Telangana is preparing to introduce a new water-based tourism experience with plans for floating restaurants, luxury cruise boats and premium houseboats at six lakes and reservoirs across the state.

The Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) has proposed three floating restaurants or luxury dine-in cruise boats at Kokapet lake, Malkam Cheruvu and Ibrahimpatnam Cheruvu. Three luxury houseboats are also planned at Nagarjunasagar, Somasila and Ramappa lake.

Lakes set for a luxury tourism makeover

Officials believe the initiative could increase tourist footfall while generating employment and supporting businesses around the water bodies.

The proposed floating restaurants will primarily target Hyderabad’s growing premium dining market. Each vessel is expected to accommodate around 100 people and offer dining and leisure cruising facilities.

Kokapet lake, which covers around 50 to 55 acres, is being considered particularly suitable because of its location amid rapidly developing residential and commercial areas.

Malkam Cheruvu, near Hyderabad’s IT corridor, spans around 68 acres, while Ibrahimpatnam Cheruvu covers more than 1,200 acres on the city’s eastern outskirts.

Luxury houseboats planned beyond Hyderabad

TGTDC is also looking at luxury houseboat experiences at three major tourism destinations.

Ramappa lake, located near the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, could feature small and medium-sized houseboats along with boating routes and dedicated zones.

The expansive Nagarjunasagar backwaters are being considered for larger luxury houseboats, while Somasila near Kollapur is expected to build on its existing reputation as a backwater tourism destination.

The houseboats are proposed to have at least five bedrooms, with facilities designed to meet three-star hospitality standards.

Projects likely through PPP model

The proposed projects are expected to be developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. TGTDC hopes private participation will bring investment, technology and operational expertise to the projects.

The initiative forms part of Telangana’s wider effort to expand water-based tourism through cruises, boating, water sports and other leisure attractions