Anekere Lake: Karkala, Udupi, History, How To Reach

Some lakes have been around for longer than history books while others are an integral part of it. The Anekere Lake in the Karkala town in Udupi is a beautiful artificial water body with scenic and historical significance. It is spread over 7 acres. Back in the day, this was where the Royal elephants were bathed. Today, it is a picturesque picnic spot.

Quick Facts about Anekere Lake

Ideal For: Picnics and Photography
Timings: Open throughout the day
Entry Fee: Free
Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Anekere Lake – History

The Anekere Alke was built in 1262 as a tank by Raja Pandyadeva. He belonged to the Bhairasa dynasty. The primary purpose of this tank was to serve as a bathing spot for the royal elephants. According to government records, it was initially spread over 25 acres. Later, it was used to supply the region with drinking water.

For over 8 centuries, the Anekere lake was the primary source of potable water for the city. In 1545 AD, one of the successors of Raja Pandyadeva, Pandya VI, commissioned the construction of the Kere Basadi in the middle of the lake.

Kere Basadi

With Jainism being a prominent religion in the area, Karkala is dotted with many Basadis. The Kere Basadi gets its name from its location – the middle of a lake or kere. It houses a four-faced tirthankara idol and is also known as the Chaturmukha Basadi.

The temple is unique in terms of its location in the middle of a lake and is designed with entrances facing all 4 directions. The Chaturmukha idol in the temple has features of Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, Neminatha, and Anantanatha. The temple also houses an idol of Padmavati.