thirst. This lake also attracts plenty of migratory birds during winter month.
