5 Lakes to Visit in Bangalore (2024)

Bangalore was once known as the ‘City of Lakes’. It is believed that the city had more than 280 lakes. Unfortunately, most of these lakes were victims of over-construction and urbanisation. Urban development caused 19 lakes to be converted into bus stops, golf courses, apartment complexes and others.

Now, the government, the local councils, and the residents have started to prioritise saving these lakes by giving them the importance they deserve. Some of these lakes (17 to be precise) are slowly being revived and are transformed into amazing parks and cityscapes where one can spot migratory and local birds. This post lists the five lakes to visit in Bangalore.

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5 Lakes to Visit in Bangalore

As I mentioned, Bangalore has many more lakes, each as beautiful as the other. In this post, I am listing only 5 of those fantastic lakes.

Note:

• There are plenty of flora and fauna at the lakes. Do not harm them.
• Snakes have been spotted at these lakes. So, know where you are stepping. Stick to the walking path or trails.
• These lakes are very popular among joggers and walkers.
• The prices of the entrance fee are at the time of publication. So, check with the lake ticket counters to get the updated pricing.
• Cameras cost extra. At Lalbagh, cameras are not allowed.

Do you have a fur baby? And do you want to visit some places with your baby? Read Travel to these places around Bangalore with your pet.

Hebbal Lake

Commissioned by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda I, in the mid-15th century, Hebbal Lake is one of the three lakes created. Located north of Bangalore, Hebbal Lake is perfect for photographers and bird watchers. Spread across 150 acres, Hebbal Lake also has an artificial island home to many birds.

• The lake is open between 6:45 AM and 6:45 PM every day.
• There is an entrance fee of INR 20 per person.
• Plenty of paid parking (INR 20) spaces are available at the lake.
• Cameras cost extra.

Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor, or Halasuru Lake, is one of the biggest lakes in Bangalore, spreading over 123 acres. The man-made lake has several islands and was created by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring.

• The lake is open between 6 AM and 8 PM every day.
• There is no entrance fee to visit the lake.

Jakkur Lake

Spreading over 86 acres, Jakkur Lake is one of the well-maintained and beautiful lakes in Bangalore. Located on the northeastern side of Bangalore, Jakkur Lake is perfect for a morning jog or a stroll. It is also famous among the photographers as there are plenty of birds to spot on the islands within the lake. The lake also has a stunning background of city scrappers.

• The lake is open between 5 AM and 9 AM and 4 PM and 7 PM daily.
• There is no entrance fee to visit the lake.

Sankey Tank

In 1882, Sankey Tank was built to meet the neighbourhood’s freshwater supply. The artificial lake is home to many swans, ducks, and fish. Covering an area of 37 acres, the Sankey Tank was built by Col. Richard Hieram Sankey. Situated in Malleshwaram, Sadashivnagar and Vyallikaval areas of Bangalore, Sankey Tank is also known as Gandhadhakotikere.

• Sankey tank is open daily between 5 AM and 10 AM and between 4 PM and 8 PM.
• There is no entrance fee to visit the lake.
• Currently, a lot of construction is happening at the lake.

Lalbagh Lake

Situated inside the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the Lalbagh Lake is splendid in Bangalore’s heart. It is covered with fantastic flora and fauna and has a loop walk of 2 kilometres. The lake has two islands that are home to a variety of birds.

• The Lalbagh botanical garden is open daily between 6 AM and 7 PM.
• There is an entrance fee of INR 30 per person.

Is Bangalore Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Usually, Bangalore as a city is very safe for solo female travellers. I travel alone all the time to many different places. However, like any city in India, I suggest always knowing your surroundings. Also, be careful, especially when it is dark.

• Note: The lakes have a lot of snakes, so be careful as to where you step. I have spotted snakes at Sankey Tank. But other lakes also have boards everywhere, showing many snakes around.

Closing Notes

Bangalore has many more lakes, and each one of them is breathtaking. These are great places to hang out with friends or exercise regularly during the weekend. I have visited all five of them and cannot decide which one is better than the other. The five listed lakes are indeed the ones to visit in Bangalore, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Which of these lakes have you visited so far? Or which of the other lakes in Bangalore do you visit and like? Do let me know by writing to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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