Lakes in Bangalore
With the increased number of millennials and the awareness created, Bangalore residents are a little more concerned about their health. Even families are looking for some getaways from the mundane. Lakes in Bangalore have of late become a one-stop location for fitness freaks, yoga enthusiasts, runners, and joggers and not just for people who want to spend time in serenity. Lakes in Bangalore are well maintained with jogging tracks, mini-gyms, facilities like drinking water, washrooms, kids’ play area, benches for sitting and much more. Because of such reasons Bangalore is known for its gardens and lakes. There are over 100 lakes in Bangalore that are maintained by BBMP, BDA and the forest department. The majority of the lakes are from the 16th century. The most visited lakes in Bangalore are listed here.
Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake
Also known as Halasuru Lake, it is a one-stop destination for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, bird watchers, nature photographers, kids of all age groups and senior citizens. Spread across over 1.5 sq. km, in the heart of the city in the CBD area, this lake is one of the major attractions of Bangalore. Dating back to 1537, Ulsoor Lake is one of the oldest and largest lakes in Bangalore.
A paradise for joggers and walkers is a favourite place for celebrity fitness enthusiasts too. The mini-gym, jogging track, garden, boating, watching a sunrise, and bird-watching, are some of the activities enjoyed by the residents and travellers from other cities. The lake also has a dedicated pond for immersing lord Ganesha and goddess Durga statues after the festivals Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga puja as a ritual. The lake is filled with colours of joy and festivities. Surrounded by various star-category hotels and multi-cuisine eating joints, the Ulsoor lake area is a very busy and happening location in Bangalore.
Located just behind the lake, is a Gurudwara that adds charm to the lake. One can also visit several ancient temples in and around Ulsoor.
Pro Tip:
- There is a fee of Rs 25 after 8 am for adults and kids below 12 years who are free.
- The lake is open from 6 am to 7 pm
- Boating is subject to weather conditions.
Sankey Tank Lake
In the heart of the town and amidst Bangalore’s old charm Sadashivnagar and Malleshwaram, Sankey Tank is one of the oldest and most charming lakes cum tanks in Bangalore. The calm and quaint lake is a hotspot for those who want to have a quality time just sitting by the lakeside. Sankey tank is an ideal location for joggers, morning walkers and even kids who want to play in an open area away from home. If you are a senior citizen, this man-made lake nestled in the heart of the town is a perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends by doing yoga, doing laughter exercises or just chit-chatting. Nature lovers can have a gala time by watching birds during sunrise and the serenity all around. The mesmerising sunset attracts lots of admirers. Do you love boating? Yes, the Sankey tank offers boating facilities on a chargeable basis for a quaint and delightful boat ride around the lake. The lake complex also houses a swimming pool, so if want to have a good swim head out to Sankey Tank.
You can also enjoy the authentic Kannadiga cuisine in the Malleshwaram area after visiting the lake.
Pro Tip:
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm. Open on all days except Friday.
- The entry fee for adults is Rs.10 and for kids Rs 5
- Boating timings are 10 am to 6 pm.
Agara Lake
Agara Lake
One of the oldest, dating to the 8th century Agara Lake is a paradise for joggers, runners and early risers. Located in a busy area of HSR layout, this beautiful lake is one of the most famous natural lakes in Bangalore. Spread across 98 acres, the lake is also home to some migratory birds like spot-billed pelicans and is a treat to the eyes. Large trees, amazing varieties of flora, a cool breeze, a glittery lake, kids play area and a well-laid jogging track, entices not only the residents but also enthusiasts across the city. One may not have any reasons or excuse to visit the lake, but just sitting by the side of the lake in a calm environment is very soothing to the soul. There are a lot of eating joints outside the lake where you can stop by for a hearty breakfast.
Pro Tip:
- There is no entry fee.
- The lake is open from 5.30 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 6.30 pm. On Sundays, the lake is open from 5.30 am to 6.30 pm
- There is no boating.
Lal Bagh Lake
Located inside the famous Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, the Lake is exceptionally beautiful and picturesque. A well-planned landscape mesmerises visitors, travellers, fitness enthusiasts, families and photographers. Commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by his son Tipu Sultan, spread across 240 acres, Lal Bagh acclaimed recognition across the world. The lake, botanicalartwork, variety of plants, scientific study and conservation of plants and rock which is supposed to be more than 3000 million years old are the highlights of Lal Bagh. The Lake at Lal Bagh is a paradise for joggers, photographers, yoga enthusiasts, nature lovers, kids, and all those who want to spend quality time in tranquillity. The lake also attracts numerous migratory and resident birds like Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Egrets and many local birds. Lake is surrounded by a variety of trees which are more than 100 years old. Most of the birds are nestled here. Spending time near the lake is the favourite time for most of the visitors. One can easily spend 2-3 hours near the lake and in the botanical garden. Feeding fish in the lake is also a major attraction, especially for toddlers.
Pro Tip:
- Timings for the lake are from 9 am to 6 pm.
- The entry fee is Rs 25 after being. There are no entry fees for morning walkers/joggers from 6 am to 9 am and evening 4 pm to 7 pm.
- There is a separate entry fee during the events like Cake Show, Flower show, Mango mela etc.
Hesaraghatta Lake
The melodious chirping of birds in a lush green environment is what we all long for. Hesaraghatta Lake is often referred to as a mini bird sanctuary, being home to various species of local birds. Spread across 1000 acres, Hesaraghatta is one of the hottest weekend getaways for Bangaloreans. A man-made lake was made in 1894 to store water from the Akravathi River and to supply drinking water to Bangalore city. The vast grassland and the lake at Hesaraghatta offer visitors amazing views of sunrise and chirping birds. The lake is in its glory during monsoon and post-monsoon till the winter. Winters are the best time to visit to get a glimpse of those beautiful migratory birds. Hesaraghatta is a popular destination for motor bikers, cyclists and photographers.
Pro Tip:
- There is no entry fee to the lake.
- There are no boating facilities
- Visiting time is 6 am to 6 pm. But the early morning hours give the best views.
Avathi Lake
Avathi Lake
If you are looking at spending half a day away from the hustle –bustle of city chaos, head out to Avathi Lake. A perfect weekend getaway for day trips just an hour away from Bangalore city. If you are a cyclist, biker or just love long drives, take this path of offbeat location vis-à-vis Nandi Hills. You can avoid the Nandi Hills crowd and head towards Avathi Betta Lake. A picturesque with Avathi Betta in the background, the lake offers the most amazing views. Just walk around the lake, enjoy a picnic, climb a betta (hill) or sit there by the side of the lake and soak up yourself in the serenity of the lake surroundings. There are not much of activities in and around Avathi lake but the calmness will give the quality time with yourself as well as with your friends and family.
Pro Tip:
- There is no entry fee.
- The lake is open throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.
- Carry sun and rain protection as there are not much of trees.
- There is no boating.
- Carry food and water as there is nothing available near the lake.
- Do not leave any trash.
So if boating, jogging, running, walking, bird watching, sitting under a tree and just being in nature are your favourite activities then Bangalore is the place. Bangalore is blessed with so many such lakes and is a perfect treat to the eyes and the soul as well.
PS: Keep the lakes clean and DO NOT LITTER.
