Lounging by Laknavaram Cheruvu in Telangana

Laknavaram Cheruvu in Warangal, Telangana
Laknavaram Cheruvu in Warangal, Telangana

Erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh, like its neighbours Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is a land of tanks. The ‘Cheruvus’, ‘Eris’ and ‘Keres’, as they are known in the respective regional languages, are irrigation tanks dug centuries ago by kings and philanthropists to feed thousands of acres of thirsty paddy fields. 

The Kakatiyas who ruled over most of modern day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are responsible for decorating the landscape with irrigation tanks of varying sizes and shapes. Close to 5000 colossal tanks were commissioned during their reign, many of which are still in use even today. ‘Mission Kakatiya’ is the Telangana government’s ambitious project to rejuvenate all tanks and lakes in the state over the next five years. 

With mountains all around and paddy fields interspersed with turmeric patches in between, the drive from Warangal to Laknavaram is a sight to behold. Located at a distance of around 70 kilometres from Warangal town, Laknavaram is a slice of paradise nestled amidst the state’s extensive paddy landscape. Though not one among the focus tanks under Mission Kakatiya, Laknavaram is one of the state’s famed rain-fed irrigation tanks turned tourist paradise.

 

Brought to life by the Kakatiyas, the 13th century Lake paints a picture of calm and tranquillity.

The 10,000 acre lake positioned amidst rolling hills in a saucer shaped basin, receives and stores rainwater. With a capacity to hold 2.135 tmcft of water, the cheruvu irrigates around 3,500 acres in six villages around it. A scenic 160-metre-long hanging bridge connects the lake fringes to one of the islands in the cheruvu. The Telangana Tourism Department operates a hotel in one of the mini islands, equipped with a restaurant and rooms for overnight stays.Nominally priced boat rides ferry tourists between the islets. While the ferry tickets are priced at Rs. 50 for adults, speed boat tickets cost Rs. 300.

The Cheruvu houses few islands of green among its tranquil waters. If you aren't hard pressed for time, visit the Ramappa Gudi and the Ramappa Cheruvu on the way to Laknavaram. Constructed by General Recherla Rudra who served during the reign of the great Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva, the temple is a beautiful specimen of local architecture with clear Chalukya influences.Irrigating hundreds of acres of paddy fields in Venkatapur Mandal, the Ramappa Cheruvu close by is a beautiful spot to sit back, relax and catch up on some lost alone-time.

 

 

How to get there

The nearest airport is Hyderabad, around 130 kilometres away. Warangal is well connected by road and rail with daily services to and from Hyderabad.

If you have more than a couple of days in Warangal, make sure to visit the ruins of the Kakatiya Fort which now house the famed 'Kakatiya Kala Thoranam' or Warangal Gates, the official symbol of the Government of Telangana.

You could hop on a town bus or hire a taxi from Warangal town and visit Ramappa Gudi and Laknavaram and be back just in time to savour the sunset at the famed Thousand Pillared Temple in Hanamakonda, just outside Warangal.

 

 

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