Durgam Cheruvu, Hyderabad

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 a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. The lake, which is spread over 83 acres (34 ha), is located near the city of Hyderabad. The lake is also known as Secret Lake because it is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur.
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.

Heritage
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.

Tourism
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.

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. 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.

How to Reach
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.

Time to Visit
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.