Durgam Cheruvu Boating
Hyderabad has many
glorious places to its array of perfect getaways and leisure destinations. The
royal city of Nawabs is home to a secret lake, which is popularly known as the
Durgam Cheruvu.
Durgam Cheruvu is in a
secluded location that is spread over an area of sixty-three acres and is a
picturesque location surrounded by green pastures and scenic hills of the
Deccan Plateau. The reason behind this intriguing name is indistinct but old
timers assert that for many years the lake remained hidden as there were no
roads to reach the place and it was well kept away from naked eye for twenty
years.
The lake is shielded by
granite rocks that are said to be only one of its kinds in entire Asia. The
stones date back to more than some 2,500 million years. Nature lovers are very
attracted to this place.
This secret lake is
situated close to Shilparamam craft village and the city’s software hub, Hitech
city. The lake has now been developed into a haven for visitors. The tourism
department has introduced boating facilities to lure people into visiting this
exotic place. The visitors throng this place for the entertaining activities
like fishing, which is very rare in the city. This appealing lake serves as one
best place for the film shootings. It is also the most recommended picnic spot
for busy Hyderabadis who look for a rejuvenating weekend.
Telangana Tourism
Initiative
The tourism department
initiated steps in 2001 for promoting the lake as a tourist destination. As a
part of this plan, five boats were to be deployed at the lake. In 2002, the
lake is considered as an ideal destination for people who intend to indulge in
fishing as a pastime. The lake has been adorned with various beautification
steps while the area surrounding the lake has been illuminated with artificial
waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to
this, a 2-kilometer walkway was created and opened for public.
For heritage lovers, the
rocks of this lake are living fossils while nature enthusiasts collect
specimens from the lake and the shrubs nearby which is replete with good flora
and fauna.
Facilities
The Tourism Department
has provided camping, pedal boating, and trekking facilities. The park on the
top is a perfect place to spend a quiet evening and watch the sun set. The
water during sunset takes a golden colour and the lush green trees surrounding
it make it a wonderful sight. There is yet another view of the secret lake,
from the road that is equally beautiful, where one can spot peacocks and birds
in the early mornings. There is also a well-maintained restaurant for people
looking for food and refreshments.
Boating of all types
such as Mechanized Boat, Water Scooter & Pedal Boat is readily available
here, a major highlight of the lake. The trip on a mechanized boat is very much
thrilling as it takes tourists from one end of the lake to the other. Similarly,
a ride on a putty’, that has been newly introduced, is indeed quite thrilling
and it costs you around Rs. 20/- per trip.
Added attractions
Adventure activities
such as rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park
for artists are now some of the added attractions. It also has an amphitheater,
with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time. Youngsters of Hyderabad and
some adventure clubs organize trekking activities at Durgam Cheruvu during
weekends, which are a big draw.
The lighting facility in
the backdrop of heritage rocks here adds a completely different dimension to
the beauty of the lake. The silent chirps of birds and the easy access to
Hyderabad’s IT corridor has earned Durgam Cheruvu a unique name and is
frequented by employees of the technology companies located close by.
Other facilities
This lake is one best
place for the film shootings and it is recommended for its picturesque picnic
spot. The cost of film shooting is around Rs.75,000/- per day. You can have a
very relaxing time, exploring the gentle waves of water, the lush greenery
around and the rocky terrains. If you intend to unwind, away from the hustle
and bustle of city life, then this is a right place for you.
The lake is a 2-kilomtere drive from Cyber Towers and one has to
traverse short lanes and urban settlements from Jubilee hills. It takes 10
minutes to reach Durgam Cheruvu from Madhapur police station.
The best time to visit the lake is during the evening. However, the
lake is a paradise for people living in the vicinity where one can enjoy
morning work and jog around in an environment with fresh air.
Boats are usually hired for film shootings at Rs. 2,500/- per day
for a 4-seater pedal boat and for water scooter the tariff is approximately
Rs.3,000/- per day.
