Ulsoor Lake, Bengaluru: Serenity In The Silicon Valley Of India

Know the interesting legend of Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake is man-made, and was built by Kempe Gowda II in the later part of the 2nd century. It’s an extremely popular place to visit during the summer months, and also in August and September when the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi takes place (Hindu deity Ganesh’s Birthday). On the last day of this celebration, idols of Lord Ganesh, that are usually made from clay, are submerged into water to dissolve, along with our negative energy.

There’s also an interesting legend that tells the story about Kempe Gowda I (the founder of Bangalore). Before Ulsoor Lake was built, the land was full of lush greenery, and a thick forest covered most of the area. Well after a long day of hunting in the wilderness, Kempe Gowda I sat down under a tree to relax and take a nap. However, he was not aware that this very tree was where the Mandavya Rishi (a sage who was falsely accused of stealing, and son of Manu, the forefather of humanity) would come and pray to God Somesvara (another name for Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction).

As Kempe Gowda I drifted into a deep slumber, he dreamt of God Somesvara, and was told about a great treasure that was hidden close by in the forest. When he woke up, he decided to seek out this treasure, and when he dug into the earth, he found the treasure that God Somesvara spoke of in his dream.

Instead of letting greed get the best of him, Kempe Gowda I decided to use the treasure to build a magnificent temple in dedication to God Somesvara during the 16th century. The Someshwara Pagoda is now among the oldest temples in the city of Bangalore. Not only is the temple a remarkable display of architecture, but it’s elaborately decorated with ancient scriptures that have been carved onto the walls.

Many activities for adults and children

You can see several picturesque islands floating on Ulsoor Lake, and during the summer months people come here specifically for the boat rides. When you enter, you’ll see an area that has paddle boats and motor boats set up for you to rent.

It costs about 40 INR (0.60 USD) for each person per boat, and you’re allowed about 20 minutes, give or take, for the ride. There are certain islands that allow you to actually relax for a moment while enjoying the view from a different perspective.

You can even choose to bring a few snacks for a picnic here as well. Just ask the staff members at the boat rental if they know which islands are open that particular day. If you happen to go on a day that the boats aren’t being rented out, there’s also a neat playground, that mimics the equipment you would find in a gym, and is a favorite area for both adults and children.

Walking trails make for good exercise

There’s also a nice walking trail around the lake, and you’ll often see people here exercising in the mornings and afternoons. Many trees and vibrant wildflowers line the walking trail, along with benches that dot the trail for you to easily sit down for a rest, or to capture scenic photos of the area.

If you own a bicycle, you’re allowed to take it on the trail, especially if you’re just looking to ride for pleasure as the main roads around the lake stay pretty busy throughout the day.