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)

Ulsoor Lake, locally known as Halasuru Lake, spans 120 acres and features tiny islands at its center, making it one of Bangalore's oldest and largest lakes. Boating is a popular activity at the lake, complemented by a recreational complex with a swimming pool and a play area for children, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Situated in the heart of Bangalore near M.G Road, Ulsoor Lake is easily accessible by public transport, offering a comprehensive recreational experience with nearby restaurants and the prominent Gurudwara of Bangalore.

Timings: 6:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

Undergoing a revitalization initiative, Kengeri Lake is witnessing plans for walking paths, boating facilities, a children's play area, and recreation zones. Despite facing previous neglect, the lake has been a longstanding refuge for migrating birds and is recognized as one of the city's fastest disappearing lakes. Ongoing efforts aim to transform Kengeri Lake into a vibrant and eco-friendly space for both residents and avian visitors.

Location: Harsha Layout, Kengeri Satellite Town

Lalbagh Lake in Bangalore is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting dozens of bird species amidst the scenic backdrop of century-old trees. Popular among photographers, the lake's picturesque setting attracts frequent photo-walks. Renowned for its diverse collection of flowers from around the world, Lalbagh Lake features twin islands where birds like Egret, Night Heron, and Indian Pond Heron find sanctuary. Bird lovers can enjoy feeding fish from the bridge during evenings, making it a delightful experience for visitors seeking tranquility away from crowded flower shows.

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)

Kaikondrahalli Lake, originally a dump-yard, has been transformed into a thriving bio-diverse ecosystem. This picturesque lake, surrounded by diverse trees and featuring a central island, is home to reptiles, amphibians, and a vibrant bird population, including migratory species like the White-throated Kingfisher and Spot-billed Pelicans. With jogging and cycling tracks, play areas, and parks, the lake is accessible throughout the week, making it a cherished destination 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

Hoodi Lake, nestled in the bustling city of Bangalore, offers a serene escape with its picturesque surroundings and calming waters. Recently rejuvenated, the lake now boasts well-maintained walking paths, lush greenery, and seating areas, providing a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike. With its improved infrastructure and natural beauty, Hoodi Lake stands as a rejuvenated oasis in the heart of the city.