Laknavaram cheruvu is a picturesque lake surrounded by
verdant hills and forest in the village Laknavaram in Govindraopet mandal of
Warangal district in Telangana. It is
about 70 Km from Warangal. It can be
reached by own vehicle or RTC buses. It
is 70 Km from Warangal and can be reached via NH 202. After passing Mulug
Taluq, we reach Jangalapally. Here a right
turn should be taken and travel for another 8 Km to reach the mesmerizing
tourist spot. The journey after Mulug
passes through forest. The greenery on
either side of the road makes the journey pleasant.
Laknavaram cheruvu has become a favourite tourist sight for
the visitors to Warangal. The
construction of 160 metres hanging bridge that connects to an island in middle
of lake makes it a memorable visit.
There are 13 islands on this lake which occupies an area of 10,000
acres. The bridge that leads to the island has a restaurant and rooms for the
tourists. There is an area for children
to play. This is the spot from where boating
services will start. There are cottages
on other island. In rainy season the
tank is full and walking on the bridge that is just above water and boating
around in the lake makes it a delightful family holiday. For youth it will be a beautiful spot to
chill out in the weekends.
The lake was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya rulers
of Orugallu. Kakatiya kings have
encouraged agriculture by constructing lakes and reservoirs. As agriculture was regarded as main
occupation the rulers have encouraged development of water resources by its
officials and the rich people in the kingdom.
Wherever ground water was detected wells and lakes were dug or tanks
were built. Laknavaram cheruvu was built
by Kakatiya King Ganapathi Deva*. This
is based on one of the tributary of river Godavari*. The stream that was flowing was fully utilized
to construct Laknavaram reservoir. The
surrounding hills have become strong and perfect boundaries of the reservoir
with an area of 108 Sq. miles. This
reservoir stores rain water, when the tank overflows the water will reach
Saddimadugu. From here irrigation
canals will run. The right is 32.8 Km
irrigating 5928 acres and the left which runs for 14.2 Km irrigates 2500 acres.
The overflowing water of Laknavaram
stream will join river Godavari in Eturinagaram. Laknavaram cheruvu makes the lands fertile in
6-7 villages that are surrounding it.
Rice is the main crop and they harvest two crops in a year.
Laknavaram is nature’s gift to man, a serene place
surrounded by lush green hills. The
development of tourist attractions makes the visit ecstatic. It is one of the must see places not only in
Telangana but in India.
*Information source:
Warangal Zilla Vignyana Sarvaswam, Orugallu Vignyana Sarvaswa Samithi,
Warangal (2008).
