Bangalore is not just about its hustle and bustle of city life. ‘The Silicon Valley of India’ is strewn with gardens, parks, and lakes to relax and rejuvenate. The lakes in Bangalore are slices of nature that offer much-needed serenity. BBMP, BDA, and the Forest Department maintain over 100 lakes in Bangalore. Here are the ten best lakes to visit in Bangalore to unwind from the fast-paced life.
1) Ulsoor Lake
One of the biggest lakes in Bangalore, the Ulsoor Lake spans around 123 acres and has little islands scattered over it. Located on the city’s eastern side, the lake gets its name from the locality, ‘Halasuru’, which is close to M.G. Road. Ulsoor Lake dates back to the period of Kempegowda. However, the one present now was expanded by Lewin Bentham Bowring, the then commissioner of Bangalore. Ulsoor Lake is popular for boating, bird watching, and other recreational activities. Additionally, the lake is also home to many endemic birds. You can go for walks, jog and click pictures. Read more about Ulsoor Lake here.
- Location: Ulsoor (Near M.G. Road)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 25 per person after 8 AM. Free entry fee for children below the age of 12.
- Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
2) Lalbagh Lake
It’s not about the Lalbagh flower show and the garden that attracts visitors to Lalbagh. Lalbagh also houses a beautiful and serene lake, which is an attraction in the heart of the city. The then superintendent of Lalbagh, James Cameroon, developed this natural lake and the surrounding areas. There are little islands in the lake to add to its charm. Additionally, the trees line the lake, and a well-maintained path runs along its sides. Walkers and joggers use this path for their morning and evening walks. Furthermore, Lalbagh Lake is a popular birdwatching site as it serves as a bird haven. Read more about Lalbagh Lake here.
- Location: Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
3) Madiwala Lake
A little away from the hustle and bustle of Madiwala is Madiwala Lake in Bangalore. The Madiwala Lake is situated between the NH7 Hosur Road and the Bannerghatta Main Road. It is one of the largest lakes in Bangalore, spanning about 270 acres. You can see nature lovers, bird watchers and couples who visit this lake. This hidden gem has walking paths and boating facilities. Furthermore, it has a play area for kids as well. Read more about Madiwala Lake here
- Location: BTM 2nd Stage
- Entry Fees: Adults Rs. 5 and Children Rs. 2
- Timings: 5 AM to 9.30 PM
- Boating timings: 10.30 AM to 6.30 PM
4) Hebbal Lake
The erstwhile Kempegowda created the Hebbal Lake by damming natural valley systems and constructing bunds. It is situated along the Bellary Road and the Outer Ring Road (ORR) junction in North Bangalore. The Hebbal Lake spans around 150 acres and is home to various migratory birds. There is a well-maintained path for walkers and joggers. You can also explore the lake and enjoy boat rides on its tranquil waters. The sunrise and sunset here are spellbinding. Furthermore, the view of the lake from the Hebbal Flyover is splendid. Read more about Hebbal Lake here.
- Location: Bellary Road, Outer Ring Road (ORR)
- Entry Fee: No entry Fee
- Boating charges: Rs.20 per person
- Timings: 07.00 AM to 08.00 PM; every day
5) Sankey Tank
Sankey Tank is an artificial waterbody constructed by Col. Richard Hieram Sankey of the Madras Sappers Regiment in 1882. It is situated near Malleshwaram, Vyalikaval and Sadashivanagar. Its peaceful ambiance attracts people from all walks of life. The sunset is mesmerizing. Furthermore, you can see various birds before sunrise. Also, you can do boat rides, swim in the pool, and visit the plant nursery. Read more about Sankey Tank here
- Location: Kondarampura, Malleshwaram West
- Entry Fee: Rs.10 per person for adults and Rs.5 for children.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM. (Closed on Fridays).
- Boating charges: Rs. 10 (10 AM to 6 PM)
6) Kaikondrahalli lake
The 48-acre Kaikondrahalli Lake is an unspoiled beauty in Sarjapur and well-maintained. It is an appropriate place for birdwatching, and you can see birds like purple horns, spot-billed pelicans, kingfishers, and others. It has a well-laid path for walkers and cyclists and a kid’s play area. The cluster of trees on an island in the lake adds more beauty to it and the landscape at large.
- Location: Kaikondrahalli Lake, Harlur
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Closes at 6.30 PM
7) Hesaraghatta Lake
One of the largest artificial freshwater lakes in Bangalore, Hesaraghatta Lake, is one of the largest lakes in Bangalore. Located in the north-western part of the city, the Hesaraghatta Lake was conceived by Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the Dewan of erstwhile Mysore state and the M. C. Hutchins, the chief engineer of Mysore. The lake is home to many exotic birds, especially migratory ones. You could get sight of Kingfishers, Brahminy Kite, Wagtails, Pond Heron, Black Kite, Drongos, Purple Sunbirds, Bushlarks, Cormorants, Magpie Robin, Pale Billed Flowerpecker, Egret, Mayna, Paddy field pipit, Bulbul, etc. Migratory birds include Spotted Eagles and Harriers during the winter season. Parasailing is available during summer for the adventurous lot, organized by adventure clubs. Early morning walks around this tranquil abode are pleasant. Read more about Hesaraghatta Lake here
- Location: Hesaraghatta
- Entry Fee: Free
8) Agara Lake
Agara Lake, situated on the Outer Ring Road near Koramangala and HSR Layout, Bangalore, is a natural lake dating back to the 8th century. Once a scenic spot, the Agara Lake had lost its beauty owing to negligence. It is now regaining its lost glory. The walking and jogging tracks attract fitness freaks, and the Children-Globe-Rooster statue is a favourite amongst kids. It is also a home to many kinds of birds, especially Spot-billed Pelicans and Coots. One can get a remarkable sight of avian life during the monsoon season. Read more about Agara Lake here
- Location: Agara Village, 1st Sector, HSR Layout
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 11 AM, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
9) Bellandur lake
Bellandur Lake is the largest lake in Bangalore, spanning around 892 acres. Situated in the suburb of Bellandur in the south-eastern part of Bangalore, it is an ideal place to unwind. The sunset in this lake is a mesmerising sight. There are countless species of birds that inhabit this place, including the Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate egret, Indian pond heron, Blyth’s pipit, Cattle egret, Western yellow wagtail, Grey wagtail, White-browed wagtail, Black kite, Western marsh harrier, Brahminy kite, Shikra and many more. Hence, it is an ideal place for birdwatchers to visit.
- Location: Bellandur
- Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
10) Nagavara Lake
The Nagavara Lake is a beautiful sight with the impressive Lumbini Gardens on its banks. It is taken up for lease by the Lumbini Gardens. It is one of the most popular attractions in Bangalore. Spread over an area of 75 acres, the lake authority of India developed the Nagavara Lake. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation. The waterfront Lumbini Gardens enhances the beauty of the lake. The musical fountains, boat rides, artificial wave pool, amusement park for children, a floating restaurant, and a floating coffee shop all beckon people to unwind thoroughly in Nagavara Lake. Since Nagavara Lake is one of the best lakes in Bangalore, it is flocked by visitors. Read more about Nagavara Lake here
- Location: Along the Outer Ring Road (ORR)
- Entry Fee: Rs 60 for adults and kids above the age of 3 years.
- Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
