Need a break from Bangalore's traffic and concrete chaos? The city was once called the 'City of Lakes' with over 260 water bodies scattered across it. The history of lakes in Bangalore goes back to the early 16th century, when rulers built these man-made reservoirs to manage water. Today, many have disappeared due to urbanization but the surviving ones offer peaceful escapes right in the middle of the city.
This blog covers 12 beautiful lakes in Bangalore where you can actually breathe clean air for a change. You'll find details on timings, entry fees, and what makes each lake special for boating, birdwatching, or just sitting by the water. Some host migratory birds while others have cycling tracks and parks for kids. Find out which lake fits your mood and plan a visit this weekend.
Top 12 Must-Visit Lakes in Bangalore
Here are the top 12 lakes in Bangalore where you can escape your daily routine and spend quality time with family or friends. Each lake has something different to offer depending on what you're looking for.
1. Ulsoor Lake
The Ulsoor Lake is one of the oldest and largest lake in Bangalore. The lake is surrounded by small islands and lushes. There are boating options available. You can either choose a rowboat or a paddleboat. The development around the lake offers a park with swings and slides for kids, so you and your partner can have some we time. This makes it one of the most family-friendly lakes in Bangalore with activities for all ages. Along with the lake, you can also explore the must-visit places in Bangalore near Ulsoor like MG Road, Church Street, etc.
Location: Eastern Road, near MG Road.
Timings: 6.00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
2. Hebbal Lake
Hebbal is popular amongst bird watchers and is one of the best lakes in Bangalore for boating. The lake is spread over 150 acres and has one of the best parks in Bangalore, making it an excellent sightseeing spot in Bangalore. Here, you can capture magnificent sunrises and sunsets. The lake hosts 50+ migratory birds during the rainy season. The limited public access makes the air cleaner and the place even more serene. It is one of the best spots in Bangalore to calm down your monkey mind and anxiety.
Location: Near Hebbal Flyover
Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person, with an additional 20 for car parking
3. Varthur Lake
Varthur Lake in Bangalore is located in the east and became notorious as a foaming lake due to untreated sewage disposal. The foam is a result of the disposal of untreated sewage in the lake. Despite being severely polluted, the lake hosts a vast number of migratory birds. The foam might not make it the best lake to visit in Bangalore, but the different species of colourful birds do from late October through February and make this one of the best places to visit in Bangalore
Location: Varthur, East Bangalore
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: free
4. Agara Lake
Agara Lake is known for its well-maintained cycling paths and migratory birds. Cycling is one of the best things to do in Bangalore, and the cycling track here makes it an excellent spot for bicycle lovers and some exercise. Among all the lakes in Bangalore, this one particularly attracts fitness enthusiasts every morning. You can sit in the park and enjoy the view of birds floating in the lake while you chit-chat with your family and friends. The stillness of everything around here would give you peace, which would make you think about the fragility of everyday commotions.
Location: Agara Village, close to Koramangala
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
5. Madiwala Lake
Like many other lakes, in earlier times the lake water was used for irrigation and domestic purposes. It has got its name from Madiwal, which translates to the local fishermen. Unlike many other lakes in Bangalore that lost their traditional identity, this one still carries its fishing heritage in its name. It is under the care and maintenance of the Karnataka Forest Department and has been successfully revived from a pitiful state. It's an excellent picnic spot for you and your children, perfect for basking in the winter sun.
Location: BTM Layout, South Bangalore
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: INR 10
6. Lal Bagh Lake
The Lalbagh lake is one of the famous lakes in Bangalore and the key attraction of the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The colourful flowers and lush green trees make it an excellent picture-centric location. Artificial Waterfalls are one of the key features of the lake. The evening lights all together add a different spirit to the garden and the lake. If you go here, make sure not to miss the evening vibe. Its proximity to the city makes it one of the best places to have a weekend family picnic or some me time.
Location: Mavalli, Bangalore
Timings: For Joggers and Walkers 6:00 A.M to 9:00 A.M and 6:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M, For visitors 9.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M
Entry Fee: Free for children below 12 years of age, INR 10 for adults.
7. Sankey Tank
In the Malleshwaram region lies the SankeyTank. Its aesthetics make it a picture-perfect spot in Bengaluru. It is home to migratory birds and has a serene environment away from the city noise, which makes it one of the best lakes to visit in Bengaluru. Apart from jogging, walking around the lake is also popular for boating amongst the locals. Early mornings and evenings see the most activity when the weather stays pleasant.
Location: Malleshwaram, Western Bangalore
Timings: 6 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
8. Kaikondrahalli Lake
Kaikondrahali Lake is located on Sarjapur Road. It is spread across 48 acres. This lake is revived from an almost dead state, but is still used to dumb untreated sewage. You can find small islands, a circular jogging track, migratory birds, and a play area for kids. It lies in the heart of an urban settlement, making it an excellent spot for morning jogging, cycling, and an evening playground for kids amongst the locals. The convenient location makes it one of the most accessible lakes in Bangalore.
Location: On Sarjapur Road
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: Free
9. Bellandur Lake
Bellandur Lake is the biggest lake in Bangalore. It is also the largest foaming lake in Bangalore. In history, it was built to reduce water shortages. Earlier, water from the lake was used to irrigate fields and for household chores, but today the lake suffers from pollution and is covered in white foam. The lake hosts migratory birds from late October till throughout Feburary. The migratory birds make the lake appear soulful and an optimal place for birdwatching. If you are a birdwatcher, you must visit the lake somewhere between October and February.
Location: Bellandur, Southeast Bangalore
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: Free
10. Jakkur Lake
Jakkur Lake lies in northern Bengaluru. It spreads over 160 acres. This lake has set an example by its Jakkur model, a model where natural water cleaning methods are used, like constructed wetlands and algal ponds. Seeing the clean water, lushes, fish, and birds would bring peace to your mind and heart. The Jakkur model sets a standard that other lakes in Bangalore are now trying to follow for water treatment. Amongst the locals, the lake is popular for jogging, exercising, cycling, etc. The clear water makes it one of the best lakes for sightseeing and recreation.
Location: Jakkur, North Bangalore
Timings: 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
11. Nagawara Lake
Located near Lumbini Gardens, the Nagawara Lake is famous for its artificial beaches and for boating. This lake lies in the centre of an urban area, making it one of the most convenient lakes to visit in Bangalore for recreation and relaxation. Evening would be an optimal time for visiting here. The well-developed surroundings and proximity to Lumbini Gardens, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, ISCKON, etc., make it an ideal spot for a family day out and the little moments that actually matter.
Location: Nagawara, North Bangalore
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: free
12. Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesarghatta Lake is a manmade resevoir built on the Arkavathy River. The reservoir is surrounded by grasslands, home to a huge biodiversity of migratory birds from October throughout Feburary. It's among the peaceful lakes in Bangalore to visit after a hectic week; sitting by the lake would calm down your inner chaos and make you think about things that actually matter. Near the lake lie a peacock sanctuary and a fort, which you can visit after getting recharged at the lake.
Location: 18 kms from Bangalore, in Hesaraghatta Area
Timings: 24/7 entry
Entry Fee: free
Conclusion
These lakes show what Bangalore once was and what it's slowly becoming again through restoration efforts. The lakes in Bangalore offer more than just recreation spots in the constant city rush. They provide peaceful spaces for jogging, cycling, and recharging both yourself and the groundwater beneath. Yes, pollution and untreated sewage have damaged some lakes badly, covering them in foam and killing aquatic life. But restoration projects are bringing several lakes back to life. Visit these spots, spend time by the water, and support the efforts to keep Bangalore's lake heritage alive for future generations.
View on Map
(+91) 9310660016
