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For sustainable groundwater management plan (SGMP), a pilot study has been taken up in Palmakul-Kottur watershed (214 km(2)) near Hyderabad, India with integrated approach including remote sensing, hydrometeorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, geophysical and hydrochemical studies. The watershed is underlain by Archaean granites characterized by semi arid conditions with annual normal rainfall of 836 mm. Remarkable changes in land use pattern, have led to substantial impact on groundwater recharge to the aquifers. The productive phreatic aquifer up to 30 m depth is desaturated forcing to tap the groundwater from deeper aquifers of 100 m depths leading to deeper groundwater levels (> 20 meter below ground level) at places. Overall the stage of groundwater development varies from 78% to 103% and deterioration in groundwater quality is observed with respect to fluoride (max. 4.6 mg/L), nitrate (max. 300 mg/L) and electrical conductivity (max. 4200 micro s micro siemens/cm) at places. For suggesting zone-wise SGMP, the area has been divided into three zones, using geographical information system. Zone-1 (95 km(2)) is characterized by high weathering (> 10 m) & moderate to high yield (> 1 liters/second (lps). Zone-2 (35 km(2)) by low weathering (< 10 m & low yield (< 1 lps) and Zone-3 (84 km(2)) by poor groundwater quality (beyond drinking and irrigation permissible limits). The suggested plan includes site specific suitable artificial recharge structures, cultivation of irrigated dry crops and adaptation of micro irrigation techniques along with provision for alternate source of drinking water. Desilting of existing tanks and participatory groundwater management are recommended. The approach and the outcome of the pilot study will go a long way for up scaling in similar hydrogeological environs of the country. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.