Ulsoor Lake

The Ulsoor Lake is an important part of Bangalore’s history and present. It is one of the oldest and largest lakes in the region, with a history dating back to the reign of Kempegowdas. The serene body of water has witnessed the development and growth that made Bangalore what it is today. Ulsoor Lake is fast forward to the 21st century, where Bangaloreans come to catch some fresh air, go for morning walks and evening walks, enjoy picnics, go boating, and enjoy some “me time” uninterrupted.

Ulsoor Lake, whose name derives from the region where it is located, traces its roots back to the Vijayanagara Empire era. The chieftain, Kempegowda II, who had founded one of his watchtowers near the lake, built it during the 17th century. The lake acted as a source for the city’s water supply back then and was fed by a network of storm-water drains known as Nalas.

During the 19th century, the Ulsoor Lake in its present form was designed and enlarged by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring, a British civil servant. With the objective of providing water for the British Cantonment established around the city, he created Ulsoor Lake. While the Ulsoor Lake and its biodiversity have faced the challenge of erosion and pollution in the last two centuries, the authorities have taken a range of remedial steps.

The Ulsoor Lake is one of Bangalore’s top-rated hangout locations and a leisure spot where families, friends, and couples laze away in their evenings. There are many military establishments in the region surrounding the lake, including the headquarters of the Madras Sappers, who also use the lake for their training activities.

Location: Ulsoor, MG Road
Entry Fee: free