Laknavaram Lake and Ramapa Temple... A budget weekend getaway from Hyderabad....

This trip of us was a consequence of “couple of lastdays” panic situation.

It was being 4 months and we hadn’t hit the road since our last GOA trip in late March.

Why panic? Because the Lake and the place where we were supposed to go was best visited in peak monsoon season and we were watching monsoon passing us by through our daily CAB and building window… not a good feeling.

Finally we overcame our obstacles (Month’s last week situation, procrastination and monotonous house cleaning job in weekends) and decided to travel to the place which we decided almost 2 months ago: The Laknavaram and Ramappalake.

We four friends (divided by team, united by The Company and many other characteristics and likings) started from Hyderabad (bodauppal) around 12 PM in one of our friend’s car.

Hyderabad-Warangal road is a breeze for drivers. Especially in monsoons, when the greenery/paddy fieldscoverboth sides of the road. On the way to Warangal and 50 KMs from Hyderabad, we crossed a unique hill formed with single stone and a fort (Which is now called a telephone exchange) built on it at Bhongir  town.

We reached Warangal by 3:30 pm. Had lunch in Surabhi Restaurant, asked Server the way to Laknavaram then asked few locals then again we asked few  another locals then finally we reached to Laknavaram by 5:30 PM. Road from MULUGU to Laknavaram is kinda off-road, specially 7 kms till Laknavaram into the thick forest. Its bumpy, half lane, snaky road and becomes Goose bumpy when you switch off your car’s headlights in the night, it was complete blackout (We did this while returning from the lake for 5-7 seconds, not advisable to all)

 

Beautiful rice paddy fields... on the way to Warangal

On the way to Laknavaram from Mulug

Place Description :LaknavaramCheruvu(Lake)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govindaraopet#Laknavaram_Lake

Watching green hills around this pristine lake are a treat to eyes. There is a Spring Suspension bridge connects main road to small island. It looked very beautiful in evening.

We couldn’t get room in Haritha resort (looked awesome place to chill out) which is on the Island as we didn’t do online booking in advance. Suggestible to book room in the Haritha lake resort upfront (at least 2 days before, as only 7 cottages are availableand can be booked from all AP Tourism offices in Hyderabad) if you plan to visit in the place in weekends.There are few other new cottages being built inside the lake and available for later time, staying in those cottages would be a nice experience.

After spending near about 2 hours on the bridge and resort premises/island, there is boating facility by aptdc tourism which we couldn’t take due to the high water levels then we headed towards Ramappa Temple.

In Haritha Resort premises...

Suspension Bridge on the Lake

Lake view from shore...

Hills around the Lake

Place Description: RamappaTemple and a Lake nearby:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramappa_Temple

It is about 30 KM from Laknavaram Lake. Before leaving Laknavaram, with the help of resort’s receptionist we managed to book a cottage in Haritha resort near RamappaTemple.

We reached to the lake near Ramappa temple by 9:00 pm Approx. Cottage was spacious and nicely build. We had dinner and slept early as we all were exhausted.

We woke up early by some sound outside. When I came to balcony, I realize there were monkeys jumping over our cottage to trees to cottage on and on. And we had an eyeful of lake view before us, what a good morning it was.

 

They were just in front of our cottage and you can see the Lake behind them...

Monkey Business

We started trekking the lakeside roads, a ruined temple, walked alongside a tunnel, observed a group of folks cooking in the woods(like vanabhojanam),watched the continuous paddy fields meeting hills to one side and forest to another side, and spotted few snakes and some poisonous reptiles which thrilled us.The Lake is famous for the tasty fish.Boating is available in the Ramappalake and they take 100 Rs. per Person. There is a small island in the vicinity from boating shore which costs you 2000 Rs per boat if it’s on a weekend.

Photo Courtsy :  Sandeep

Then around 1 pm we left to Ramappa Temple. It is said to be built in the year 1213 A.D, an epitome of great ancient architecture. Felt ecstatic there.

After spending a couple of hours there, we headed back to Hyderabad via Warangal; everyone in the car was silent, thoughtful, recharged, enriched and full of contentment because now we had been added another memorable experience with nature in our lives to cherish with.

Now some statistics:

Expenses:

         One Petrol car + ~500 Kms = ~2500 INR

Fooding and Lodging = 6000 INR Approx.

Best Time to visit:  Mid monsoon (July-August) or Mid-Winter

More Places of interest nearby:

1.   Warangal Fort

2.   Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary

3.   Pakhal Lake

4.   Bhadrakali Temple

5.   Thousand Pillared Temple

And few other unspoiled spots.

Why to go there:

Depends upon individual liking, but as per our experiences it is a must go place if you

-        Are a Nature Photography Enthusiast

-        Trekker

-        Nature lover

-        Like to visit Mythological/Ancient architectural sites

-        Want to get lost for  some introspection

-        Want to do a long driver on your car/bike

-        Or just want to get out somewhere without thinking much.