22 kms from Hyderabad is Osman Sagar also known as Gandipet. A picturesque picnic spot, the man made lake created by the damming of the river Musi in 1920 is used as one of the drinking water sources for the city. The lake overlooks the Sagar Mahal, a resort built by the Nizam of Hyderabad but converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.

A weekend retreat, Shamirpet, located 24 km to the north of Secunderabad is known for its beautiful artificial lake and deer park The lake has a small bund or dam with a few flood gates. Adjacent to the lake is a temple dedicated to the local deity Katta Maisamma who is considered as the protector of travelers. Motorists, who pass over this bridge, often halt at the temple to offer obeisance to the deity. The lake peaceful environs and the lush vegetation make it a great picnic spot.

8 km from Hyderabad, Mir Alam Tank is a large lake adjacent to Nehru Zoological Park. Named after its builder, Mir Alam, who was the Prime Minister of Hyderabad from 1804 - 1808, the tank has a unique type of construction with 21 Semi Circular Granite Masonry Dams. Next to the tank is the Nehru Zoological Park. Spread over 300 acres,it is a well-kept park having a separate Safari Section, which provides a natural environment for 1500 animals. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism offers boating facilities, for which one has to enter through the Zoo.