Ulsoor Lake: A Haven of Peace in the Heart of Bangalore

The heart of Bangalore is home to the Ulsoor Lake which is not only attractive but also peaceful for the people who visit it including the locals and tourists. It offers peace with its clear water bodies, green areas around it and an interesting historical background which makes Ulsoor Lake a perfect escape from the bustling urban life. It offers a place where you can take time out from everything else or even explore the culture and nature found in Bangalore.

Ulsoor Lake Quick Information

History of Ulsoor Lake

The history of Ulsoor Lake is very interesting and dates back several centuries. It was developed by Kempe Gowda II, the king who founded Bangalore in the 16th century. The lake was originally built to supply water to the city and its suburbs. Over the years, it became a favourite place to play and relax.

Ulsoor Lake was earlier part of a larger system of lakes and reservoirs that were intended to provide water to Bangalore. Unfortunately, most of these water bodies have disappeared over time as they are part of the urban expansion that took place, especially after the 1960s. But some of them are larger and more important than others in the city itself.

So, the life story of Ulsoor Lake is also intertwined with the long cultural background of Bangalore which is rich in heritage and has left behind many temples, ancient settlements and sites; all of which bear testimony to the traditional practices and ways of living among the inhabitants centuries ago.

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Tourist Attractions near Ulsoor Lake

Bangalore’s Ulsoor Lake is surrounded by many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the most famous ones:

• Shri Guru Singh Sabha – Being one of the largest and most important Sikh temples in Bangalore, this temple serves as both a place of worship and a cultural centre where Sikh traditions and beliefs can be understood. The tranquillity experienced at the temple goes hand in hand with the peace that prevails around Ulsoor Lake.
• Bangalore Central Mall – Located near the lake, this shopping mall offers a perfect place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. International brands and locally made crafts can be found under one roof.
• Mary’s Basilica – One of the oldest churches in Bangalore is St. Mary’s Basilica which is famous for its beautiful design and extremely peaceful ambiance around it. If one has an interest in Bangalore’s colonial history, this church located a few miles from Ulsoor Lake is worth visiting;
• Commercial Street – This lively street offers a variety of shops where clothes, jewellery, and other items are sold. After spending some time at the lakeside you can head to Commercial Street for your shopping or even have a meal there.
• Lido Mall – Near Ulsoor Lake is another shopping complex called Lido Mall which has boutiques, restaurants and multiplex cinemas all under one roof, making it an ideal place for those who want to take some time off from their busy schedule after spending the entire day at the lake.

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Places to Stay near Ulsoor Lake

There are many hotels and resorts near Ulsoor Lake that will satisfy the needs of most people planning to stay in the area. Whether you are looking for luxurious or budget accommodation, you will surely find something suitable.

• The Oberoi, Bangalore – The Oberoi is located close to Ulsoor Lake and has luxurious rooms, great restaurants and excellent service. After a long day of exploring, guests can relax in the hotel’s lovely gardens.
• Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore – This modern hotel is just a short walk from Ulsoor Lake. With comfortable rooms as well as a rooftop pool and a variety of dining options, it is a perfect place to relax after a busy day or during a business trip.
• Vivanta Bengaluru, Ulsoor Lake – On one side of Ulsoor Lake is Vivanta whose modern rooms offer beautiful views of both the lake and the city beyond. This hotel also has spa services, a gym and several other restaurants with a variety of cuisines.
• Taj MG Road, Bengaluru – Another high-end option near Ulsoor Lake is Taj MG Road. This hotel offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining, and diverse amenities. Its location is convenient for visiting nearby attractions, including the lake and other popular spots around the city. Travelers searching for hotels near Ulsoor Lake will find it easy to select a suitable option.

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Things to Do

Ulsoor Lake has several options for visitors. There is something for everyone, whether it is a chance to relax by the water or explore the surrounding areas.

• Boating – One of the most exciting things you can do in Ulsoor Lake is boating. Rent a paddle boat or row boat and slowly go around the calm waters of the lake. It is refreshing and gives you a chance to see spectacular views from other parts.
• Picnic – The lake has greenery around it which makes it a perfect picnic spot. Just pack some snacks and a mat and have your meal near the water. The cool breeze and peaceful conditions make it a great place to relax with family/friends.
• Walking and Jogging – Ulsoor Lake also has a walking path that encircles the entire area. It is perfect for morning joggers or evening strollers! A beautifully designed track surrounded by greenery offers views of the lake as well as sunrise/sunset moments.
• Photography – The beautiful landscape of the lake offers opportunities for taking photographs. If you are a professional photographer or an amateur who loves pictures; you will find many opportunities to capture amazing pictures of this place including birds flying over the water’s surface.
• Bird Watching – Ulsoor Lake has a wide variety of birds. You can spot at least a few kingfishers, herons, cormorants and many other aquatic birds flying around the lake. For bird watchers, this lake is indeed a great place to witness the beauty of these birds in their environment.

Best Time to Visit

Ulsoor Lake is best experienced when it is cool – i.e. between October to March. During this period, the atmosphere of Bangalore is quite conducive for outdoor activities like boating, walking or picnicking.

The summer months (April to June) can be very hot; however, the lake remains an oasis of calm amidst this scorching heat. During summer, early mornings and late evenings are considered the best time to visit here.

Bangalore will receive heavy rainfall with the monsoons (July to September). Although it is a great sight to be amid torrential rains with lush green surroundings, it may not be the right time for many outdoor activities. Alternatively, if one loves the monsoon ambience, they can also visit here during these months.

How to Reach

Bangalore’s central location makes it easy to reach Ulsoor Lake from various parts of the city.

• By Road – From any location in Bangalore, you can reach Ulsoor Lake using a car, taxi or auto-rickshaw. It has good road connectivity to such an extent that there is ample parking available around it.
• By Public Transport – There is a good public transport system that serves BMTC buses to Ulsoor Lake. The nearest bus stop is Ulsoor, from where one has to walk a short distance to the lake.
• By Metro – The closest metro station to Ulsoor Lake is Halasuru on the Purple Line rail tracks; it is about a 10-minute walk away when travelling by metro, making it convenient.
• By Train – Ulsoor Lake is also about 6 km away from the Bangalore City Junction railway station; from there use a cab or auto rickshaw to travel towards your final destination.
• By Air – If you wish to fly there, the Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 km from Ulsoor Lake and you have options including app-based taxi services to reach the lake. The time taken for this journey would be a few minutes to less than an hour, depending on the traffic conditions during this journey.

Travel Tips for Visiting

Don’t forget to follow these travel tips to make the most of your trip to Ulsoor Lake:

• Visit Early Morning Or Late Evening – When the weather is cooler, visit this lake early in the morning or late in the evening. At this time, the crowd will be less and you will feel more relaxed.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes – If you intend to walk around the lake or jog on its path, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Though the walking path is well maintained, it is always good to be prepared.
• Carry Snacks And Water – If you are planning a picnic or a long trek, carry some snacks and water. Though there are shops nearby where food can be purchased, carrying stuff with you will keep you hydrated and enjoy the time without any interruption.
• Take Care Of The Environment – ​​Since Ulsoor Lake is a natural treasure, it should be their responsibility to keep it clean. Nobody wants garbage lying around, so make sure that there is no litter in such places; Do not disturb any birds or other animals found near the lake.
• Check The Weather – If you are going there during monsoon season then especially check if there is a chance of rain otherwise it will be difficult to participate in outdoor activities due to heavy rain.

Conclusion

Ulsoor Lake is an idyllic and serene spot in the heart of Bangalore. Its rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit. The lake offers amazing views and various activities. Whether you want to relax, enjoy nature, or learn about Bangalore’s traditional atmosphere, Ulsoor Lake has something for everyone. If you seek peace and want to experience the beauty of this landmark, plan your trip now.