Durgam Cheruvu is a large fresh water lake located in Ranga Reddy District of Telangana. Durgam Cheruvu is spread over 83 acres of land. This lake is located near the city of Hyderabad, which is now the capital city of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Durgam Cheruvu in Telangana is also known as Secret Lake. It is because this fresh water lake is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur. Jubilee Hills is an aristocratic suburban neighbourhood located in West Hyderabad in Telangana. It is one of the most expensive commercial and residential locations in India.
Tourism in Durgam Cheruvu
During the rule of Qutb Shahi Dynasty, Durgam Cheruvu in Telangana served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golconda Fort and the fort city of Golconda.
In the year 2001, the tourism department of Andhra Pradesh initiated the steps to promote Durgam Cheruvu as a tourist destination and the abode for the migratory and the local birds. As a part of this, water sports are initiated under the guidance of the Municipal Corporation of Ranga Reddy District.
In the year 2002, Durgam Cheruvu in Telangana started becoming a destination for nature loving and the leisure loving tourists of India, who go for fishing as a pastime. Few citizens from the nearby city of Hyderabad travel to this lake on weekends to relax and enjoy fishing.
To attract the visitors, the local agencies expanded their tourism plans by turning the lake into a fishing zone. As a part of the various beautification steps, the area surrounding the lake was illuminated, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to this, proper seating arrangements, a 2 kilometres walkway and restaurants were established for the weekenders. The adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park for artists were also introduced as attractions. An amphitheatre, with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time, was also added for public access.
Because of the exclusive rock formations near Durgam Cheruvu abutting the lake and it was designated as a protected area. In the year 2001, the State High Court of Andhra Pradesh which is now in Telangana issued an order to the local pollution board and the city"s water supply and sewage board not to allow development of new residential localities near the lake. Furthermore, the court order also asked these agencies to take immediate steps for prevention or collection and treatment of domestic sewage flowing into the lake from the residential colonies in the vicinity and catchments area of the lake.
In the year 2013, Durgam Cheruvu is renovated and now it is acted as a place to relax. There is an amphitheatre, and the on the rocks cafeteria .Boating is also available for the weekend visitors in Durgam Cheruvu.