Written by

Picture miles of glistening waters ahead, with a cool breeze rustling through green grass beneath an azure sky. Sounds like a dream location, right? You do not need to travel to the hills or the Himalayas to experience this bliss. In Hyderabad, the city of Nawabs, Osman Sagar Lake awaits—a historic artificial lake ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. It is the perfect getaway destination to escape the busy city life. Please read the full article about Osman Sagar Lake in Hyderabad.

About Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad

 Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad

Image Credit: iMahesh for Wikimedia Commons

Osman Sagar Lake is an artificial reservoir formed by damming the Isa. Mir Osman Ali Khan created this water body in 1920 as part of the River Musi damming project to supply drinking water to Hyderabad city. It covers 46 square kilometres and is the primary drinking water source for the twin cities.

Whether in summer or winter, Osman Sagar Lake is always bustling with visitors. It features an adjacent bund with lush gardens and provides a perfect setting for an outing. Along the lake, you will find numerous low-cost cottages that serve as resting grounds for travellers. Osman Sagar Lake is also home to the heritage building Sagar Mahal, initially built as a resort by the Hyderabad Nizam and now transformed into a lake resort by the Department of Tourism. It is an ideal retreat for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Must Read: Things To Do In Hyderabad

Top Places To Visit In And Around Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad

Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad is conveniently situated near several other notable tourist destinations. Located within a short drive, you can easily visit popular attractions.

1. Golconda Fort

Explore history at the Golconda Fort

Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons

The impressive 16th-century Golconda Fort is one of India’s most famous forts. Once the capital of the Golconda kingdom, the fort served as the centre of the Golconda stronghold, built to be an impregnable structure.

You can still witness the former glory and majesty in its mighty ramparts and fortifications. Perched on a 120-metre-high hill, it provided a strategic vantage point for spotting enemies. Today, this elevated position offers sweeping views of the surrounding areas and gazes at the horizon.

Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana

Travel Time: 23 minutes

2. Shilparamam

Have fun at the Shilparamam

Image Credit: Ravichandra for Wikimedia Commons

Shilparamam is a craft village in Hyderabad that showcases traditional arts and crafts by artisans from all over India. It is one of the city’s popular tourist spots, especially among art lovers. The village not only displays various artefacts and handmade handicrafts but also serves as a hub for performing artists.

The complex includes a Crafts Museum, cultural museum, Art Gallery and Library, Multi-purpose Auditorium, Common Facility Workshops, and a Research and Design Centre. Its natural greenery, carefully laid-out sculptures, and intricately designed buildings are ideal for long walks.

Location: Hi Tech City Main Road, Madhapur Road, HITECH City, Hyderabad, Telangana

Travel Time: 32 minutes

Suggested Read: Tourist Places Near Hyderabad

3. NTR Garden

Explore NTR Garden in Hyderabad

Image Credit: Rameshng for Wikimedia Commons

NTR Garden, one of the most expensive gardens in India, is a popular attraction in Hyderabad. It houses the memorial of the late Andhra Pradesh leader N. T. Rama Rao. The park promises a peaceful escape from city life with its vibrant flowers, lush trees, shrubs, and plants.

The park also features various recreational activities, including a Machan Tree, a Car Cafe, a children’s play area, and a Japanese Park. Major attractions include a monorail for a joy ride across the park, a captivating cascading waterfall, and boating facilities on the adjoining Hussain Sagar Lake.

Location: NTR Marg, Central Secretariat, Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana

Travel Time: 46 minutes

4. Charminar

Charminar - a must-go spot in Hyderabad

Image Credit: TheAafi for Wikimedia Commons

Charminar is an iconic monument in Hyderabad. Standing 56 metres tall, each of its four minarets is adorned with intricate carvings and stucco work. You can enjoy mesmerising views of Hyderabad from the top of the minarets. The top floor houses a mosque believed to be the oldest in the city.

The area around Charminar has developed into a vibrant market known for its bangles and traditional items. This lively market area enhances the monument’s allure, establishing it as a historical site and a well-known cultural hub.

Location: Charminar Road, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Travel Time: 49 minutes

Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Hyderabad

5. Salar Jung Museum

See artifacts at the Salar Jung Museum near Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad

Image Source: Shutterstock

Salar Jung Museum is India’s third largest museum and has the biggest collection of antiques gathered by one person. The Salar Jung family put together this impressive collection, showing Nawab Mir Yusuf Khan’s love for art and antiques. The museum has a great library with over 60,000 books and almost 8,000 rare manuscripts.

The museum has many valuable sculptures, including the Veiled Rebecca and the Double Statue of Mephistopheles & Margaretta. The main highlight is a 19th-century musical clock with over 350 parts, which attracts many visitors.

Location: Durulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana
Travel Time: 49 minutes

Timings And Entrance Fees

 A hut on the banks of Osman Sagar Lake

Image Credit: iMahesh for Wikimedia Commons

Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad opens daily at 9:30 AM for tourists. You can explore the area till 5:00 PM and enjoy its beauty. Whether you are planning a visit during the week or on the weekend, the consistent hours make it convenient to schedule a trip that fits your plans.

The lake is an inviting destination, offering a peaceful and scenic environment to explore. With a nominal entry fee of just INR 5 per person, it is an affordable option for enjoying a day in nature with your friends or family.

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots Near Hyderabad

Best Time To Visit Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad

View of Osman Lake with balancing rocks

Image Credit: Swaanan for Wikimedia Commons

You can visit Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad year-round, as each season offers a unique charm. The monsoon season, June to October, brings ideal weather for a trip to the lake.

The weather is quite cold from November to January, but it can still be a pleasant time to visit if you enjoy quieter surroundings and cooler temperatures. Meanwhile, the weather is generally favourable from February to May, although temperatures can become quite high during the afternoon.

How To Reach The Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad?

Ways to reach Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad

Image Credit: Nikhil B for Wikimedia Commons

There are multiple ways to reach Osman Sagar Lake. The easy accessibility ensures convenience for travellers using different modes of transportation. Here are the detailed options:
By Air: You can reach Gandipet by hiring a cab or a metered vehicle from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Osman Sagar Lake is Nagalapalli, 7 km away. From Nagalapalli, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the lake.
By Metro: The nearest metro station to Osman Sagar Lake is Cheruvu Metro Station, which is 5 km away. From the metro station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or cab to get to Osman Sagar Lake.
By Car: Osman Sagar is about 20 km from Secunderabad. You can hire a cab or drive there yourself.

Further Read: Famous Lakes In India

Osman Sagar Lake in Hyderbad is a must-visit destination. The artificial lake offers a perfect escape from city life with its serene beauty and tranquil environment. You can enjoy boating, explore the lush green landscapes, and take in the dazzling views from the dam. Surrounding gardens and the historic Sagar Mahal add to its charming appeal. So, plan a trip to Hyderabad
today to experience the unique charm of Osman Sagar and discover why it remains a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Cover Image Credit: Sankarshansen for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad

What is Osman Sagar Lake famous for?

In 1920, Mir Osman Ali Khan initiated the construction of Osman Sagar Lake Hyderabad as part of a project to dam the Musi River. The primary objective was to provide drinking water for the city of Hyderabad. The lake serves as the principal water source for the twin cities.

How many gates are there in Osman Sagar Lake?

Osman Sagar, also called Gandipet, has 15 spillway gates. These gates regulate the reservoir’s water level by releasing excess water when needed.

Which Lake is also known as Gandipet Lake?

Osman Sagar, also known as Gandipet Lake, is a favoured picnic spot on the outskirts of Hyderabad. It is one of two lakes bordering the city that provide drinking water to the region.

How deep is Osman Sagar?

The dam spans a total composite length of 2,900 feet, with a total length of 6,300 feet and a water spread area of 1,790 sqft. The maximum water depth from bed level to below FTL is 104 feet.

Are Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar the same?

Himayat Sagar is an artificial lake located approximately 20 kilometres from Hyderabad in the Ranga Reddy district of Telangana, India. It runs parallel to the larger artificial lake, Osman Sagar.

People Also Read:

Category: Hyderabad, Lakes, Places To Visit

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best Places To Visit Outside India By Month