Travel Hyderabad: From cycling to bird watching, visit Yadgarpally's Gandi Cheruvu to detox

Hyderabad: Tucked away in the secluded corner of Yadgarpally village, Gandi Cheruvu lake is a beautiful yet not-so-popular getaway. It has everything that weekenders look for: Digital detox and a break from the hustle-bustle of the city in the company of peacocks and bee-eaters.

The clear waters surrounded by trees and rocks are going to heal your mind. Compare it to any other lake in the city, you won't find a match, thanks to the lesser popularity of the place.

Early mornings are the best time to visit the lake. The shy winds of summer mornings will give you some respite from the everyday heat.

A home to peacocks, there is a small reserve forest across the lake. Peacocks often come to quench their thirst at the lake. Just follow the footprints of peacocks on the sand and who knows, you might stumble upon one.

Apart from peacocks, there are small bee-eaters, very common on the lake. Mind the green ones, they just camouflage with the background. In the middle of the lake are some rocks on which you find a line of storks taking a sunbath. The villagers say it is also home to small birds including Kingfishers and Indian Rollers. This lake is a good place for people who love bird watching.

Here and there you see a monkey making merry.

It's also said that there are also giant monitor lizards at the lake. If you are lucky, you might spot one. The reserve forest is also home to wild boars, Russell's Viper, King Cobra, Rock Python, etc.

Around the lake, one can go cycling. On one side of the lake stands a eucalyptus tree garden and next to it is a rock. You can take a complete round around the lake on your cycle. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is very close to the eucalyptus garden.

If you are visiting in the morning, you could try swimming. The cool waters are surely going to refresh your mind and soul.

Five kilometers away from the lake lie KeesaraGutta temple, an abode of Ramalingeshwara Swamy. There are around 101 Shiva lingas inside this temple. Interestingly, recent excavations around the temple have indicated some signs of Jain cultural traditions dating back to the 4th or 5th century.

Please don't litter

The villagers explain how lately the place has become very popular and people from the city come and litter the place. Macha Avinash Goud, one of the young MBA graduates from the village says that the lake has become a popular weekend getaway. "People from the city come over here and camp. They drink and take ganja and later litter the place. It's good that you appreciate nature, but the moment you throw garbage on it, the whole purpose of life is gone," he says.

If you are planning to stay for a night, you can put up a tent and camp on the lake premises.

How to get there

Gandi Cheruvu lake is located approximately 72 km from Hyderabad. Though a little difficult to reach by public transport, there are a few options. One can take a bus from Hyderabad to Secunderabad. You can take another bus from Secunderabad to the ECIL bus stand. From there, if you are lucky, you might take a bus to Yadgarpally. If not, you can take an auto to the lake. The nearest railway station is Secunderabad.

Cover and inside photo credits: Macha Avinash Goud