Popular Lakes in Bangalore For Nature Lovers

Sankey Tank is a manmade lake, spread across an area of 37.5 acres near Vyalikaval, Malleshwaram and Sadashivanagar. The State Forest Department takes care of the lake. The Maurya Sankey Boat Club offers guests a wide variety of boat rides, for example, rowboats, pedal boats and motorboats. One can enjoy boating and drop to and from the island which is situated in the middle of the lake at minimum charges. This boat club is overseen by KSTDC.

Location: 11th Cross Road, Kodandarampura, Gayathri Nagar
Entry Fee: Child - INR 5 Adult - INR 10
Timings: 6:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

Known locally as Halasuru lake, it is spread over 120 acres with tiny islands in the center. Perhaps the oldest and one of the largest lakes in the city, Ulsoor lake can be a fun one-day outing for assorted reasons. Boating tops the to-do list in Ulsoor lake. Ulsoor has its own recreational complex where one can take a dip in its pool

There's also a play area for kids, so it's a complete package for everyone. If this wasn't enough, it has a good deal of restaurants around the vicinity, and the most significant Gurudwara of Bangalore lies just around the corner. It is located in the heart of Bangalore, close to M.G Road and it being well connected by public transport systems makes it all the easier to reach.
Location: Sivanchetti Gardens, Near MG Road.

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: 6:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

This forgotten and forlorn lake has recently got a new lease of rejuvenation. Kengeri lake had been ignored and left without supervision, but of late, there have been plans made that include building walking paths, boating, children's play area, and recreation zones. This lake has been a home for migrating birds since forever and is one of the fastest disappearing lakes in the city.

Location: Harsha Layout, Kengeri Satellite Town

An abode for dozens of bird species, this lake is picturesquely surrounded by trees that are more than a hundred years old. This place is a mecca for photographers and photo-walks are more than frequent here. Lalbagh is famous for flowers brought in from around the world. Twin islands in the lap of this lake are where birds nestle themselves. A haven for bird lovers, the visitors of this lake include Egret, Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron and one can also take delight in feeding fish from the bridge during evenings. Visiting Lalbagh Lake during flower shows may not be the best time for those who avoid crowded settings.

Location: Mavalli, Bangalore
Entry Fee: INR 10
Timings: 9:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Situated alongside Bellary road, this lake is seasonal. It is parched during summers but regains its beauty with monsoon rains. This is a perfect place for getting those Instagram-worthy sunrise pictures or for a refreshing early morning jog. This lake is best viewed in its entirety from the Hebbal flyover.

Location: NH 7, Bellary road, Outer ring road
Entry Fee: INR 20
Timings: Closes at 06:45 PM

One of the hidden and unknown lakes, Madiwala lake, is spread across 270 acres an island filled with bamboo bushes at the centre of the lake. This lake is perfect for nature lovers and can be visited throughout the year. This lake offers boating; nature walks, children's play area and astonishing bird watching sessions.

Location: Bannerghatta Road
Entry Fee: Child - INR 2 Adult - INR 5
Timings: 5:00 AM -09:30 PM (Boating 10:30 AM - 06:30 PM)

A unique feature of this lake is that it was a dump-yard for residents in Harlur until the administrative body decided to transform it into a lake. This lake is a bio-diverse ecosystem in itself. Home to reptiles, amphibians and birds, Kaikondrahalli Lake, is bordered by trees of all sorts and hosts a small island at the centre like most lakes. Around the lake are jogging and cycling tracks, play areas, and parks. Despite all of this, the bird population here is significantly more.

Each month brings its own set of migratory birds. Some of its guests are the White-throated Kingfisher, Purple Heron and Spot-billed Pelicans. This lake is full throughout the year but is in all its glory in July. It is open throughout the week, and there is no entry fee. This lake is a boon for nature enthusiasts and conservationists.

Location: Kaikondrahalli Lake Trail, Harlur
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Closes at 6:30 PM

Hesarghatta lake is enormous and has water as far as you can see. It hosts diverse birdlife and winter migrants spend their winters here. This human-made reservoir is visited by Harries, Quails, Flycatchers, and Robins, and other species of birds, making it ideal for bird-watchers. Excellent for photographers, this place is also a popular destination for cyclists and bikers. Monsoon and post-monsoon would be the best season to visit this lake.

Location: Hesaraghatta
Entry Fee: Free

Agara Lake is one of the few natural lakes of Bangalore. Attracting a good deal of morning walkers and joggers, few activities have been organized around the lake. Every monsoon brought hundreds of birds to this lake but of late, the avian population has been decreasing. The only ones visiting now are the Spot-billed Pelicans.

Location: Agara Village, 1st Sector, HSR Layout
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:30 AM to 11 AM, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Varthur Lake is a perfect example of how consumerism and industrialization can ruin a natural resource. Varthur Lake was once flawless and ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets that could be photographed as your wallpaper. Now, however, there have only been measures and plans formulated to rejuvenate and decrease the pollutants of this lake.

Location: Varthur Kere, Varthur, Bangalore

Hennur Lake and Biodiversity Park is like a small forest in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Bangalore. This park has a walking track of about 1.2 kms. There is a play area for children which is surrounded by greenery. There’s a garden for medicinal plants and about 1800 local trees. You could even be able to spot different species of butterflies and birds.

Location: Service Rd, 5th Block, Nagawara
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 5:30 AM to 9 AM, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Once a neglected lake, situated near Jakkur, Rachenahalli Lake was revived in early 2019 by the efforts of a citizen’s group. Aerial species like the Brahminy Kite, Spot-Billed Pelican, and Intermediate Egret have made the lake their abode. The tracks laid out in the premises and its serene surroundings make it a perfect place to go for a jog in the morning or to sit and watch the sunset during dusk. 

Location: Thanisandra
Timings: 5:30 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 7 PM on all days of the week.

Set amidst the satellite town of Yelahanka, this lake is a popular spot amongst morning walkers of the area. It is a fairly large water body which is the home of many cranes, swans, pigeons, and a few migratory birds. There is  also an open air gym and children’s park adjoining the lake. Due to its location it is one of the least explored lakes in Bangalore.

Location: Yelahanka
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Sunrise - Sunset