Lalbagh Lake is a spot of splendid beauty located in the heart of the city of Bangalore. The lake is situated at the southern end of the very famous Lalbagh Botanical Gardens that is well known for its exotic flora and is host to the world famous flower show. The lake is spread across an area of about 40 acres and has a maximum depth of 3.5 metres. The lake is a prime attraction for nature lovers as well as tourists.
Apart from being a prominent tourist attraction, the lake is also the source of water for the huge number of plants and trees of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.
History of the Lalbagh Lake, Bangalore
The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens was established in the year 1760 by Hyder Ali. It is believed that the lake was one of the main reasons for Hyder Ali to set up the park. However, the credit for the development of this natural lake and its surrounding areas goes to the then Superintendent of Lalbagh, James Cameroon. He was the person who commissioned the lake in 1890 to provide water to the botanical garden. Under his orders the bund was built and ornamental steps leading to the lake was constructed. He also set up a waste weir to the lake.
The serene beauty of the Lalbagh Lake, Bangalore
One of the most outstanding features of the Lalbagh Lake is its amazing surroundings. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is spread over an area of 240 acres and has more than 1850 species of plants and trees. Set amidst this amazing collection of exotic flora that were brought from as far off places as Iran, Turkey, Mauritius, Africa and Kabul, is the natural lake that presents a breath taking view.
To add to the lake’s beauty there are two picturesque islands in it. It is a sight to behold the water of the lake that reflects the surrounding greenery. The tree lined lake has a well maintained path that runs along its sides. This path is very popular among regular walkers who tread on this route every morning and evening.
The lake has a lovely walk bridge that passes over it at the eastern end. The lake connects the two ponds lying on its north and south corners. These two ponds are known as Lotus Pond and Sunken Pond. Both the ponds are totally dried out and silted.
Haven for birds and bird watchers
The Lalbagh Lake is abode to a large variety of birds and various aquatic species. The two islands of the lake are the prime roosting and nesting ground for the water birds. The water body is a huge attraction for the birds and the people alike in a city that is fast becoming a maze of concrete structures. While some birds have made the lake their permanent home, some migratory birds love to come to this place every year.
The lake is a delight for bird watchers. During the early morning hours it is a wonderful sight to observe several species of birds trying to catch fish in the lake’s water. Among the bird species found at the lake are Black Pelican, White Pelican, Spot billed Pelican, Egret, Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Little Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Oriental Darter, White-breasted Kingfisher, Brahmini Kite, Parakeet, cranes, ducks, swans and geese.
Interesting Facts about Lalbagh Lake, Bangalore
- The two islands in the lake formed naturally during de-silting of the lake carried out some years ago.
- The two islands are connected by pathways that lead to the peripheral embankments. This is a unique feature of the lake as compared to the other lakes of Bangalore that have islands on them.
- Most of the trees surrounding the lake are more than a hundred years old.
- The lake is responsible for recharging water to ten bore wells that exist in its vicinity.
- The lake was polluted and had fully silted a few years ago. It was covered with water hyacinth and other weeds. But the lake was cleaned and is in a much healthy state today.
- The Lalbagh Lake was the first water body in Karnataka where Vetiveria Zizanioides, commonly known as Khus Grass was used to keep the water in a clean state. The credit for this goes to the Department of Horticulture.
Timings and entrance fee for visiting Lalbagh Lake, Bangalore
- The Lalbagh Garden is open for public from 9 am to 6 pm everyday
- For walkers, the timings are from 6 am to 9 am and from 6 pm to 7 pm
- The entrance fee is Rs. 10
- Entry is free for children below 12 years of age
How to reach Lalbagh Lake, Bangalore
Bangalore is a popular tourist destination and is well connected to all corners of the country. There are several flights, trains and bus services that connect Bangalore to various parts of the country.
Lalbagh Lake is situated at a prime location in Bangalore and is easily accessible from all corners of the city.
It is situated at just 4 km from the City railway station, from the Vidhana Soudha or from the M. G. Road. There are 4 entrances to the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, namely:
- The Eastern Gate
- The Western Gate
- The Northern Gate
- The Southern Gate
The Southern Gate is referred to as the main gate. Vehicles are allowed only through the Eastern Gate. The road through this gate is wide and has ample parking space for the vehicles.
There are BMTC buses that ferry passengers to Lalbagh. Visitors can also hire cabs or autos to reach Lalbagh.
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