Thursday, Oct 22, 2026

Placid Pakhal beckons

Dating back to 1213 AD, this man-made lake, tucked inside a sanctuary, is all about beauty and a promising tranquil retreat.

By Sowmya Sangam

Published Date - 24 September 2021, 12:06 AM

Placid Pakhal beckons — If you admire the beauty of sunsets and sunrises, this is one of the ideal places to be.

Hyderabad: An empty to-do list, a clear schedule, a celebration, a weekend, or a week off, deserves a change of scenery that is as idle and relaxed as your plans. Moreover, if you are amongst those who enjoy everything a little more when the skies are grey, then it’s the perfect time to get away from the grind and plan a relaxed weekend away from city life.

Pakhal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary, a 30-minute drive from Warangal and almost 4 hours’ drive from Hyderabad, is known for its beautiful vistas. Its calm surroundings demand all the beautiful adjectives out there.

Dating back to 1213 AD, this man-made lake, tucked inside the sanctuary, is all about beauty and a promising tranquil retreat. It was built on a tributary of the Krishna River for irrigation purposes. Prettiest views of the countryside with curvy roads, endless stretches of greenery, roadside stalls, and friendly people will welcome you.

When you enter a narrow lake-side road, the huge lake surrounded by hilly terrain greets you. The sound of water flowing or lapping against the shoreline is soothing! You can book accommodation at Haritha Hotel in Pakhal.

Take a walk at the adjacent scenic bio-diversity park to spot over 400 species of medicinal plants and a vast variety of migratory birds. You can also trek inside the forest area.

If you admire the beauty of sunsets and sunrises and could travel places, just to capture the moment, this is one of the ideal places to be. The serenity and excitement will melt away all your worries and revive your soul.

If you’d like to explore the lake properly, take a calming boat ride for Rs 300. The ambience is something that calls you back each time you want a relaxed feeling. The lake shelters Mugger Crocodiles, which are vulnerable as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The sanctuary is one of the oldest in Telangana, which was declared way back in 1952. You can spot sambar, nilgai, sloth bear, leopard, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), chital, chinkara (mountain gazelle), wild boar, blackbuck, and more.

During the monsoon season, the entire place transforms into a lush green paradise. Avoid going in summer. To get an added benefit, a stellar sunrise, we recommend starting a bit earlier.