Bangalore's lake scene might not be as vibrant and diverse as it was once upon a time ago. But with beautification projects, citizen activism, and the need for more public spaces, the current crop of lakes in Bangalore is a spot of fresh air and nature. We've picked up some of our favourite lakes in Bangalore that feature some of the most well-known to underrated lakes.
Sunrise, Dates And Jogs: 8 Of Our Favourite Lakes In Bangalore
Overview
Ulsoor Lake
One of the biggest and well-known lakes in Bangalore, Ulsoor Lake has existed since the time of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. The modern iteration of the lake came about during the time of Lewin Bentham Bowring, the then Commissioner of Bangalore. The lake is partly operated by the Madras Engineer Group, so you'll see several army personnel training here. The lake has a jogging track an outdoor gym and several benches to sit and catch the sunrise or sunset.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM all through the week
Entry Fees: Free entry
Agara Lake
The Agara Lake in HSR Layout is a beautiful spot in the city for folks living in HSR and the Koramangala side of town. The 98-acre lake is perfect for morning jogs, bird watching, and kids playing about. There's a jogging track that goes around the entire lake. They have a kid's play area and several viewpoints to catch the sunset. Plus, they have working, clean toilets and a parking facility too.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM all through the week and on Sunday the lake is open all through the day from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Frees: Free Entry
Lal Bagh Lake
Located inside the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, the lake is a landmark inside the park and a popular spot for bird watchers. We hear that during the season people can spot many migratory birds along with the local bird population here. The lake is surrounded by greens and you can walk or jog around the periphery. It's also a spot for having picnics and dates.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM all through the week
Entry Fees: INR 25 and free for joggers and morning walkers from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Hebbal Lake
You might have spotted Hebbal Lake on your way to the airport but apart from being a landmark, it's a spot for fresh air and away from the hustle and bustle of the residents nearby. It's one of the three lakes built by Kempe Gowda and today apart from being a spot for fresh air, bird watchers and naturalists meet up here often.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free entry but there have been instances where they have asked for a nominal fee at the entrance with the entry ticket.
Madiwala Lake
Considered to be one of the biggest lakes in Bangalore, the Madiwala Lake thankfully comes under the maintenance duties of the Karnataka State Forest Department and is blessed with park areas. Not least of all a cute children’s park and walkways. The lake is also popular for spotting migratory birds. They also have boating facilities that are priced at INR 50 per head for a 30-minute session. They only accept cash payment so be sure to carry change.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 30
Kaikondrahalli Lake
The location for the annual Kere Habba, Kaikondrahalli Lake, spread over 48 acres, is also home to migratory birds (up to 70 species of birds have been recognised here) and is great for a lovely walk around the lake perimeters (around a 2-kilometre stretch). The lake has been restored to its original glory (it had been reduced to a dump yard) with the effort of BBMP, citizens and green initiatives from around the city.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free entry
Yediyur Lake
Supposedly one of the oldest lakes in Bangalore, with origins that date back to the Hoysala period, Yediyur Lake today has a nice walkway built around it for joggers and walkers. A surrounding park offers options for picnicking. You will find residents of JP Nagar and surrounding areas making this their second home, especially during the weekend. There are two temples nearby that you can visit after you have spent time at the lake.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free Entry
Puttenahalli Lake
One of the smaller lakes that have been restored, managed and maintained largely by the residents around the lake, Puttenahalli Lake is like a mini oasis in the middle of the urban jungle. You can hit up this lake for an early morning or evening walk. Bird watchers are in luck as the small lake attracts a variety of birds that are easy to spot. There's also a small forest near the area that you can check out while you're at it.
Timings: 6 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
