Ulsoor Lake is one of the largest and beautiful lakes of Bengaluru. It is situated in the north-eastern border of the city, close to the eastern terminus of the Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bengaluru. The splendour of the lake is enhanced by the existence of several islands. One of the popular attractions of Bengaluru is Ulsoor Lake. It was previously called as Halsur or Alasur Lake. It is exciting to watch the numerous species of butterflies and insects existing in the bushes near the Ulsoor Lake.
Legends of Ulsoor Lake
It is believed that the Ulsoor Lake was created by King Kempe Gowda II during the latter half of the 2nd century. Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring, the then Commissioner of Bengaluru led to the construction of this beautiful body of water. It was once covered with dark forest and is now extended across an area of around 1.5 kilometres and has 2 springs which are now covered with heavy sludge.
One day Kempe Gowda became tired while travelling from Yelahankar and decided to relax under a tree. It was the same tree under which Mandava Rishi is believed to have worshipped God Someswara. Kempe Gowda, who was resting under the tree he fell asleep and God Someswara appeared in his dream and told him about hidden jewels. Kempe Gowda dug up the treasure and from the bounty he found there, he built the famous Someswara pagoda in the beautiful Dravidian style of architecture. It was also once a popular spare time place of the Mysore Wodeyars.
Attractions of Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake is now used as one of the central venue for the Ganesha Festival in Bengaluru. Although, the lake is not appropriate for swimming but people can have a refreshing swimming experience at the spare time. However, boating is allowed here. There is a boat club here which facilitate pleasing boating experience for all the visitors. The Gurudwara which is located near to the lake is also another popular tourist attraction. The temple dedicated to Subbaraya and the Kensington Park are other two visiting the attractions of Ulsoor Lake.
Visiting Information of Ulsoor Lake
Bengaluru is well connected by a number of means of transport. There are two metro stations in the Ulsoor area from where the lake is easily nearby. The Ulsoor metro station, located on the Old Madras Road and the Trinity metro station located at the Trinity Circle are the closest metro stations to reach the lake. Visitors can also get an auto from the Mahatma Gandhi Road or the surrounding areas to reach the lake.
