Yellamma Cheruvu

Yellamma Cheruvu is a historic lake in Husnabad town, Siddipet district, Telangana, that is being developed as a tourism and recreation destination featuring Telangana's first reported heart-shaped glass bridge. Local tradition associates the lake with the Kakatiya period and the reign of ruler Prataparudra. The lake is located on the southern side of Husnabad town, approximately 140–145 km from Hyderabad depending on the route. The glass bridge, reported at a cost of approximately ₹5 crore, is a 150-metre-long and 1.5-metre-wide structure positioned about 20 feet above the water, with transparent glass panels that allow visitors to see the lake below. The bridge forms part of the ₹18-crore Yellamma Cheruvu lakefront development works. A separate 2026 report described a broader tourism-development project associated with the area as being worth nearly ₹80 crore. The lakefront works include walking tracks, landscaped areas, a Bathukamma Ghat, children's facilities, lighting and other visitor amenities.

Telangana's First Reported Glass Bridge Heart-Shaped Structure 150 m Long Bridge ₹5 Crore Bridge Kakatiya-Era Local Attribution Lakefront Tourism Project
Yellamma Cheruvu, Husnabad
Yellamma Cheruvu, Husnabad, Siddipet District. Photo: vinayonthego

Where a historic lake meets a modern tourism attraction. Yellamma Cheruvu has long been an important water body for Husnabad, and the nearby Yellamma temple is an important local place of worship. The lake is being developed as a recreation and tourism destination, with the glass bridge planned as its signature attraction.

The heart-shaped glass bridge is designed as a distinctive visitor attraction, giving visitors views of the water beneath the transparent walking surface. Ponnam Prabhakar, Telangana's Transport and BC Welfare Minister, has said that the idea was inspired by a glass bridge he saw during a visit to the United States. The development around the lake includes walking tracks, landscaped areas, decorative lighting, green spaces and other visitor facilities. Development plans have also included the nearby Yellamma temple, whose annual jathara attracts devotees.

150 m Bridge Length
1.5 m Bridge Width
₹5 Cr Approx. Bridge Cost
₹18 Cr Lakefront Allocation
20 ft Approx. Height Above Water
140–145 km Approx. From Hyderabad
Kakatiya Era Local Historical Attribution
Siddipet District

History & Transformation – From Historic Lake to Tourism Hub

A Kakatiya Attribution: Local tradition associates Yellamma Cheruvu with the Kakatiya period and the reign of ruler Prataparudra. This attribution is reported as a local belief rather than as conclusively established documentary evidence. The nearby Yellamma temple has long been associated with the lake and remains an important local religious centre. Its annual jathara attracts devotees from the surrounding region.

Mission Kakatiya Restoration Works: Yellamma Cheruvu has also been associated with irrigation restoration works under the Mission Kakatiya programme. A 2026 Irrigation & CAD tender specifically covered restoration of the lake's weir and irrigation channels. These irrigation works should be distinguished from the separate lakefront tourism and beautification programme.

The Vision Takes Shape: Development of Yellamma Cheruvu accelerated under plans promoted by Ponnam Prabhakar. In January 2025, the state government allocated ₹18 crore for beautification and development of Yellamma Cheruvu and associated facilities. In 2026, approximately ₹5 crore from the reported allocation was associated with the distinctive glass bridge. The development was influenced by the recreation-oriented transformation of Komati Cheruvu in Siddipet. A separate May 2026 report described a broader tourism-development project associated with Yellamma Cheruvu as being worth nearly ₹80 crore; this should not be confused with the specifically reported ₹18-crore lakefront allocation.

Attractions & Features – A Developing Recreation Destination

Yellamma Cheruvu combines a historic water body, religious significance and newly developed visitor amenities, with the heart-shaped glass bridge planned as its signature attraction.

Heart-Shaped Glass Bridge Telangana's first reported glass bridge, a 150-metre-long and 1.5-metre-wide structure positioned about 20 feet above the water. High-strength transparent glass panels allow visitors to see the lake below. Its heart-shaped design gives the structure a distinctive visual identity.
Bathukamma Ghat A dedicated ghat included in the lakefront development works for cultural and community activities associated with the lake and the Bathukamma festival.
Walking Track & Landscaped Gardens Walking tracks, greenery and landscaped areas are being developed around the lake bund as part of the broader beautification programme, drawing inspiration from lakefront recreation projects such as Siddipet's Komati Cheruvu.
Children's Play Area A children's play area forms part of the lakefront recreation facilities being developed around Yellamma Cheruvu.
Open Gym An open-air gym has been planned or developed as part of the recreational facilities around the lake bund.
Yellamma Temple The Yellamma temple near the lake is an important local religious centre. Development works have been discussed around the temple, and its annual jathara attracts devotees from the surrounding region.
Photo Points & Lighting Modern lighting and designated photo points are part of the lakefront beautification works, intended to improve the visitor environment during evening hours.
Husnabad Urban Forest Park A nearly 200-acre forest area near Husnabad has been proposed for development as an Urban Park with visitor cottages, adding another planned tourism attraction to the area.

Visitor Information – Timings, Entry & How to Reach

Address

Yellamma Cheruvu
Husnabad Town,
Siddipet District,
Telangana – 505467

Also Known As: Ellamma Cheruvu, Yellamma Lake, Husnabad Glass Bridge

Timings

Lake Area: Visitor access and operating arrangements may vary according to local conditions and ongoing development works.

Glass Bridge: Public opening status, operating hours and visitor arrangements should be confirmed locally before travelling.

Best Time to Visit: Evening hours may offer sunset views and the opportunity to see the lakefront lighting, subject to operating arrangements.

Entry Fee

Lake Area: No reliable official visitor-fee schedule was identified for publication at the time of this update.

Glass Bridge: Ticketing arrangements should be confirmed after official opening and with the local authorities.

Note: Reports from May–June 2026 described the glass bridge as nearing completion and awaiting formal opening. As of this September 2026 update, a reliable official confirmation of public opening, timings or ticketing was not identified. Confirm current status before travelling.

How to Reach

By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Road distance to Husnabad is approximately 140–145 km depending on the route.

By Train: Husnabad is not a railhead. The nearest railway station identified by the Husnabad Municipality is Karimnagar, approximately 37 km away. From Karimnagar, visitors can continue to Husnabad by road.

By Road: Husnabad is well connected by road with Hyderabad, Siddipet, Karimnagar and Hanamkonda/Warangal. The Husnabad Municipality describes the town as having good road communication facilities.

Travel Tips & Visitor Guidelines

Visitor Tips – What You Need to Know:

  • Check opening status: Confirm whether the glass bridge is officially open before travelling, particularly because earlier reports described construction and safety completion as prerequisites for opening.
  • Evening visit: Evening hours may provide sunset views and views of the lakefront lighting, subject to operating arrangements.
  • Heart-shaped design: The distinctive design provides a notable photography opportunity.
  • Combine with temple visit: The Yellamma Temple near the lake can be included in the visit, especially during the annual jathara.
  • Family recreation: Walking areas, children's facilities and other planned amenities are intended to support family recreation.
  • Carry essentials: Visitors should carry drinking water and other personal essentials, particularly when visiting during hot weather.
  • Best season: October to February generally offers more comfortable outdoor weather in Telangana.
  • Photography: The glass bridge, lake, sunset and landscaped lakefront provide photography opportunities, subject to site rules.
  • Check local conditions: Facilities and access may change as development and inauguration activities continue.
  • Tourism circuit: Plans have been reported to connect Yellamma Cheruvu with Bhairava Swamy Temple, Maha Samudram, Raikal Waterfalls and Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud Fort as part of a wider tourism circuit.

Nearby Attractions in Siddipet District & Surrounding Region

Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple A major Telangana pilgrimage centre dedicated to Mallanna, a form of Lord Shiva, located at Komuravelli in Siddipet district. The temple is particularly known for its Mallanna Jathara and associated traditions. Sri Vidya Saraswathi Temple, Wargal A prominent Saraswati temple located on a hillock at Wargal, known particularly for Aksharaabyasa ceremonies and pilgrimage. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary A protected forest and wildlife area associated with Medak and Kamareddy districts, known for woodland habitat, deer and a variety of bird species. Komati Cheruvu (Mini Tank Bund) Siddipet's major lakeside recreation hub, developed with landscaped areas, visitor attractions and lakefront amenities. Its development has been cited as an inspiration for Yellamma Cheruvu. Shanigaram Reservoir & Waterfall A reservoir and seasonal waterfall attraction near Shanigaram, known particularly as a monsoon destination when water flows over the rocky terrain. Ringing Rocks (Sonorous Rocks) A geological attraction associated with the Jangaon–Siddipet region, where certain rocks produce resonant sounds when struck. The surrounding area also contains prehistoric archaeological remains. Kolanupaka Jain Temple (Kulpakji) An important Jain pilgrimage centre at Kolanupaka, associated with a long history of Jainism in the region and known for its distinctive Mahavira idol. Kolanupaka Someswara Temple A historic Shaiva temple at Kolanupaka, associated with the Chalukyan period and known for its religious and architectural significance. Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple A major pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha at Yadadri, known for its hilltop temple complex and religious significance. Zaffergadh Fort (Velpugonda) A historic hill-fort complex at Velpugonda, associated with fortified hilltops, ramparts, gateways and temples. Palakurthi Someshwara Temple A historic temple complex at Palakurthi associated with cave shrines and the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Narasimha. Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara Temple One of Telangana's major Shaiva pilgrimage centres, dedicated to Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy and known for its longstanding religious traditions. Medak Cathedral & Fort Medak's well-known Gothic Revival cathedral and the historic Medak Fort provide two major heritage attractions in the wider region.

Key Features Summary

  • Name: Yellamma Cheruvu (Ellamma Cheruvu)
  • Location: Husnabad Town, Siddipet District, Telangana – 505467
  • Historical Attribution: Locally associated with the Kakatiya period and the reign of Prataparudra
  • Glass Bridge: Telangana's first reported glass bridge; heart-shaped, 150 m long, 1.5 m wide and approximately 20 ft above the water
  • Bridge Cost: Approximately ₹5 crore
  • Lakefront Development: ₹18 crore specifically reported for Yellamma Cheruvu lakefront development works
  • Broader Tourism Development: A separate 2026 report described a wider tourism-development project associated with Yellamma Cheruvu as nearly ₹80 crore
  • Key Attractions: Glass Bridge, Bathukamma Ghat, Walking Track, Landscaped Areas, Children's Play Area, Open Gym and Yellamma Temple
  • Development Model: Influenced by the lakefront recreation development of Komati Cheruvu in Siddipet
  • Inspired By: Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the idea was inspired by a glass bridge he saw during a visit to the USA
  • Current Opening Status: Earlier 2026 reports described the bridge as nearing completion; current public opening, timings and ticketing should be confirmed locally
  • Best Time: Evening hours may offer sunset and lakefront lighting views, subject to operating arrangements
  • Distance: Approximately 140–145 km from Hyderabad depending on route; about 40 km from Karimnagar
  • Rail Access: Husnabad is not a railhead; Karimnagar is the nearest railway station identified by the municipal website, approximately 37 km away
  • Ideal For: Families, photographers and visitors interested in lakefront recreation

Why Visit Yellamma Cheruvu? – Telangana's first reported heart-shaped glass bridge | A historic lake locally associated with the Kakatiya period | 150-metre-long glass bridge with transparent panels | Part of the ₹18-crore lakefront development works | Walking tracks, landscaped areas, children's facilities and other visitor amenities | Yellamma Temple near the lake | Located in Husnabad, with road connections to Hyderabad, Siddipet and Karimnagar | A developing lakefront recreation destination.

References & Further Reading