We all know that Bangaluru is popular for its magnificent chain of gardens but is there anyone who knows that once Bangaluru had around four hundred (400) small and big lakes and water tanks but now the number has shrunk to a mere sixty four (64). Isn’t it sad? The development of city and its surrounding areas and increase in population has gulped most of the water bodies and the remaining water bodies are also struggling to survive. Let me take you to one of the biggest lakes of Bangaluru known as Halasuru Lake which was previously known as Ulsoor Lake located at the Eastern part of Bangaluru city. It is a fresh water lake with a catchment area of 1.5 km2. It is 19 ft deep on an average while thw maximum depth is 58 ft. This beautiful lake is spread over an area of 123.60 acres. You can see many islands in this lake. This lake is an artificial lake created by Kempe Gowda II and it is the only lake survived from Gowda Time. Once there were no lakes in this area. There was only one river called Arkavathy. So the king Gowda started building artificial lakes all around in order to minimise water crisis. The Halasuru Lake is one of them. The current form of lake is created by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring who was once the Commissioner of Bangaluru city. The Halasuru Lake has got its name from the area where it is created. This area is called Halasuru which is quite close to M.G. Road.The highlights of this place are that it is quite scenic, it is a favourite spot for morning and evening joggers, it provides the perfect location for relaxing and boat riding. Being located at the heart of city it is very convenient for anyone to reach here with ease. Once the surroundings areas of the lake used to be green and covered with thick forest. There is a Someshvara Pagoda here. It is said that the king Gowda II while hunting in the forest got tired and slept under the same tree where a rishi called Mandava worshipped God Someshvara. God came to his dream and told him that nearby a treasure is hidden. The king then dug up the area and found the treasure with which he built the Somesvara Pagoda.The lake attracts many visitors daily and most of them are boating enthusiast. You can enjoy boat rides with stops on islands in between to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Watching sunrise and sunset from the lake side is a beautiful experience. Swimming is not allowed in the lake but there is a recreational centre with a swimming pool where you can enjoy swimming. The timings are from 9 am till 6 pm. It is open on all days except Wednesdays.The other places of interest near the Lake are Kensington Park, Subbaraya Temple and the largest Sikh holy place called Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. Though there is no bus stop at the lake but at a distance you can find one otherwise autos and taxis can be hired to reach here. It is a pleasant spot to spend time all through the year. There are restaurants here and around.Ruchi Mahajanзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн