What to expect
Highlights
- A historic 1894 reservoir on the Arkavathi river.
- Grasslands and wetland birding near the city.
- Quiet cycling and photography routes around the lake.
Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesaraghatta Lake is a large reservoir built in 1894 across the Arkavathi river about 25 km north-west of the city. It was once one of Bengaluru’s main sources of drinking water and remains ringed by open grasslands that are among the best birding areas near the city.
Practical guide
Plan Hesaraghatta Lake
Typeheritage
Nearest baseCentral Bengaluru
Best timeNovember to February, at dawn, for birds and cooler air
Time needed2 to 3 hours including the drive
EntryFree (open access)
Nearest town/baseCentral Bengaluru
DistrictBengaluru Urban
Place typeheritage
Time needed2 to 3 hours including the drive.
Hesaraghatta Lake is a large reservoir built in 1894 across the Arkavathi river about 25 km north-west of the city. It was once one of Bengaluru’s main sources of drinking water and remains ringed by open grasslands that are among the best birding areas near the city.
The lake and its grasslands draw water birds, raptors and grassland species and are a favourite for birdwatching, cycling and photography, though the water level swings sharply with the monsoon and can fall very low in dry years.
Visiting
Hesaraghatta Lake — at a glance
TimingsBest at dawn; open area
Best timeNovember to February at dawn
Entry: Free (open access)
Getting here
How to reach Hesaraghatta Lake
~25 km north-west; best reached by car
Grassland birding; water level varies sharply by season, few facilities.
Getting there
How to visit
- About 25 km north-west of the centre; best reached by car, as public transport is sparse on the approach.
- Go at dawn for the best birdlife; the shoreline can be marshy or dry depending on the season.
Distance by road
- Mysuru145 km
- Chennai350 km
- Hyderabad570 km
- Mangaluru350 km
- Coimbatore365 km
Road km to Bengaluru Urban; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
November to February, at dawn, for birds and cooler air.
Weather in Hesaraghatta LakeSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- Open access with no formal entry; carry water and take litter back — there are few facilities, and water levels vary sharply by season.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Hesaraghatta Lake is
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What’s near Hesaraghatta Lake
Good to know
Hesaraghatta Lake — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Hesaraghatta Lake?
November to February, at dawn, for birds and cooler air.
What are the entry fee and timings at Hesaraghatta Lake?
Entry: Free (open access). Timings: Best at dawn; open area. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Hesaraghatta Lake?
About 25 km north-west of the centre; best reached by car, as public transport is sparse on the approach. Go at dawn for the best birdlife; the shoreline can be marshy or dry depending on the season.
How much time do I need for Hesaraghatta Lake?
2 to 3 hours including the drive.
What else is near Hesaraghatta Lake?
Nearby you can pair ISKCON Temple Bangalore (16.9 km), Sankey Tank (18.0 km), Bangalore Palace (20.1 km), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (20.4 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Bengaluru Urban
Image credits
- Hesaraghatta Lake:Mike Prince from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0