Apr 12, 2010 09:13 PM
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(Updated Apr 12, 2010 09:24 PM)
Well, Being an Early Raiser and a morning Walker I am always on Look out for new places to set my feet on wherever I go. Once Upon a time the Rulers of Hyderabad created many a Man made Lakes for the beauty and survival of the new City of Hyderabad. Slowly the once lauded city’s best natural spots lie in a state of complete neglect and becuase of the apathetic state of affairs.
Lotus Pond is one such Lake named after the magnificent national flower that used to grow in plenty here, well now, all you see is the plants and the leaves but hardly any lotus in the pond, may be the rains will bring some. The oval shaped water body is situated right in the heart of Banjara Hills, Road No 12, MLA colony.
The beauty of this natural spot is just tucked amidst the concrete jungle surrounding it and surviving all of the man made impediments. The pond is spread over around 10-12 acres and is encircled by lush green trees, colourful gardens and a beautiful 1-1/5 km concrete pathway with breaks in between of green patches and muddy ones too. The uneven track makes for a exhausting work-out for the early morning walkers. You may have to obeisance your head at a place, "Bow your Head to Nature", as one of the tree's trunk shapes into an arch. And you may find one or two Snake pits too on the path, not to worry of snakes, But who knows, Try coming on Naga panchami.lol.
Early morning hours as the sun rays play around, you get a chance to watch the Pristine Lake amidst lush green flora, bright colorful birds chirping, air laden with delicate scent of foliage and clean air. It is a pleasure to see the number of fish when you put your hand in the waters and feel like you can catch a hand full of them!
Lotus Pond is also home to a variety of birds including Kingfisher, White Wagtail, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Common Coot, and Little Egret(Don't ask me, For me anything with Wings is a Bird, My Little Nida identified a few of them and few by a gentleman, may be birdwatcher, who was strolling by in the park). You will also get to see the flora and fauna, like Neem, Custard Apple, Bamboo, Singapore Cherry, Australian Thumma, and Averca. Some of the trees have boards to tell you the common/scientific names of the tree and the usefulness of them. What else is the best way to learn about environment; I did learn a few things which my Biology teacher failed. Like the food cycle and food chain, the Birds feed the little fish in turn feed on the underwater plants and other little beings. What an Ecosystem!
The spot usually used to attract nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers and morning walkers, but now is a sight of neglect by GMCH of its parks and green environs. The numbers of visitors have declined and at times you may be the only one in the park and quite scary too.Lol. But that is the best thing about this park, you can be almost alone in the whole park especially if you are visiting in the mornings and can spend some well earned quality time with yourself. It’s a place where you can sit and finish a novel or listen to iPod full of your favourite songs. I know, because I do and there are times I have lost track of time!
You can find a few thatched huts hanging above the land or water with benches scattered for those who are weary of legs and lazy to walk or you could actually plump yourself in the wet dew kissed grass.
There is no lighting during the evening hours, so the park is closed by 6-6:30 PM. The Security is lax, but friendly and let you linger at least another 15-20 minutes after closing time. If maintained well it could be in no time crowded with the Hyderabadis and serene and beauty of natural environment will be lost. So I being a man who enjoys simple things of life without needing to complicate them, I wish it stays this way with neglect, may be I am Self-fish.
And do remember all this visual treats, fresh air, landscapes, good sunset/sunrise reflections, birds, fishes and pleasant memories come Free of cost. No Entry Fee for the Nature's Lap. Parking space and Toilets is designated outside the park but don’t trust them, but there is plenty of space for 2/4 wheelers not inside but outside the park.
Visiting Time Anytime between – 6 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM Preferable is the morning Hours.
