Osman Sagar Lake – Hyderabad Tourist Spot with a Scenic Beauty
In the historically significant land of Hyderabad, lies the Osman Sagar Lake.
This man-made lake was ordered to be made by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan and was named after him.
Set in lush greens, Osman Sagar Lake is situated 20 kms west of the city. In 1908, floods wrecked Hyderabad. To prevent from further flooding and to serve as a water source, the Nizam ordered for the damming of the Musi River. And Osman Sagar Lake was born.
The lake is spread over an area of 46 square kilometers and the reservoir covers an area of 29 square kilometers. The most recent measurement recorded to be 1769.8 feet deep.
The Osman Sagar Lake and the area around it is more popularly known as ‘Gandipet’. The cool gentle breeze that blows here has attracted visitors in the past and does so, today also. Lush green gardens around the lake provide a soothing cool. Hyderabad Locals and Hyderabad tourists beat the heat by retreating to the lake making it as one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad. Summer or winter, the Gandipet draws crowd every day and at most times. Merry picnickers and holiday makers head to the Osman Sagar Lake with their picnic baskets and mats and games. A visit to this lake makes for nice family time. The elders can sit back, relax, chat and enjoy the breeze while the children play around. There’s a small cafeteria around too and vendors earn their living, serving hot tea, coffee and snacks.
After the rains, the sight of people swimming is also common. Boating services are available in the post-monsoon months. Visitors swarm to Osman Sagar as the reservoirs are full. A swimming pool is an added attraction.
For those who wish to stay longer at the Osman Sagar, and in style, there’s a small resort close by- Sagar Mahal. Nizam Osmal Ali Khan had a summer resort built around the lake. The princely resort, now a heritage site, offers accommodation and food. The view of the Gandipet Lake is considered the best from Sagar Mahal. The Hyderabad Tourism Department runs the resort and manages the Lake and gardens also making it as Hyderabad’s sightseeing place.
The best time to visit the Osman Sagar Lake is October-March. Close by, lie the Elles World and Oceans Park (Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm) are amusement parks. Oceans Park offers toy train, helicopter rides etc. and children enjoy a visit here. Treasure Island, close by, offers camel rides. Himayatsagar Lake is another tourist attraction, nearby.
The Osman Sagar Lake is not just an important Hyderabad tourist spot. For locals, the Lake has served as a place to meet at and interact. Apart from serving drinking water to twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, it has become one of the beautiful Hyderabad tourist places. College seniors are seen ragging their juniors here and bonds of friendship are sealed over the Gandipet. In the present day, the Lake is not enough to satisfy the demand for drinking water by Hyderabad and Secunderabad. But it stands as proof to a Nizam’s concern for his people. After hours spent in palaces and museums, treat your senses to a break at Osman Sagar Lake.
Distance:
– 26 Kms from Secunderabad Railway Station (75-90 min drive by car)
– 21 Kms from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad ( 60-70 min drive by car)
Public Transport to Osman Sagar Lake:
– Buses from Secunderabad – 5K-120, 5M-120, 5P-120
– Buses from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad – 156V-120, 80L-120, 80S-120
Location: Gandipet, Hyderabad
Food Facilities: Lots of hotels in Hyderabad with variety of cuisines, but one should not miss Biryani. Enjoy some snacks at the Osman Sagar Gadipet lake gossiping with your dear ones.
Best Time to visit: Through out the year but Oct-Dec is the best time to enjoy the landscape of this great Hyderabad Tourism spot.
Near by Tourist Attractions:
– Chilkur Balaji Temple
– Ocean Park
– Khali Matha Temple
Contact Number: State Tourism – +91 (040) 23450444