Bangalore is home to a lot of lakes, some of which are landmarks of the city. Yediyur Lake, located near Basavanagudi, is said to date back to the Hoysala period, and it is this serene oasis that’s popular with joggers and birdwatchers. During Ganesh Chaturthi, it's also where idol immersion happens.
Yediyur Lake sits at the edge of Basavanagudi and it's easily accessible via the arterial Kanakapura Road. In terms of history, from old articles and new clippings, and resident tales, Yediyur Lake, many deem, exists from the days of the Hoysala kings — that’s about 1,400 years ago. It’s one of the last standing lakes in the city and is popular with the locals.
If your neighbourhood park just doesn’t do it for you anymore, then drive down here for a jog or a stroll around the lake. The BBMP has built a jogging track around the lake. And it is shaded by lofty trees and lined with numerous plants. When your feet are tired, you can rest on one of the park benches and gaze at the calming waters of the lake. You can also park yourself at the small jetty on the lake.
We've spotted residents of all ages out here, especially on weekends, taking in the breeze and the views. Bangalore's professional and budding ornithologists also find this to be a hot spot for bird watching. According to popular bird watching groups in Bangalore, they mention spotting birds such as Black Winged Kites, Asian Koels, Jacanas, Mottled Wood Owls, Spotted Doves, and kingfishers. You can turn your binoculars to the trees to catch a glimpse.
Yediyur Lake is also one of those few places in Bangalore where you can go boating, as there are plenty of pedal boats. Just note that during the weekends, there can be a bit of a crowd. Also, please note that the boating services aren't frequent, and when we last enquired, they had paused the services indefinitely.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Price: Free entry. Boating charges INR 50 per person.
