Hyderabad may be hundreds of kilometres from India’s coastline, but by December the city could be dipping its toes into a shoreline of its own. The city is preparing to break ground on an ambitious artificial beach near Kotwal Guda on its outskirts—an entertainment-and-adventure hub designed to bring surf-side vibes to the Deccan, without the drive to the sea.
The government of Telangana has cleared the way for Hyderabad’s first artificial beach, a INR 225-crore, 35-acre destination, with construction slated to begin in December 2025 under a public–private partnership model. The pitch is simple and audacious: give Hyderabadis a weekend by the “sea” without leaving the city, and supercharge urban tourism while doing it.
At the heart of the project is a man-made lake engineered to mimic a coastal setting, edged with sand zones and wave pools designed for that photo-ready surf-and-foam effect. The plan layers in a lifestyle palette—floating villas, luxury stays, food courts, parks, cycling tracks, and family leisure areas—so the space moves beyond novelty into a full-day (or weekend) destination. City officials frame it as civic placemaking with a tourism engine: an emblem of Hyderabad’s ambition to position itself as a global city with distinctive experiences, not just another metro with a tech park.
The timing is deliberate. Over the past year, the city has been testing the waters, literally, by rolling out adventure water sports at Hussain Sagar: jet skiing, kayaking, “jet attack” rides, and water rollers at Lumbini Park. That trial balloon drew steady footfall and social buzz, signaling appetite for curated outdoor recreation within city limits. The artificial beach is the next-stage build-out: controlled, purpose-designed, and far less weather-dependent than a natural waterfront.
Think urban resort meets amusement beach. The proposed wave pools and activity zones cater to both casual visitors and adrenaline seekers, while floating villas and nearby hospitality promise staycation appeal. For families, the draw is convenience—an easy day trip with soft-adventure, green pockets, and multiple food options. For the city, it’s a diversifier: a new anchor that complements Charminar-Chowmahalla heritage circuits and Hitec City’s business travel, keeping weekend spends local and luring regional tourists who’d otherwise fly to Goa or the east coast for ‘beach time’.
The economics are crafted around PPP, with officials indicating private interest and a finalised DPR (detailed project report). That matters: integrated leisure projects live or die by operating models—ticketing, bundled experiences, events, and hospitality partnerships. With international investors reportedly circling, the beach could evolve into a programmable venue: morning fitness on the sand, afternoon surf sessions in the wave pool, sunset gigs on a waterfront stage, night markets under festoon lights. Done right, it’s a year-round calendar, not a one-and-done attraction.
Of course, building a beach where there is none comes with scrutiny. Environmental management—water quality, energy use for wave mechanics, and traffic flow to the site—will be the project’s credibility test. City hall has recently emphasised lake rejuvenation and responsible tourism around Hussain Sagar; carrying those guardrails to Kotwal Guda will be essential to keep the project future-proof and community-friendly.
Yet the broader signal is unmistakable. Hyderabad, which has long sold itself on biryani, pearls, palaces, and product launches, is now leaning into experience design. If the shovels hit ground on schedule this December and timelines hold, the city could debut India’s most ambitious inland beach concept within the next construction cycle—an Instagram-ready slice of coast in the Deccan, built for families, thrill-seekers, and weekenders who want the splash without the flight.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. What is Hyderabad’s artificial beach project at Kotwal Guda?
Hyderabad is building a Rs 225-crore artificial beach spread over 35 acres at Kotwal Guda. It will feature wave pools, sand zones, floating villas, adventure sports, parks, and food courts to create a complete urban beach experience.
2. When will construction of the artificial beach in Hyderabad begin?
Construction is expected to begin in December 2025, with the project developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model.
3. What attractions will the artificial beach in Hyderabad offer?
The beach will have wave pools, water adventure sports, floating villas, cycling tracks, luxury stays, parks, and family-friendly leisure zones, making it a full-day or weekend destination.
4. How is this project different from natural beaches?
Unlike coastal beaches, Hyderabad’s artificial beach will be purpose-built and weather-controlled, ensuring safety, accessibility, and year-round recreational activities within the city limits.
5. Will the artificial beach in Hyderabad boost tourism?
Yes. The project is expected to be a major urban tourism attraction, complementing Hyderabad’s heritage landmarks and tech hubs while offering locals and tourists a unique weekend getaway option.
