Puttenahalli WS Lake is one of the scenic attractions of Bangalore city. The water body is situated near Yelahanka, a suburb that is located 14 km from downtown Bangalore. The huge lake is spread across an area of around 24.71 acres. The lake is famous for the various species of birds that have made it their home.
The lake is listed for further development and efforts are being taken to declare the water body as a protected area.
The beauty of the Puttenahalli WS Lake, Bangalore
In a city that is developing at a rapid pace and is increasingly witnessing the crunch of large open spaces for relaxation the Puttenahalli WS Lake stands out as an exception. It is a large area that offers a splendid view and is ideal for spending some relaxed moments away from the hustle and bustle of routine life. This popular hangout location is frequented by local people and tourists alike to enjoy the beauty of nature.
The lake offers an exceptional view in the morning when the birds spread their wings and fly out from their nests. The green trees surrounding the lake become dotted with the winged creatures.
Main attraction of the Puttenahalli WS Lake, Bangalore
The Puttenahalli WS Lake is a bird watcher’s delight. More than 49 species of birds can be spotted at the lake. It is a popular breeding and nesting ground for local and migratory birds. During the breeding season more than 7000 birds flock to the lake. Among such birds many belong to several endangered species. The large water body is frequented by some rare and migratory birds that come from as far as the Northern Himalayas and Siberia.
Among the birds that can be spotted at the Puttenahalli WS Lake are Painted Storks, Asian Openbill Storks, Purple Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Pond Herons, Darters, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Eurasian Spoonbills, Little Grebe, Spot billed Pelican, Spot-billed Ducks, Little Cormorant, Common Sandpiper, Purple Moorhen, and several other species of water birds.
Such a large and varied population of bird species is hard to find in an urban setting. This is one of the main reasons the authorities as well as the local people are trying to protect the birds and their habitat.
Best time for visiting the lake, Bangalore
The best time to visit the lake is during the winter season when several migratory birds can be seen nesting and breeding in the marshes and trees around the lake. On any day throughout the year the best time to spot a wide variety of birds is during the early morning hours.
How to reach the Puttenahalli WS Lake, Bangalore
Bangalore is one of the most well connected cities of the country. The city can be reached by a large number of flights, trains and buses.
Yelahanka has excellent connectivity. The place has one of the best road networks in Bangalore. The railway station at Yelahanka is one of the oldest stations of the city and several trains ply on that route.
Yelahanka can be reached from the city centre through a network of roads and a six lane dual carriageway highway.
This highway also connects Yelahanka with the Bangalore International Airport.
BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) and KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are frequently available from Bangalore to reach Yelahanka. There are several normal and Volvo A/C buses that carry passengers to Yelahanka.
The National Highway 7 (North – South Corridor) also passes through Yelahanka. As such, visitors to the Puttenahalli WS Lake can hire cabs or private taxis to reach the water body in a comfortable manner. Many auto rickshaws also serve to carry people from the Bangalore Metropolitan Area to Yelahanka.
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