Bangalore was once called the ‘City of Lakes’. With more than 260 lakes, ponds, and marshy wetlands, the moniker fitted the city perfectly. But with time, many water bodies of Bangalore have fallen prey to encroachment. Luckily, Madiwala Lake wasn’t one of them. Located between the NH7 Hosur Road and the Bannerghatta Main Road, this is one of the biggest lakes in Bangalore. It is also known as the BTM Lake. The scenic beauty of the lake makes it a famous visiting place in the city.
Madiwala Lake. Image courtesy Ashwin06k
History of the Madiwala Lake
This waterbody is nearly 300 years old. It was built by the Cholas, one of the longest ruling dynasties in South India. It is believed that the lake was built overnight. The term Madiwala means washer man. In the old days, the lake was mainly used by the washer men who lived near it. That is why it was called so. Even then, its water was clean enough to be used for drinking purpose.
But it did not remain so forever. Slowly, the lake got polluted by industrial wastes, sewage wastes, and weeds. The water became dirty, smelly, and unhygienic. In 2008, the Karnataka State Forest Department decided to clean up the lake. Due to their efforts, the lake has been restored to its previous glory and the city got back one of its most beautiful water bodies.
Madiwala Lake. Image courtesy Narikisas
Quick Facts about Madiwala Lake
- Ideal For: Nature lovers
- Timings: 5.00 am to 9.30 pm every day of the week
- Boating Time: 10.00 am to 6.30 pm
- Entry Fee: 2/- per child and Rs. 5/- per adult. Extra charge per camera
- Approximate Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Activities: Nature walk, boat ride, bird watching, park visit
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Parking: Parking space available for cars and bikes
- Address: NH7, Hosur Road, Bannerghatta Main Road, BTM 2nd Stage, Bengaluru – 560076 (MAP)
Be at peace with nature
Madiwala Lake is a splendid place to enjoy the beauty of nature right within the city. For a nature lover, the lake offers many attractions. The water body is spread across an area of 114.3 hectares. A leisurely walk around the water body is a pleasure in itself. There is a gentle breeze blowing through the green surroundings of the lake at all times of the day. If you are interested in photography, you will love to capture the lake and its surroundings in your lenses.
One can watch many migratory birds at this location. The view of the setting sun over the lake is an amazing sight to witness. In the evening, the twinkling city lights present a beautiful picture. There is an area attached to the lake where tourists, visitors, or families can gather for picnics and spend time. The children’s park keeps the little ones busy and entertained.
Whether you want to spend some time alone or enjoy an outing with family, the lake is an ideal place to visit.
Enjoy bird sightings
If you are a bird watcher, you will definitely love visiting the water body. The Lake. It is home to a large variety of migratory birds. The central area of the lake has an island situated there. It is the favoured nesting ground of the migratory birds. Different species of migratory birds flock to this island during the winter season.
The Spot-billed Pelicans are the most popular birds sighted at the lake. They flock to the lake in large numbers during the months of November and December. It is a delight to watch the elegant pelicans swooping down and catching fish from the watebody3 for their food. Among the other species sighted at the lake are Egrets, the long legged Purple Swamp Hen, Floating Pelican, Black Kite, Indian Robin, White breasted Kingfisher, Sun Birds, and many other varieties.
Do not forget to bring along your binoculars when visiting the waterbody. It will enable you to get a better glimpse of the birds.
Madiwala Lake. Image courtesy VikasHegde
Go for a boat ride at Madiwala Lake
One of the key attractions of the lake is its boating facility. Cruising over the vast lake in a boat can be a memorable experience. You can hire boats from the boating club of the lake. Boats are available for hire for 30 minutes and 1 hour. If you are lucky enough, you can watch fish swimming in the water even as your boat passes by. Carry your camera if you want to capture such scenes.
How to reach Madiwala Lake
Madiwala Lake is easily reachable from all parts of the city. Once you are in Bangalore, you can avail local transport like cabs or autos to reach the lake. It is located in the BTM Layout, 2nd Stage. Once you reach BTM 2nd Stage, look for the 29th Main Road. This road connects Bannerghatta Road and BTM Main Road. Continue travelling towards Bannerghatta Road and you will soon reach the Madiwala Lake.