An engineering project designed to bring Godavari water to Telangana's drought-prone areas. Kondapochamma Sagar is a major component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. Godavari water is lifted through a series of barrages, reservoirs, pump houses, canals, tunnels, and aqueducts before reaching the reservoir at a full-reservoir level of 618 metres. The project involves lifting water over more than 200 km from the Godavari system to one of the highest points of the Kaleshwaram network.
Named after the revered Konda Pochamma, the guardian goddess associated with the region, the reservoir was designed to provide irrigation water to an envisaged 2.85 lakh acres of ayacut through 13 canals. It also forms part of the broader drinking-water network serving Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Beyond its infrastructure significance, Kondapochamma Sagar has become a popular weekend destination for visitors from Hyderabad and nearby districts, offering expansive water views and open landscapes.
History & Significance – The Kaleshwaram Connection
Part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme: Kondapochamma Sagar is a key component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, one of India's major multi-stage lift irrigation schemes. The overall Kaleshwaram project was inaugurated on June 21, 2019. The Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir and its Markook pump house reached a major operational milestone on May 29, 2020, when Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao inaugurated the pump house and released Godavari water into the reservoir.
Named After the Goddess: The reservoir is named after the Konda Pochamma Temple, a revered regional shrine. During the May 2020 inauguration, religious ceremonies including Chandi Yagam and Sudarshana Yagam were performed in connection with the event.
Engineering Marvel – The Highest Point in KLIS
Kondapochamma Sagar represents the highest reservoir point of the Kaleshwaram system, with a full-reservoir level of 618 metres. Godavari water reaches the reservoir only after passing through a complex network of lifts, reservoirs, pump houses, canals, tunnels, and aqueducts.
- Water Source: Water ultimately originates from the Godavari River at the Medigadda/Lakshmi Barrage and is lifted through multiple stages before reaching Kondapochamma Sagar.
- Distance: The reservoir is more than 200 km from the Godavari source, depending on the route and measurement point used.
- Pumping Capacity: The Markook pumping system associated with Kondapochamma Sagar uses multiple large-capacity pumps, with reported installed capacity of about 204 MW.
- Gravity Flow: From Kondapochamma Sagar, water is designed to move by gravity through a network of 13 canals toward its irrigation command areas.
- Reservoir Features: The reservoir is approximately 15.8 km long, has three main sluices, and a water spread area of about 17.027 sq km.
Irrigation & Drinking Water Legacy
Irrigation Benefits: Kondapochamma Sagar was designed with an envisaged ayacut of approximately 2.85 lakh acres across areas of Siddipet, Sangareddy, Medak, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. The figure represents the planned irrigation command rather than a claim that the entire area is continuously irrigated at present.
Drinking Water: The reservoir forms part of the broader Godavari-water network used for drinking-water planning and supply in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Its elevation provides an important advantage for gravity-based transmission, reducing the need for additional pumping on suitable downstream routes.
Strategic Importance: Kondapochamma Sagar's high elevation and position within the Kaleshwaram network make it an important balancing and distribution reservoir for irrigation and water-supply purposes.
Tourism – A Popular Weekend Getaway
Beyond its irrigation and water-supply significance, Kondapochamma Sagar has emerged as a popular weekend destination for visitors from Hyderabad and nearby districts. Located about 50 km from Hyderabad, the reservoir offers expansive water views, open landscapes, and a peaceful break from the city.
- Scenic Beauty: The vast expanse of water and the long reservoir bund create attractive views, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon period.
- Activities: Visitors commonly enjoy drives around accessible portions of the bund, photography, family outings, and sunset viewing. Visitor access can vary depending on local conditions and restrictions.
- Access: The reservoir can be approached from the Hyderabad-Siddipet road network, with access through the Gouraram/Markook side.
- Nearby Attractions: The reservoir is situated in the wider Wargal–Markook region and can be combined with visits to nearby temples and attractions.
Visitor Information – Timings & Access
Address & Access
Kondapochamma Sagar
Markook Mandal, Siddipet District,
Telangana
≈50 km from Hyderabad
≈110 km from Warangal
How to Reach
By Road: Take the Hyderabad-Siddipet road and approach the reservoir through the Gouraram/Markook side. The journey from Hyderabad is roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and the exact starting point.
By Train: The reservoir is best reached by road from nearby railway stations, followed by a taxi or local transport. Check current railway connectivity before travelling.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is the nearest major airport. Road travel from the airport to the reservoir is required.
Best Season & Timings
Best Season: October – February generally offers more comfortable weather for outdoor visits.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): The surrounding landscape is often greener and the reservoir can offer particularly scenic views, although access and conditions may vary.
Timings: The reservoir is an open water-management and public landscape rather than a conventional ticketed tourist attraction. Visit during daylight hours, with sunrise and sunset offering attractive views.
Entry Fee: No regular ticketed entry fee is generally reported.
Note: Visitor amenities around the reservoir are limited. Carry drinking water, food, sun protection, and other essentials, and follow any local safety or access instructions.
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation Options
- No major accommodation facilities are located at the reservoir itself.
- Hyderabad (≈50 km): Wide range of hotels and resorts.
- Siddipet: Hotels and lodges are available for visitors who prefer to stay closer to the district headquarters.
Food & Essentials
- Food and commercial facilities around the reservoir can be limited.
- Carry sufficient food and drinking water for the day.
- Pack a picnic lunch if planning an extended visit.
- Restaurants and other services are more readily available in Hyderabad, Siddipet, and nearby towns.
Essential Travel Tips
Pro tip: The reservoir is particularly attractive during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when the surrounding landscape is greener. Sunset views from accessible portions of the bund can be spectacular. Access points may change depending on local conditions, so follow signs and instructions from local authorities rather than using unofficial entry routes. The Wargal Saraswathi Temple is located in the wider area and can be combined with a visit to the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions – Heritage & Nature
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kondapochamma Sagar?
A: It is a major reservoir of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Markook Mandal, Siddipet district, with a full-reservoir level of 618 metres and a storage capacity of 15 TMC.
Q: How far is it from Hyderabad?
A: Approximately 50 km by road, depending on the starting point and route.
Q: What is the water spread area?
A: The reservoir has a full-reservoir water spread area of approximately 17.027 sq km.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: There is generally no regular ticketed entry fee for visiting the reservoir area, although access conditions can vary.
Q: What facilities are available?
A: Commercial facilities around the reservoir are limited, so visitors should carry food, drinking water, and other essentials.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: October – February is generally comfortable for outdoor visits, while the monsoon and post-monsoon period can provide greener surroundings and attractive reservoir views.
Q: Can I visit with family?
A: Yes. The reservoir is a popular outing destination for families and groups, subject to local access and safety conditions.
Q: How much area is the reservoir designed to irrigate?
A: The project is envisaged to provide irrigation to approximately 2.85 lakh acres through a network of 13 canals.
- Government of Telangana – Socio Economic Outlook and reservoir data
- The Indian Express – Telangana CM inaugurates Kondapochamma Reservoir in Siddipet
- The News Minute – Kondapochamma Reservoir under Kaleshwaram Project inaugurated in Telangana
- Telangana Today – Kondapochamma Sagar: A cost-effective and strategic water source for Hyderabad
- Telangana Today – Get away from chaos to Kondapochamma Sagar