Karnataka is home to several picturesque lakes, known for their natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational value. Some of the famous lakes in Karnataka are:
1. KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) Lake
- Location: Near Mysuru, Karnataka.
- History & Significance: Built in 1900, the KRS Lake is formed by the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam on the Cauvery River. The dam and lake were constructed to provide irrigation and drinking water to the region.
- Attractions: The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is famous for the Brindavan Gardens, which has musical fountains, boating facilities, and beautiful landscaping.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: About 30 km from Mysuru, accessible by road via the Mysuru-Nanjangud Road.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mysuru Railway Station, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mysuru Airport, about 25 km from the lake.
2. Ulsoor Lake
- Location: In Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- History & Significance: Ulsoor Lake is one of the oldest lakes in Bengaluru and is a popular spot for boating and picnics. It was built during the reign of Kempe Gowda II in the 18th century.
- Attractions: The lake is surrounded by gardens and has several islands. Boating is a popular activity here, and it is close to prominent locations like MG Road.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Located in the heart of Bengaluru, easily accessible by car, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.
- By Rail: Bengaluru City Railway Station is about 5 km away.
- By Air: The Kempegowda International Airport is around 35 km from the lake.
3. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Lake
- Location: On the border of Telangana and Karnataka.
- History & Significance: The Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the largest dams in India, and its lake is formed by the Krishna River. It is famous for irrigation purposes and its beautiful surroundings.
- Attractions: The lake is scenic, with boating and fishing opportunities. The nearby Nagarjuna Hill and the Buddhist relics are other attractions.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: From Bengaluru, it is about 170 km via NH 44.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Nagarjuna Sagar Railway Station.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Hyderabad Airport, about 150 km away.
4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Lake
- Location: Near Srirangapatna, around 15 km from Mysuru.
- History & Significance: Ranganathittu is an important bird sanctuary, set up in 1940, and is part of the Cauvery River. It has been a habitat for various migratory birds and is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Karnataka.
- Attractions: The sanctuary offers boat rides through the lush surroundings, where you can spot birds such as painted storks, kingfishers, and egrets.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: About 15 km from Mysuru, accessible via the Mysuru-Srirangapatna Road.
- By Rail: Mysuru Railway Station is the nearest.
- By Air: Mysuru Airport is the nearest airport.
5. Hebbal Lake
- Location: In Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- History & Significance: Hebbal Lake is a large water body that was originally built for irrigation purposes. It is known for its migratory bird population and peaceful surroundings.
- Attractions: A great spot for birdwatching, especially during winter when several migratory birds visit. The nearby Hebbal Forest Reserve is also an attraction for nature lovers.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Situated in North Bengaluru, it is easily accessible from MG Road and Koramangala.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Bengaluru City Railway Station.
- By Air: Kempegowda International Airport is around 25 km away.
6. Chilka Lake (Karnataka part)
- Location: On the border of Karnataka and Goa.
- History & Significance: While the majority of Chilka Lake is in Odisha, the lake stretches into Karnataka as well, where it holds ecological importance.
- Attractions: Known for birdwatching, especially migratory birds like flamingos. It is also popular for boating and fishing.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via the Coastal Road in Karnataka, connecting to Goa.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mangalore Railway Station.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 50 km away.
7. Bhadra Reservoir and Lake
- Location: Near Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
- History & Significance: The Bhadra Reservoir was built across the Bhadra River to provide irrigation and water supply for the surrounding regions. It is located in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Attractions: The lake is surrounded by lush forests and is a great spot for eco-tourism and wildlife spotting. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary offers trekking and safari options.
- How to Reach:
- By Road: About 30 km from Chikmagalur, accessible via State Highway 57.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Chikmagalur.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, around 150 km away.
Best Time to Visit the Lakes
- Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit Karnataka's lakes, as the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like boating and birdwatching.
These lakes are not just beautiful natural bodies of water but also important ecological zones, offering a blend of leisure, culture, history, and nature for travelers.
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