Kondapochamma Sagar is a major reservoir of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, located in Markook Mandal, Siddipet district, Telangana. Built to a full-reservoir level of 618 metres, it represents the highest-elevation point of the Kaleshwaram system. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 15 TMC and a water spread area of 17.027 sq km. Constructed at a cost of approximately ₹1,668.55 crore, it was designed to support irrigation and water-supply requirements through gravity-based distribution from its elevated location. The reservoir is also a popular weekend destination from Hyderabad, located approximately 50 km away depending on the starting point and route.
An engineering project designed to bring Godavari water to water-deficit areas of Telangana. 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. Depending on the reference point and route used for measurement, the water is lifted and conveyed more than 200 km through the Kaleshwaram system before reaching this elevated reservoir.
Named after Konda Pochamma, the regional deity associated with the nearby temple, the reservoir was designed to provide irrigation water to an envisaged 2.85 lakh acres of ayacut through a network of 13 canals. The figure represents the planned irrigation command and should not be interpreted as the area continuously irrigated at present. The reservoir also forms part of the broader Godavari-water network associated with drinking-water supply. 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, a major multi-stage lift irrigation system. The project was developed to lift Godavari water through a series of barrages, reservoirs, pump houses, canals, tunnels, and aqueducts toward elevated areas of Telangana. 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 Konda Pochamma, the regional deity associated with the nearby Konda Pochamma Temple. Religious ceremonies, including Chandi Yagam and Sudarshana Yagam, were performed in connection with the May 2020 inauguration.
Engineering Marvel – The Highest Point in KLIS
Kondapochamma Sagar represents the highest-elevation 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 and is lifted through multiple stages of the Kaleshwaram system before reaching Kondapochamma Sagar.
- Distance: The reservoir is more than 200 km from the Godavari source when measured through the project's conveyance system, although the exact distance varies according to the reference point and measurement method.
- Pumping Capacity: The Markook pump house has six 34-MW pumping units, giving an installed capacity of approximately 204 MW.
- Gravity Flow: From Kondapochamma Sagar, water is designed to move by gravity through a network of 13 canals toward its planned irrigation command areas.
- Reservoir Features: The reservoir is approximately 15.8 km long and has 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 associated with 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 associated with drinking-water planning and supply in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Its elevated location provides an important advantage for gravity-based transmission along 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 approximately 50 km from Hyderabad, depending on the starting point and route, the reservoir offers expansive water views, open landscapes, and a peaceful break from the city.
Visitor Information – Timings & Access
Address & Access
Kondapochamma Sagar
Markook Mandal, Siddipet District,
Telangana
Approximately 50 km from Hyderabad
Approximately 100–120 km from Warangal, depending on route
How to Reach
By Road: Take the Hyderabad-Siddipet road network and approach the reservoir through the Gouraram/Markook side. The journey from Hyderabad is roughly 1–1.5 hours under normal traffic conditions, although actual travel time varies by starting point and traffic.
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 attractive views, although access and conditions may vary.
Timings: The reservoir is an open water-management landscape rather than a conventional ticketed tourist attraction. Daylight visits are preferable, with sunrise and sunset often providing attractive views.
Entry Fee: No regular ticketed entry fee is generally reported, although access restrictions and local arrangements may change.
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: A wide range of hotels and resorts is available for visitors who prefer to stay in the city.
- 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 Siddipet, Hyderabad, and nearby towns.
Essential Travel Tips
Visitor Tips – What You Need to Know:
- Carry food and drinking water – Commercial facilities around the reservoir are limited.
- Best visited during daylight hours – Sunrise and sunset can provide attractive views.
- Approach via the Hyderabad-Siddipet road network – Access is generally through the Gouraram/Markook side.
- Suitable for photography and picnics – Accessible portions of the reservoir area offer broad views.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Walking may be required around accessible areas.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen – Shade can be limited in the open landscape.
- Visitor facilities are limited – Plan ahead and carry essentials.
- Suitable for family and group outings – Subject to local access and safety conditions.
- Follow local instructions – Access points may change depending on conditions; use official routes and obey restrictions.
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 reservoir area can be attractive. 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 in Siddipet District
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 from Hyderabad, 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: No regular ticketed entry fee is generally reported for 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 used as an outing destination by 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. This is a planned ayacut figure and should not be interpreted as the area continuously irrigated at present.
Key Features Summary
- Name: Kondapochamma Sagar
- Location: Markook Mandal, Siddipet District, Telangana
- Type: Reservoir of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project
- Full Reservoir Level: 618 metres, representing the highest-elevation point of the Kaleshwaram system
- Storage Capacity: 15 TMC
- Water Spread Area: 17.027 sq km
- Reservoir Length: Approximately 15.8 km
- Construction Cost: Approximately ₹1,668.55 crore
- Envisaged Ayacut: Approximately 2.85 lakh acres across areas associated with Siddipet, Sangareddy, Medak, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts
- Pumping Capacity: Approximately 204 MW at the Markook pump house, based on six 34-MW pumping units
- Named After: Konda Pochamma, the regional deity associated with the nearby temple
- Major Operational Milestone: May 29, 2020, when the Markook pump house was inaugurated and Godavari water was released into the reservoir
- Distance: About 50 km from Hyderabad, depending on route and starting point
- Best Time: October to February; monsoon and post-monsoon for greener surroundings
- Entry: No regular ticketed entry fee is generally reported, subject to access conditions
- Ideal For: Weekend outings, photography, family visits, and scenic reservoir views
Why Visit Kondapochamma Sagar? – The highest-elevation point of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project | An engineering project with a full-reservoir level of 618 metres | 15 TMC storage and 17.027 sq km water spread | Designed to support irrigation over an envisaged 2.85 lakh acres through 13 canals | Named after the regional deity Konda Pochamma | A popular weekend destination from Hyderabad | Expansive water views and scenic sunsets | A prominent part of Telangana's modern water infrastructure.
References & Further Reading
- Government of Telangana – Socio Economic Outlook and Reservoir Data
- The Indian Express – Telangana CM Inaugurates Kondapochamma Reservoir in Siddipet (May 2020)
- 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
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India – Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project Performance Audit
- Google Maps – Kondapochamma Sagar