🏞️ Laknavaram Lake
Scenic Lake and Adventure Destination in Mulugu, Telangana
📜 History
Laknavaram Lake was built by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 13th century, constructed in the same period as the Ramappa tank, i.e., 1213 A.D. During the Kakatiya Dynasty era, the rulers recognized the strategic importance of this location—set amidst dense forest and surrounded by huge hills that naturally held rainwater. They built a small sluice gate, which transformed the place into a vast lake. The lake has openings into three valleys and is now regulated by a sluice gate system that controls water flow. Since its construction, the lake has been responsible for irrigating thousands of acres of land, sustaining local agriculture for over eight centuries.
💧 The lake covers 10,000 acres, holds about 2,135,000,000 cubic feet (60,500,000 m³) of water, and provides irrigation to 8,700 acres across 19 villages through its 1,708 MCFT of live storage. The project remains in operation and maintenance. The lake irrigates areas in Govindaraopet mandal through multiple canals, with the Rangapur and Kota canals providing irrigation to 3,200 and 1,900 acres respectively.
🏗️ Geography and Architecture
Although the lake was built during the Kakatiyan Dynasty, the greatness of its architecture can be understood from the fact that all the tanks around this place have a means to move excess water into Ramappa Lake. The lake is surrounded by the Etunagaram Sanctuary, which enhances its beauty.
🏝️ The 13 Islands of Laknavaram Lake
One of the most distinctive features of Laknavaram Lake is its 13 scattered islands, each offering a unique experience amidst the dense deciduous forest and tranquil waters. These islands transform the lake into a breathtaking archipelago, making it a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
🌉 Island 1 – The Hanging Bridge Island
Island 1 is the most accessible and popular island among visitors. It is connected to the mainland by three hanging bridges, including a magnificent 160-metre-long suspension bridge that sways gently as you walk across, offering stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. One bridge connects the island directly to the mainland, while another pair connects it via an additional island, creating a unique double-bridge experience.
This island has been developed as a tourist hub featuring wooden A/C cottages, tents, glass houses, a viewing tower, and dining facilities.
🚣 Islands 2 and 3 – The Remote Islands
Islands 2 and 3 are not connected to the mainland by bridges, preserving their pristine and untouched character. Boats are the only way to reach these secluded gems. However, there is a connecting bridge between Island 2 and Island 3, allowing visitors to explore both in a single boat trip. These islands offer secluded picnic spots, excellent birdwatching, wildlife sightings, and trekking trails.
🌿 Islands 4 to 13 – The Untouched Wilderness
The remaining 10 islands remain largely undeveloped and untouched, preserving their natural state as pristine forested islets. These islands serve as sanctuaries for resident and migratory birds, breeding grounds for local wildlife, and natural filters maintaining the lake's ecological balance. Boat tours around the lake offer glimpses of these wild islands.
🚤 Boat Exploration: Speed boats and pontoon boats are available for hire at the main jetty. A full lake tour takes approximately 1-2 hours and covers views of all 13 islands, with stops at Islands 2 and 3 available on request.
🏨 Facilities
Telangana Tourism developed new accommodation at Laknavaram Lake. The facilities include:
- Cottages, tents, and glass houses providing accommodation
- Viewing tower for panoramic lake views
- Pantry facility
- Ferry service from the main banks to the island
- Speed boats and pontoon boat rides available on the lake
Three of the islands are turned into tourist centres and are designated with numbers:
- Island 1 - Connected with land by three hanging bridges. One bridge connects the island directly to the mainland. Another pair of bridges connects the island via another island.
- Islands 2 and 3 - Not connected to the mainland, so boats are the only options to reach them. However, there is a bridge that connects islands 2 and 3.
🏨 Facilities
Telangana Tourism developed new accommodation at Laknavaram Lake. The facilities include:
- Cottages, tents, and glass houses providing accommodation
- Viewing tower for panoramic lake views
- Pantry facility
- Ferry service from the main banks to the island
- Speed boats and pontoon boat rides available on the lake
Three of the islands are turned into tourist centres and are designated with numbers:
- Island 1 - Connected with land by three hanging bridges. One bridge connects the island directly to the mainland. Another pair of bridges connects the island via another island.
- Islands 2 and 3 - Not connected to the mainland, so boats are the only options to reach them. However, there is a bridge that connects islands 2 and 3.
🎯 Activities
- 🚤 Boating to explore islands and lake corners
- 🛶 Kayaking for adventure enthusiasts
- 🐦 Bird watching for migratory flocks
- 🥾 Trekking trails around the lake and nearby waterfalls
- 📸 Photography and wildlife spotting, including monkeys and migratory birds
🏆 Awards
The wooden air-conditioned cottages at the resort have bagged the Most Innovative Product award at the Travel and Tourism Fair held in Kolkata.
📅 Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal for visiting. The monsoon season rejuvenates the lake and its islands, creating perfect conditions for boating and sightseeing.
📍 Nearby Attractions
- 🛕 Ramappa Temple – 30 km away
- 🏞️ Ramappa Lake – 30 km away
- 🌳 Etunagaram Sanctuary – surrounding the lake
- ⛰️ Govindaraopet hills – 7 km away
- 🌲 Chalvai forest – 5 km away
🗓️ Suggested Itinerary
- Arrive early from Warangal via NH 163 (80 km drive)
- Walk across the 160m hanging bridge to explore Island 1
- Take a boat ride to explore Islands 2 and 3
- Trek around the lake to discover small waterfalls and wildlife
- Lunch at the lake-view resort or nearby eateries
- Evening visit to sunset points and photography from viewing tower
🧭 Travel Guide
Distance from key locations:
- 80 km from Warangal City
- 90 km from Bhadrachalam
- 260 km from Hyderabad
- 17 km from Mulugu
- 30 km from Ramappa Temple