Are you looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hyderabad? Do you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, the charm of history, and the thrill of adventure at the same time?
If yes, then you should definitely visit Shamirpet Lake, a man-made lake that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Shamirpet Lake, including its location, history, features, attractions, and more. Read on to find out why Shamirpet Lake is one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad.
How to Reach Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is located about 24 km from Secunderabad and 30 km from Hyderabad, in the Rangareddy district of Telangana. You can reach the lake by various modes of transportation, such as car, bus, train, or bike. Here are the details of each mode:
Car:
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Shamirpet Lake is by car. You can either drive your own car or hire a cab from Hyderabad or Secunderabad. The road to the lake is well-maintained and scenic, passing through green fields and hills. The journey will take you about 40 minutes from Secunderabad and 50 minutes from Hyderabad, depending on the traffic. The approximate cost of the cab will be around Rs. 500 for a one-way trip.
Bus:
The cheapest and most eco-friendly way to reach Shamirpet Lake is by bus. You can take a state-run or private bus from Secunderabad or Hyderabad to Shamirpet, which is the nearest town to the lake. The bus fare will be around Rs. 30 per person for a one-way trip. The bus frequency is good, with buses available every 15 minutes. The journey will take you about an hour from Secunderabad and an hour and a half from Hyderabad. From Shamirpet, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a shared taxi to the lake, which will cost you around Rs. 50 per person for a one-way trip.
Train:
The most comfortable and scenic way to reach Shamirpet Lake is by train. You can take a local or express train from Secunderabad or Hyderabad to Bolarum, which is the nearest railway station to the lake. The train fare will be around Rs. 20 per person for a one-way trip. The train frequency is good, with trains available every 30 minutes. The journey will take you about 30 minutes from Secunderabad and 45 minutes from Hyderabad. From Bolarum, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a shared taxi to the lake, which will cost you around Rs. 100 per person for a one-way trip.
Bike:
The most adventurous and fun way to reach Shamirpet Lake is by bike. You can either ride your own bike or rent a bike from Hyderabad or Secunderabad. The road to the lake is ideal for biking, with smooth curves and gentle slopes. The journey will take you about an hour from Secunderabad and an hour and a half from Hyderabad, depending on your speed. The approximate cost of renting a bike will be around Rs. 300 for a day.
Best Time to Visit Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is a year-round destination, as it offers different attractions and experiences in different seasons. However, the best time to visit the lake is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full of water. This is also the best time to enjoy the activities and events at the lake, such as boating, fishing, birdwatching, photography, camping, etc. Some of the special events and festivals that take place near the lake during this time are:
Bonalu Festival:
This is a traditional festival of Telangana, celebrated in the month of July or August, to worship the goddess Mahankali. The festival involves a colorful procession of women carrying decorated pots of rice and water, accompanied by drummers and dancers. The procession ends at the Shamirpet Lake, where the pots are immersed in the water as an offering to the goddess. The festival is a spectacle of faith, culture, and joy, and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
Flower Show:
This is an annual event organized by the Telangana Horticulture Department, in the month of January or February, to showcase the variety and beauty of flowers. The event features a display of exotic and rare flowers, such as orchids, roses, lilies, carnations, etc., arranged in artistic and creative ways. The event also includes competitions, workshops, and stalls related to floriculture. The flower show is a delight for nature lovers and photographers, and draws a large crowd of visitors every year.
Kite Festival:
This is a popular event organized by the Telangana Tourism Department, in the month of January, to celebrate the harvest festival of Sankranti. The event involves a display and competition of colorful and innovative kites, flown by enthusiasts and professionals from different parts of the country and the world. The event also includes cultural programs, food stalls, and games related to kite flying. The kite festival is a fun and festive occasion for families and friends, and creates a vibrant and lively atmosphere at the lake.
Things to Do at Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is not just a place to relax and enjoy the nature, but also a place to have fun and adventure. There are many things to do at the lake, for different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at the lake:
Boating:
One of the most popular and enjoyable activities at the lake is boating. You can rent a pedal boat, a row boat, or a motor boat, and explore the lake at your own pace. You can also admire the scenic views of the lake, the hills, and the sky, and feel the breeze on your face. Boating is a great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones, or to have some fun with your friends. The boating facility is available from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 50 per person for a 30-minute ride.
Fishing:
Another exciting and relaxing activity at the lake is fishing. You can try your luck and skill at catching some fish from the lake, such as catfish, carp, rohu, etc. You can also enjoy the tranquility and calmness of the lake, and listen to the sounds of the water and the birds. Fishing is a great way to unwind and de-stress, or to challenge and compete with your friends. The fishing facility is available from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 100 per person for a day.
Birdwatching:
One of the most rewarding and educational activities at the lake is birdwatching. You can spot and identify some of the rare and exotic birds that visit the lake, such as pelicans, flamingos, storks, egrets, herons, ducks, etc. You can also learn about their habits, behaviors, and characteristics, and appreciate their beauty and diversity. Birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature and wildlife, or to pursue your passion and hobby. The best time for birdwatching is from November to February, when the lake attracts a large number of migratory birds. The entry fee for birdwatching is Rs. 20 per person.
Photography:
One of the most creative and enjoyable activities at the lake is photography. You can capture some of the stunning and memorable moments and scenes of the lake, such as the sunrise, the sunset, the reflections, the flowers, the birds, the boats, etc. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, and techniques, and unleash your artistic and imaginative potential. Photography is a great way to express yourself and share your experiences, or to hone your skills and talent. The best time for photography is from 6 am to 8 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm, when the light and the colors are at their best. The entry fee for photography is Rs. 20 per person.
Places to Stay and Eat Near Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is not only a day-trip destination, but also a weekend getaway destination. There are many places to stay and eat near the lake, for different budgets and tastes. Here are some of the best options:
Aalankrita Resort:
This is a luxury resort that offers a range of accommodation and amenities, such as cottages, suites, villas, swimming pools, spa, gym, conference halls, etc. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and has a serene and elegant ambiance. The resort also has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop, that serve delicious and hygienic food and drinks. The resort is ideal for couples, families, and corporate groups, who want to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay. The resort is located about 2 km from the lake, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Celebrity Resort:
This is a budget resort that offers a variety of accommodation and facilities, such as rooms, tents, cottages, swimming pool, playground, banquet hall, etc. The resort is set in a spacious and green campus and has a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The resort also has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a barbeque, and a bakery, that serve tasty and affordable food and drinks. The resort is suitable for families, friends, and students, who want to enjoy a fun and adventurous stay. The resort is located about 3 km from the lake, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Leonia Holistic Destination:
This is a premium resort that offers a holistic and luxurious experience, with a range of accommodation and amenities, such as villas, suites, studios, spa, wellness center, water park, cinema, casino, etc. The resort is spread over a vast and beautiful area and has a sophisticated and modern ambiance. The resort also has several restaurants, bars, and cafes, that serve exquisite and diverse food and drinks. The resort is ideal for couples, celebrities, and business travelers, who want to enjoy a lavish and exclusive stay. The resort is located about 5 km from the lake, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 12000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
If you are looking for a more economical and authentic option, you can also stay at the Shamirpet Lake Resort, which is a government-run resort that offers basic and clean accommodation and amenities, such as rooms, dormitories, conference hall, boating, etc. The resort is situated on the banks of the lake and has a rustic and natural ambiance. The resort also has a canteen that serves simple and hygienic food and drinks. The resort is suitable for backpackers, nature lovers, and budget travelers, who want to enjoy a close and comfortable stay. The resort is located about 500 m from the lake, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Other Attractions Near Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is not the only attraction in the area, as there are many other places to visit and explore near the lake, such as:
Shamirpet Deer Park:
This is a wildlife sanctuary that houses a variety of deer species, such as spotted deer, blackbuck, sambar, etc. The park also has other animals, such as peacocks, rabbits, monkeys, etc. The park is a great place to observe and interact with the animals, and to learn about their conservation and protection. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Jawahar Deer Park:
This is another wildlife sanctuary that hosts a large number of deer, along with other animals, such as bears, crocodiles, snakes, etc. The park also has a museum, a library, and a children’s park, that provide educational and recreational opportunities. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
NALSAR University of Law:
This is one of the leading law schools in India, that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in law and allied disciplines. The university is known for its academic excellence, research output, and placement record. The university also has a beautiful and spacious campus, that hosts various events and activities, such as seminars, workshops, moot courts, cultural festivals, etc. The university is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free for visitors.
BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus:
This is one of the prestigious engineering and science institutes in India, that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, science, management, and humanities. The institute is renowned for its innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The institute also has a state-of-the-art and eco-friendly campus, that hosts various events and activities, such as conferences, competitions, hackathons, sports meets, etc. The institute is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free for visitors.
Shamirpet Lake is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and adventure. The lake offers a refreshing and rejuvenating escape from the city life, and a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the region. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, or have fun and explore the activities, Shamirpet Lake has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Shamirpet Lake today, and discover the hidden gem of Hyderabad.
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