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Namma Trails
Ulsoor Lake in Ulsoor, East Bengaluru
In the city4.1 · 11,200 reviews

Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor, East Bengaluru

Time needed
1–1.5 hours
Distance
6 km away
Entry
Free entry; pedal boats ₹120 for 30 minutes
Best time
Early morning or sunset

Ulsoor Lake dates to Kempe Gowda II's reign in the 1600s and is one of the few large lakes in Bengaluru that hasn't been built over or reduced to a dry stormwater drain, unlike much of the city's original 200-plus tank network. A small island in the middle holds a Ganesha temple, reachable only by the lake's own boats.

Pedal boats and rowboats run through the day along the promenade side, and the walking path around parts of the lake is popular with the surrounding residential neighbourhood in the early morning. Water quality has had well-documented problems over the years, so it's a walk-and-boat spot rather than anywhere to get near the water directly.

Highlights

  • Island Ganesha temple, reachable by boat
  • Pedal boats and rowboats along the promenade
  • One of the few pre-colonial lakes still intact
  • Morning walking path popular with locals

Good to know

  • Boating counter closes earlier than the park itself — check timing before planning your visit around it
  • Avoid contact with the lake water directly, quality has long-standing issues
  • Sunset is the better time for photos, with the water catching the light

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Places that pair well with Ulsoor Lake on the same trip.

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240 acres laid out under Hyder Ali, with a Victorian glass house that still hosts two flower shows a year.

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Cubbon Park
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300 acres of shade trees wedged between Vidhana Soudha and MG Road, closed to cars on Sundays.

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₹450₹549

per person, indicative