History
The Osman Sagar Lake was created in 1920 by Mir Osman Ali Khan to provide drinking water source to Hyderabad and Secunderabad after a critical drought faced by the twin-cities in 1908. The Sagar Mahal, a guesthouse that now overlooks the lake, was a summer resort for the last Nizam. Initially the lake was used and considered a main reservoir for water supply to the city of Hyderabad. Now the lake is used as a public recreation spot and is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourist Department. The Musi River is one of the prime river sources that flows directly into the lake but is now clogged by a dam built along the Osman Sagar.
Flora And Fauna
To make Gandipet Lake all the more inviting for tourists, the tourist officials created landscaped gardens to add to the color and the magnificence of this lake. A swimming pool was also built in the vicinity of Gandipet Lake. The terraced and landscaped gardens around the lake serve as picnic spots for those visiting the area and are very popular zones for clicking photographs and lazing around. While you are here, you might even spectacle a variety of seasonal birds flocking the lake and the gardens, if you are lucky. The salubrious surrounding is perfect to just laze around in or for a stroll with loved ones.
Things To Do
- Picnic with friends and family
- Photography
- Bird-watching
- Visit nearby amusement parks such as Ocean Park, Elless World and Treasure Island for the kids.
- Swimming at the Gandipet Lake swimming pool.
- Overnight stay at the ‘Sagar Mahal’ guesthouse overlooking the lake.
- Indulge in some local delights at the numerous cafeterias offering Continental, Indian and Chinese cuisines.
- Boating facilities
By Road
The Gandipet Lake is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad and just on the way to Secunderabad. You can opt for local transport (auto-rickshaws or taxis) to reach the lake or you could also board a bus at Mehadipatnam that will bring you directly to the Gandipet Bus Depot.
By Rail
You can catch a local train to the Mehadipatnam station from Kachiguda station. Once you disembark at Mehadipatnam, you can hire local transport to get to the lake.
People spend an entire day at Gandipet Lake playing games, relaxing or just enjoying some fast food nearby. The best time to visit the lake is right after the monsoon period, from October to March. Come and explore Gandipet Lake and take back wonderful memories with you.
