Travel Guide

Lakes & Rivers of Bangalore

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Ulsoor Lake

Kempe Gowda II constructed Ulsoor Lake during the second half of the second century. This 1.5 sq. km lake is dotted with islands, extending over an area of 125 acres. The picturesque lake is located on the Northeastern fringes of the city and is an ideal place for boating and shopping. A Ganesh festival is organised in August / September. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club, where one can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake.

A place of prominence in the early years of the century, the lake was then known as "Halsur" or "Alasur". It provides a welcome break from busy sightseeing and shopping.

One can go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurudwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore.

Location

It is on the northeastern fringe of the city centre, close to M. G. Road.

Story behind

It is said that Kempe Gowda founded Ulsoor, and tradition carries the story thus: The whole area was covered with forest, and Kempe Gowda came from Yelahankar chasing game, and was tired during the chase. While he rested under a tree, in his sleep the God Somesvara (who was supposedly worshipped earlier by the Mandava Rishi at this very spot), appeared to Kempe Gowda in a dream and revealed the existence of a hidden treasure. Kempe Gowda is supposed to have dug up the treasure and built the Somesvara pagoda, and was said to use the services of a sculptor from Belur, a descendant of the famous Jakanachari, to decorate the walls with scenes from the marriage of Siva and Paravati. The gopura is very commanding in the Dravidian style of art. In the same area is also another famous temple dedicated to Subbaraya. There is also a small garden to the Northeast of the Lake known as 'Kensington Park', and runs along Kensington Road.