HESARAGHATTA
Tranquil waters in our own backyard
Getting to Hesaraghatta Lake can be tricky and will surely test your navigation skills. Tucked away amid a series of terrains, this man-made lake is picturesque nevertheless. There’s no better place for adventure aero-sports either.
The visitor is awash by a sense of tranquillity after stepping on the lake bund. The experience is all the more precious as the lake is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustle. Though silting has resulted in the lake, collecting water quite erratically and driving away birds, it is an ideal place for weekend picnics.
Besides, concerted efforts by the villagers and concerned citizens have done wonders for the lake and it has begun to regain its lost glory.
The 1,200-acre lake was built by the Dewan of Mysore in 1894 to cater to the drinking water needs of Bangalore. But in 1925, when the lake began drying up in summer, the city had to come up with plan B for a more lasting solution, which resulted in the Thippagondanahalli reservoir. But Hesaraghatta continues to attract its own fans, not least the variety of birds.
The 1,200-acre lake was built by the Dewan of Mysore in 1894 to cater to the drinking water needs of Bangalore. But in 1925, when the lake began drying up in summer, the city had to come up with plan B for a more lasting solution, which resulted in the Thippagondanahalli reservoir. But Hesaraghatta continues to attract its own fans, not least the variety of birds.
Adventure enthusiasts also use the lake for boating and wind-surfing, while a brisk walk around the lake is on the cards for those interested. It is also a favourite destination for bikers from the city. When the water level rises, entrepreneurial villagers offer boat and coracle rides to visitors, but these are at best quite erratic.
Near the lake is a dairy and horticultural farm, which also harvests fishlings. Those interested in water pets can buy guppy, carp and other types of fish here. A host of other central and state government research organisations, especially related to poultry and dairy, have also made their home around the lake.
A trip to Hesaraghatta is not complete without a visit to Nrityagram (5 km), the famous dance village set up by the late Odissi danseuse Protima Bedi Gauri, which used to host the annual all-night long cultural extravaganza
Vasantahabba.
A trip to Hesaraghatta is not complete without a visit to Nrityagram (5 km), the famous dance village set up by the late Odissi danseuse Protima Bedi Gauri, which used to host the annual all-night long cultural extravaganza
Vasantahabba.
FACT FILEDistance: 27 km from Bangalore
How to reach: Take Tumkur Road out of Bangalore and take a right turn at Hesaraghatta Circle. Ask for directions from passers-by since there are hardly any signposts and too many forks and turns
Transport: There are regular BMTC services, but it is best to travel on your own
Nearby: Nrityagram
