Famous Lakes in Karnataka

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Famous Lakes in Kerala

Vembanad Lake 

Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," is home to several famous and scenic lakes, many of which are known for their tranquil beauty and unique ecosystems. Here are some of the most famous lakes in Kerala, along with details and how to reach them:

1. Vembanad Lake

• Location: Vembanad is the longest lake in Kerala, situated in the Alappuzha (Alleppey) district, stretching through the districts of Kottayam and Punnamada Lake.
• Significance: Vembanad is an important backwater lake and a key part of Kerala’s famous backwater tourism. It is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene atmosphere. The lake is also famous for its Vembanad Wetland and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a major migratory bird site.
• Activities: Houseboat cruises, bird watching, and boat races (such as the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race) are popular activities on the lake.

How to Reach:

• By Road: From Kochi, it is about 50 km to Alappuzha and Kumarakom by road.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 85 km away.

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2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters

• Location: Located in the Alappuzha district, this is an extensive network of interconnected lakes, lagoons, and canals that make up the famous Alleppey Backwaters.
• Significance: Alappuzha is considered the Venice of the East due to its picturesque waterways. The area offers a unique experience of Kerala's rural life, with small villages, lush paddy fields, and traditional houseboats.
• Activities: Boat cruises, houseboat stays, exploring the scenic villages along the waterways.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Alappuzha is well connected by road from Kochi (approximately 60 km) and Kottayam.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station serves the town, with trains available from major cities in Kerala.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 75 km from Alappuzha.

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3. Punnappra Lake

• Location: Situated in the Alappuzha district, near the town of Punnappra.
• Significance: This lake is known for its backwater experiences and is less commercialized compared to other lakes. It is also famous for its historical significance as the site of the Punnappra-Vayalar uprising in 1946.
• Activities: Boating, enjoying rural Kerala’s landscapes, and exploring nearby attractions.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Punnappra is about 12 km from Alappuzha.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Alappuzha Railway Station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 80 km away.

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4. Sasthamcotta Lake

• Location: In the Kollam district of Kerala, about 29 km from Kollam town.
• Significance: Sasthamcotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is an important water source for the region. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green landscapes.
• Activities: Boating, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquil environment.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Sasthamcotta is around 29 km from Kollam and easily accessible by road.
• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kollam Railway Station.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 60 km away.

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5. Vellayani Lake

• Location: Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.
• Significance: Vellayani Lake is a freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
• Activities: Boating, nature walks, and exploring the nearby areas of Vellayani and Neyyar.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Vellayani Lake is about 16 km from the city center of Thiruvananthapuram.
• By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest station.
• By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the closest airport, about 15 km away.

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6. Punnappra Lake

• Location: In the Alappuzha district of Kerala.
• Significance: Punnappra Lake is part of the extensive backwaters of Kerala. It is a calm and serene spot, often visited for its picturesque beauty.
• Activities: Boating and exploring the surrounding rural villages.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Alappuzha is around 50 km from Kochi, and Punnappra is about 10 km from Alappuzha.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 75 km away.

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7. Kumarakom Lake

• Location: In the Kottayam district, along the banks of the Vembanad Lake.
• Significance: Kumarakom is a famous destination for Kerala’s backwater tourism. The area around Kumarakom Lake is home to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a popular bird-watching destination.
• Activities: Houseboat cruises, bird watching, and enjoying the peaceful backwater environment.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Kumarakom is about 14 km from Kottayam and can be accessed by road.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 85 km away.

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Conclusion:

Kerala’s lakes are not just natural wonders but also important cultural and recreational spots. Whether you’re interested in boat rides, houseboats, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, these lakes offer a range of experiences. The best time to visit is typically from October to March when the weather is most favorable. Each lake is well-connected by road and train, and most are easily accessible from Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram, the major transport hubs in Kerala.

Badrinath temple history. Badrinath temple tour. How to reach Badrinath Temple

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Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra and the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) along the banks of the Alaknanda River.

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Historical Background

• Origins: The origins of the temple are rooted in mythology, with legends suggesting that the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and saint, who rediscovered a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in a cave nearby.
• Current Structure: The temple was later expanded and renovated by Garhwal kings, and the structure seen today is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century.
• Architecture: Built in traditional North Indian style, the temple has a colorful facade with a towering spire and intricate carvings. The sanctum houses the black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, depicted in a meditative pose, approximately 1 meter tall.

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Mythological Significance

1. Nar and Narayan Legend: The temple is believed to be the abode of the twin sages Nar and Narayan, incarnations of Vishnu, who performed penance here.
2. Badrikashram: The name "Badrinath" is derived from "Badri," referring to the Badri tree (Indian Jujube), which is believed to have covered Lord Vishnu while he meditated here.
3. Connection to Mahabharata: The Pandavas are said to have crossed this region during their journey to heaven.

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Religious Importance

• The temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in Tamil Alvar saints' works.
• It is also part of the Char Dham, which includes Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram, making it a must-visit for devotees seeking spiritual salvation.

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Rituals and Festivals

1. Daily Worship: The temple conducts elaborate rituals including Aarti, Abhishekam, and recitation of Vedic hymns.
2. Opening and Closing: The temple is open only for six months (May to November) due to extreme weather conditions. It closes during winter, and the idol is transferred to Joshimath for worship.
3. Badri-Kedar Festival: Celebrated in June, it showcases the region’s culture and traditions.

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How to Reach Badrinath Temple

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, approximately 315 km away.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 295 km away.
3. By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by motorable roads. Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

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Nearby Attractions

1. Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring near the temple, considered sacred.
2. Mana Village: India’s last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border.
3. Vasudhara Falls: A scenic waterfall located a short trek away.
4. Charan Paduka: A rock with imprints believed to be Lord Vishnu’s footprints.

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Best Time to Visit

• Summer (May to June): Ideal for temple visits and trekking.
• Post-Monsoon (September to October): Pleasant weather with clear views of the Himalayas.

The Badrinath Temple stands as a beacon of spirituality and devotion, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Its historical and mythological significance attracts pilgrims and travelers alike, making it one of India's most cherished spiritual destinations.