Hesaraghatta Lake — Attraction in Karnataka

Hesaraghatta Lake is a manmade reservoir located 18 km to the north-west of Bengaluru in Karnataka state, India. It is a fresh water lake created in the year 1894 across the Arkavathy River to meet the drinking water needs of the city. Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the then Dewan of erstwhile Mysore state and the then Chief Engineer of Mysuru, M. C. Hutchins, planned to build the scheme called the "Chamarajendra Water Works" to store a three-years' water supply to the city. The lake is approachable by road from Bengaluru at a distance of 26.5 km to the north-west of the city. The total catchment area draining into the Lake at the dam built on the River Arkavati is 73.84 km2 (2189 mi2), out of which the direct draining catchment is 2.68 km2 (6.86 sq mi2). There are 184 tanks built in the Arkavati river basin upstream of the Hesaraghatta lake. The River Arkavati originates in the Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district and joins the River Kaveri at Kanakapura after flowing through Kolar District and Bangalore Rural district. The Vrishabhavati and the Suvarnamukhi are the tributaries which drain part of Bengaluru and Anekal Taluk respectively into the Arkavati River. The catchment receives a mean annual rainfall of 859.6 mm. The Arkavathy River is one of the two rivers which partially meet the water supply needs of Bangalore; the other being the Kaveri. The reservoirs created by building dams on the Arkavathy are the "Hesaraghatta" and the "Chamarajasagara" at Thippagondanahalli (TG Halli) built during the years 1894 and 1933 respectively. The Hesaraghatta dam is an earthen bund of 1,690 m (5,540 ft) with a total height of 40.55 m (133.0 ft) creating the Hesaraghatta Lake (reservoir) with storage of 997 M.Cft at full reservoir level with a lake surface area of 450 hectares (1,100 acres). Water from the reservoir is taken through initially a 1.4 m dia (42" dia) Hume pipe to the Soladevanahalli Pumping Station by gravity and then pumped (using steam pumps initially and later changed to electric pumps at Soladevanahalli) against a head of 115 to 135 m to the Combined Jewel Filters (CJF) plant at Malleswaram for treatment and supply to the consumers in the city. The reservoir is reported to have filled up last in the year 1994 and thereafter the lake's deterioration and drying up started, reducing its reliability as a water supply source.

The reasons attributed to the lake's drying up are erosion in the catchment and consequent capacity shrinking due to continuous silting. As of January 2020, the lake is completely dry.

In recent years, the Hesaraghatta Lake bed has seen an increased number of bird photographers who drive on the lake bed using their cars and SUVs as hides resulting in extensive damage to the grassland habitat. This has increased the vehicle tracks to 43 km in total, with the average track width coming to 1.62 meters. About 136 hectares of habitat was either lost or disturbed because of vehicular movement. Unhygienic practices by villagers such as open defecation are also common.

Main factors affecting degradation include sand mining, movement of tractors, tree plantations, and...

Hesaraghatta Lake is an absolutely stunning destination that I highly recommend visiting. This man-made lake offers a picturesque setting that is truly a sight to behold. During the rainy season, the lake is filled to the brim, creating a mesmerizing abundance of water.

The beauty of Hesaraghatta Lake is magnified during the magical moments of sunrise and sunset. The colors reflecting off the calm waters create a breathtaking view that will leave you in awe. I suggest timing your visit to witness these natural wonders, as they add an extra touch of charm to the already captivating surroundings.

One of the highlights of the lake is the beautiful walkway that runs along its edge. It allows visitors to take leisurely strolls while enjoying the serene atmosphere. Along the pathway, there are well-placed benches where you can sit and admire the tranquil scenery. These spots are perfect for taking a moment to relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance.

In the midst of the walkway, there is a temple that adds a touch of spirituality to the surroundings. It provides a serene spot for reflection and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The presence of the temple adds a unique element to the overall experience of visiting Hesaraghatta Lake.

To the right of the lake, at the end of the walkway, you will find a pump house that enhances the beauty of the area. The structure itself is a sight to behold, and the way it blends in with the natural surroundings is simply stunning. It serves as a reminder of the human ingenuity and engineering marvels that have shaped this picturesque location.

Hesaraghatta Lake is a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The breathtaking views, combined with the peaceful ambiance, make it an ideal spot to capture memorable moments. Whether you are a professional photographer or simply enjoy taking snapshots, this place will provide you with countless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature...

A temple at the top notch of the bank of the lake,with an amazing view of sky and green scenery, Good spot for couple hangouts specially in morning and mid-evening. Activities like Fishing also you can do there,but you have to bring own fishing rod along with traps. Overall the place is in rural area where you must take your own car or any rented vehicles. Less passenger Vehicle is running on the route that may trouble you if its sunset and theres no vehicle available. You can take BMTC Bus as well which is quite far but the nearest bus station at that area with Number 250B/C it depends upon fare varies from your bus stop. In case,If you want to save money you have to do a little... Walk. If you ever visit this place, please try Golgappa on the temple gate. And as well Enjoy the sunset, its very touching. Couple specially please enjoy the sunset, you wont regret. Thats what i can describe this...