5 Water Bodies Around Bangalore For A Refreshing Getaway

There are many water bodies in and around Bangalore, that are a great getaway for short trips from this bustling city. Numerous lakes and waterfalls provide a very soothing and relaxing experience – a calm retreat away from the monotony of daily life. There are many places to visit in the beautiful city of Bangalore, as well as many wonderful spots nearby so why not add water bodies to the list? So, we have curated a list of wonderful water bodies you can visit when you are road tripping around Bangalore.

5 Refreshing Water Bodies Around Bangalore

1. Thottikallu Falls

Thottikallu Falls is near Bangalore, off the Kanakapura road, less than 100 kms from Bangalore. It is also popularly known as TK falls or Swarna Mukhi Falls. During or after monsoons is the best time to visit these falls, as the falls will be replenished by the monsoon rains. The falls are a popular spot for trekking and hiking. A one-day road trip here sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Nearby, there is a small shrine called the Muneeshwara Swamy Shrine. You can also check out the beautiful shrine before heading towards the falls. You can park your bike or car at the parking area close to this shrine, and then continue on foot towards the falls.

Thottikallu Falls is fast becoming one of the most popular water bodies around Bangalore, so do head there for your next weekend expedition!

2. Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake, also known as Halasuru, is located in the city centre, right in the heart of Bangalore. It dates back to the 16^th century, and has a strong cultural significance. It had been neglected in recent times and was quickly becoming an effluent drain lake. Fortunately, recent efforts have resulted in this lake being beautified and spruced up again. The efforts to restore the lake have paid off in a huge way. The lake is open to the public from 9am to 6pm on all days except Wednesday. They have also carried out desalination and desilting processes to restore the natural beauty of the lake. Ulsoor Lake is near a military base, and as such only a few parts are open to public due to security reasons.

Ulsoor Lake is in Halasuru, near MG Road. Bangalore’s largest Gurudwara is also nearby, and you can visit both places on a one day trip when you’re road tripping around Bangalore.

 

3. Chunchi Falls

Chunchi falls are situated near Shivanahalli, on the banks of the Arkavati River. It is around 90 kms away from Bangalore and is quite popular as a picnic spot. Monsoons and winters are the ideal time to visit these falls if you are road tripping around Bangalore. On the way to the waterfall, you will come across a watchtower. Do visit it for a 360-degree view of the surrounding area from a high vantage point. If you are planning to trek up as well as back down, do ensure you carry food and water supplies.

The most exciting part of the Chunchi Falls is that you can dive into a plunge pool from 100 feet high. The water is clear and pristine, with lush green surroundings. Definitely add this to your list of water bodies around Bangalore to visit- it makes for an unforgettable experience!

4. Shivanasamudra Falls

These falls are situated on the Kaveri River, in the city of Shivanasamudra in the Mandya district. It is a perennial waterfall but the best time to visit is, of course, during the monsoons. It is located around 130 kms from Bangalore and is ideal for a weekend trip. Shivanasamudra is also the location of one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia, in the year 1902. There are also some olden temples in the vicinity, and they’re definitely worth a visit if you are near the Shivanasamudra, falls while road tripping around Bangalore.

If you’re into trekking, you can walk around 2 kms along the banks of the Kaveri River through the forest. You cannot swim here, but you can go boating near the falls. The Shivanasamudra falls are the second largest in India and the sixteenth largest waterfall in the world.

5. Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls, like the Shivanasamudra Falls above, originates from the Kaveri River. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and is around 180 kms away from Bangalore. Hogenakkal Falls is a popular tourist destination and should definitely be on your list if you would like to see water bodies around Bangalore. The Hogenakkal Falls are often called the “Niagara Falls of India”. In some areas, visitors can go bathing and boating.

The view is breathtaking after the monsoons when the river has been replenished and is in full force. However, tourists do come here all year round. In some sections, the water falls from a height of around 20 metres, creating a sound like thunder that evokes a feeling of awe in travelers.

Visitors cannot go boating at the Hogenakkal waterfall during or near the time of monsoons. It is regulated to only the dry season due to safety concerns. The boats at Hogenakkal are uniquely round and are called coracles. It is definitely something you must experience at least once in your lifetime when road tripping around Bangalore.

So tell us…

Which of these are your favorites? And are there any more water bodies around Bangalore that you’d like to suggest to others? Do share them with us in the comments below. And if you want us to help create a wonderful journey for you, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram