Hyderabad is a city rich in traditions, fine art, history and wildlife. Not only is Hyderabad well known as the city of the Nizams and the Pearl City, it is also famous for the many lakes in which some were artificially built by the Qutub Shahi and Nizam leaders to gratify the water needs of the Hyderabad city residents.
One such beautiful lakes of Hyderabad is the Durgam Cheruvu Lake. This lake has some astonishing facts hidden; one being that it is commonly called as ‘The Secret Lake of Hyderabad’. Though the reason behind this belief is unclear and there are multiple beliefs, the most widespread belief is that this lake behind the Jubilee Hills is a hidden one. It was so hidden that there were no ways to reach it for over 20 years! And the lake is not hidden by fluke!
As this was built to provide drinking water to the residents of Golconda Fort, it could have been attacked by poisonous arrows to destroy the royal family. Hence, this water reservoir had to be hidden. The lake also has a rocky terrain surrounding it.
Another remarkable fact is that the 2500 million years old granite rocks found near this Durgam Cheruvu Lake are exceptionally distinctive; the only one of this type in all of Asia. Due to these rock formations, the lake is also one among the ‘protected’ areas of the city. Situated amid the Deccan Hills, this Durgam Cheruvu Lake is stretched out on a land of 63 acres.
It is in belief that this Durgam Cheruvu Lake supplied drinking water to the residents of Golconda Fort during the Qutub Shahi dynasty from 1518-1687. Recently, in 2001, the AP State Tourism Department took over and came up with the plan of converting the lake into a tourist destination of Hyderabad. Many events were commenced as a part of the plan. The entire project undertaken had 20 million spent on it.
In these days, the Durgam Cheruvu Lake has become one of the tourist places in Hyderabad. This lake also offers boating as a part of Hyderabad Tourism. There are many kinds of boats tourists can choose from like Water Scooter, Pedal Boat, Mechanized Boat and the newly introduced ‘Putty’, to take a trip down the lake.
The area around the lake is well lit up. Additionally, the lake has an artificial waterfall, an art gallery, a floating fountain, Sculpture Park and a rock garden. There is also a 2 km long pavement in the locality of the lake for those who like taking long walks. It also offers adventure activities like Rappelling, Rock Climbing and Trekking for Adventure Sports enthusiasts.
This Durgam Cheruvu Lake is also a main fishing spot for locals and visitors. The amphitheatre in it, ‘The Crescent’, has a seating capacity of 1300 and has been designed for various kinds of events, thus making it one of the tourist spots of Hyderabad. It is designed to retain the feel of the vicinity and the roof of the theater has been made to look like another granite rock.
There are some well-maintained restaurants and snack bars, one of them being ‘On the Rocks’. Another huge stretch of lawn over the hilltop is another restaurant called ‘The Deck’. The Durgam Cheruvu is also a favorite film shooting spot due to its natural beauty.
The lake made headlines some time ago because of its pollution and sewage problems and orders were issued to prevent it from further increasing, but were of no use. For a serene and quiet sunrise or sunset away from the crowded city hassle, visit the Durgam Cheruvu Lake. Have a walk around the lake and relax on one of its rock formations. You are sure to return to routine with a feeling of pleasure and joy viewing the sunset.
Near this Durgam Cheruvu Lake is a huge mall, ‘The Inorbit Mall’. A one-day trip can be planned in Hyderabad by visiting this Durgam Cheruvu in the morning, having lunch at the Inorbit Mall and also one can do some shopping or even watch movies at the Inorbit Mall.
Durgam Cheruvu Hyderabad Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM All days of the week
Entry Fee: Rs 30/- per head.
Durgam Cheruvu Boating Tariff:
Boating rates at the Lake vary from Rs 25 to Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 10 to Rs. 100 for children
Other Facilities:
The Crescent – A hilltop, lake side amphitheatre
The Deck – Terrace Lawns, Catering Facilities on a lower deck capacity 300
Boating, Angling
Events / Party Places
Fishy Bar & Restaurant
Distance:
From Secunderabad railway Station 16 Kms
From MGBS Bus Terminus 17.5 Kms
Near by Attractions:
Shilparamam – Handicrafts Villagae, Madhapur
Peddamma Gudi Temple, Jubilee Hills
Inorbit Mall, Madhapur (Hyderabad’s biggest Mall)
Address:
Road No 45,
Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad – 500033,
Beside Ambedkar University
Contact Number: 40-23555072, 98480-11769