Exploring places, which are nature havens is a favorite pastime of many and it opens a completely new arena of excitement, fun and rejuvenation.Nature is blessed with a lot of abundance on this earth that thrives in specific habitats, contributing for overall biodiversity. Hence reservoirs are quite popular with visitors. One such pristine destination is Manjeera Reservoir, located in Sangareddy District of Telangana.The dam was built on the river Manjeera, a tributary of Godavari. The wildlife habitat around has been named Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Manjeera, also spelled as Manjiira passes through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana. It originates in the Balaghat range of hills near Ahmednagar district and empties into the Godavari River.It is a man-made reservoir that provides water for irrigation and also drinking water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The sprawling reservoir has nine small islands like Bapangadda, Puttigadda, Sangamadda, Karnamgadda and others. These islands are known for their extensive marshy fringes, considered as ideal nesting sites for water birds. Moreover, thick cover of trees makes this place a great habitat for several species of animals and birds. It is also home to crocodile sanctuary, a habitat for vulnerable species of mugger crocodile. There are more than 75 species of birds which are spotted here, also making it a holistic wildlife destination.

Being a freshwater ecosystem, Manjeera Reservoir and the adjoining wildlife sanctuary is home to many plant species like Typha, Babool, Prosopis, Ipomoea and Acacia Ipomea, Vallisneria, Eichhornia and Reeds among others.It is a typical riverine habitat, with a thriving population of mugger crocodile and fresh water turtles. There are molluscs, prawns, and fishes like catla, eel, rohu, murrel, karugu and chidwa and also reptiles like monitor lizard, cobra etc. Wildlife enthusiasts spot Indian hare, mongoose wild boar, and jackal here. In 1974, when the mugger crocodile was at the threshold of extinction in the region of Telangana, a crocodile breeding program was initiated. Currently, about 400 to 600 crocodiles inhabit the region.There are more than 70 species of birds in this sanctuary. Common teal, cotton pygmy goose, ruddy shelduck are seen here along with hundreds of cranes and barheaded geese. Darter, Eurasian coot, Asian openbill, painted stork, and black-crowned night heron are some of the other species seen here.

Other Attractions

• Boating Facilities

• Exhibitsthat depict the biodiversity of the wetlands in detail.

• Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore the reservoir is from November to May.

How to Reach

The reservoir is located at a distance of nearly 10 km from Sangareddy district headquarters. Sangareddy is well connected by road to Hyderabad, Medak and other urban centers of Telangana. From Hyderabad, it is located nearly 70 km away.

Where to Stay

Tourists can choose good accommodation options in Medak and Sangareddy towns.