A new rhythm to the weekendIn recent months, more residents are choosing to spend their weekends outdoors, with several citizen-led and government-supported nature walks being scheduled across the city. While still niche, organisers note that the interest is growing — particularly among those looking for a mindful break from daily routines. “Initially, we had about 15 to 20 participants. Now we often see up to 200 people joining us. It’s heartening to witness this growing interest in exploring local ecosystems,” say Ajitha Maru and Mano Gyna Reddy, founders of the Kapra Lake Revival Group.”A collective push for conservationEnvironmental awareness has become a key pillar of these walks. Participants often learn about conservation history, government efforts, and community-led campaigns working to preserve lakes and biodiversity hotspots. Sai Prakash, nature photographer and conservation advocate, shares: “I’ve recorded more than 120 species at Kapra Lake alone. Earlier, turtles were being captured and sold illegally. These walks brought attention to the issue, and now these turtles are actively protected.”Kobita Das, one of the founders of Nature Lovers of Hyderabad adds, “Nature walks help people connect with the changing seasons and weather patterns. You begin to notice details — the way birds behave or a flower in bloom. Most importantly, they teach us to slow down and observe.”These nature walks aim to show people how places like Kapra Lake have changed over the years — from nearly 112 acres to less than 70 acres. It’s about creating awareness and encouraging collective action like what can be done to preserve it– Ajitha Maru & Mano Gyna Reddy, founders of the Kapra Lake Revival Group
More than a walk in the parkThese walks aren’t just passive strolls — they offer participants an immersive learning experience. From spotting native birds to identifying local trees and insects, walkers gain insight into the urban ecosystem.“The nature walk scene in Hyderabad has grown significantly,” notes Pradeep Kumar Chinnaboina, founder of Wild Telangana and VWOLFS Foundation. “Take Ameenpur Lake, for instance — it’s home to nearly 290 recorded bird species. During our walks, we introduce participants to both common and migratory birds, helping them observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity right in our backyard.”The trend is educational but also deeply personal for many. “We’re surrounded by so many birds in our daily lives, yet we rarely notice them. As someone who spends most of the day glued to my laptop, stepping into nature like this is a much-needed breath of fresh air,” says Deepak Acharya, a software engineer and regular walker.These sessions go beyond forests — we talk about bird counting, sapling plantations, and even simple habits like gardening that make naturea part of everyday life”– Sai Prakash, nature photographer and conservation advocateCommunity, connection, and calmIn today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and genuine connection can be rare — but nature walks help fix that gap. “There’s been a growing interest since we began earlier this year, with families, students, and professionals joining to unwind on weekends,” says Suman Kalyanapu, Project Manager of Deccan Woods and Trails. “Many corporate companies now organise nature-based team-building activities. It gives IT employees a chance to step away from screens, connect with nature, and engage in meaningful collaboration,” adds Sai.Benefits of walking in naturel Improves cardiovascular healthl Reduces cortisol levels associated with stressl Reduced mental health issuesl Improves quality of sleepl Improves attention span– According to a study by Harvard Medicine– Divya Shree
