This man-made Pakhal Lake, covering an area of 30 square kilometres, was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Kakatiya King Ganapathidev.
We have all heard of natural lakes, but have you come across a man-made lake? Recently, Pakhal Lake, located within the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, has been garnering attention for its breathtaking scenic beauty.
Pakhal Lake is situated in the Warangal district of Telangana, a state in southern India. This man-made lake, covering an area of 30 square kilometres, was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Kakatiya King Ganapathidev. Jagadhala Mummudi Nayudu constructed the lake under the king’s orders. Surrounding the lake is the vast Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans over 900 square kilometres.
The lake is encircled by dense forests, and its natural beauty attracts tourists in large numbers, especially on weekends. Visitors from various places come to admire the lake’s serene surroundings.
In addition to the lake, the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of fauna, including numerous species of animals and birds. In a recent media interaction, Deputy Range Officer Reena highlighted the significance of Pakhal Lake, describing it as the second-largest man-made lake in Asia. The lake, spread over 226 hectares, falls under the Narsampet forest range in Warangal district and was built by Kakatiya King Ganapathidev in the 12th century.
A biodiversity park was established here in 2016, further enhancing the sanctuary’s appeal. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, from wild boars to crocodiles, and features several attractions such as a Butterfly Park, Double Decker, Vanavilas, Nature Camps, Herbal Garden, Children’s Garden, boating facilities, a Zip Line, Stone Monoliths, Tree House, Watch Tower, and Rest Rooms. During the winter, Siberian birds migrate to this region, staying for one to three months to lay their eggs before returning to their native lands once the eggs hatch.
Pakhal Lake also plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture by providing water for thousands of acres of crops. The water from the lake is purified and supplied as drinking water to surrounding areas.
In addition to local visitors from Warangal, the lake attracts tourists from different parts of Telangana. Over a hundred people visit the lake daily. A green hotel has been set up for tourists who wish to stay overnight and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Deputy Range Officer Reena also mentioned that several development programmes are being carried out under the tourism department to further enhance the appeal of this beautiful region.
