How many lakes are there in Bangalore ?

As of 2025, Bengaluru is home to 213 lakes, categorized under various administrative bodies: BBMP Lakes, BDA Lakes, LAKES_Forest, and BMRCL Lakes. These lakes include some of the most prominent water bodies like Bellanduru Lake, Varthur Lake, Hebbal Lake, and Madivala Lake.

List of Lakes in Bangalore

Lake Name	Taluk / Assembly Constituency	Source
Veerasandra Lake	Anekal	BMRCL Lakes
Madivala Lake	Bengaluru East & South	BMRCL Lakes
Puttenahalli Lake	Bengaluru North	BMRCL Lakes
Hebbala Lake	Bengaluru North	BMRCL Lakes
Nagavara Lake	Bengaluru North	BMRCL Lakes
Bellanduru Lake	Bengaluru East & South	Lakes_Forest
Varthur Lake	Bengaluru East	Lakes_Forest
Ramasandra Lake	Bengaluru South & North	Lakes_Forest
Kommaghatta Lake	Bengaluru South	Lakes_Forest
Ambalipura Kelagina Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Gunjur Palya Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Karmelaram Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Panathur Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Varanasi Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Amblipura Melina Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Kaigondanahalli Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Kasavanahalli Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Haraluru Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Sowl Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Devarabeesanahalli Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Doddakanahalli Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Munnekolalu Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Chinnappanahalli	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Shilavanthana Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Kundalahalli Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Siddapura Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Garudachar Palya Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Garudachar Palya (Goshala) Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Doddanekundi Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Sadaramangala Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Bhoganahalli Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Hoodi Giddanakere Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Hoodi Kere	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Nalluralli Tank	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Sitaram Palya Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Chikkabellandur Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Pattandur Agrahara Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Junnasandra Lake	Mahadevapura	BDA Lakes
Chikkabasavanapura Lake	KR Puram	BDA Lakes
Mahadevapura Lake-1	KR Puram	BDA Lakes
Veerasagara Lake	Yalahanka	BBMP Lakes
Harohalli Lake	Yalahanka	BBMP Lakes
Yelahanka Amani Kere	Yalahanka	BBMP Lakes
Attur Lake	Yalahanka	BBMP Lakes
Allalasandra Lake	Yalahanka Satellite Town	BBMP Lakes
Srinivasapura Lake	Yalahanka	BBMP Lakes
Shivanahalli Lake	Yalahanka Satellite Town	BBMP Lakes
Rachenahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Amruthahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Doddabommasandra Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Singapura Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Narasipura Lake 20	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Narasipura Lake 26	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Kogilu Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Palanahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Kattigenahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Jakkur Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Agrahara Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Thirumenahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Chokkanahalli Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Venkateshapura Lake	Byatarayanapura	BBMP Lakes
Kempambudhi Lake	Basavanagudi	BBMP Lakes
Yediyur Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Deepanjali Nagara Lake	Vijayanagara	BBMP Lakes
Gowdanapalya Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Byrasandra Lake	Chikkapete	BBMP Lakes
Mestripalya Lake	Koramangala	BBMP Lakes
Dasarahalli (Chokkasandra) Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Nelagedaranahalli Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Shivapura Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Bagalagunte Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Kammagondanahalli Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Mallasandra Gudde Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Abbigere Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Lakshmipura Lake	Dasarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Doddabidarakallu (Nagasandra) Lake	Yeshwanthapur	BBMP Lakes
Karihobanahalli (Narasappanakere) Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Sankey Lake	Malleshwaram	BBMP Lakes
Nayandanahalli Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Malagala Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Vijanapura Kere	KR Puram	BBMP Lakes
Byatagunte Playa	Sarvagna Nagara	BBMP Lakes
Lingarajapura Lake	Sarvagna Nagara	BBMP Lakes
Geddalahalli Lake	Sarvagna Nagara	BBMP Lakes
Konena Agrahara Lake	C.V. Raman Nagar	BBMP Lakes
Bilekahalli (Lingannana Kere)	Bommanahalli	BBMP Lakes
Dorasanni Palya Lake	Bommanahalli	BBMP Lakes
Ittmadu Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Chikkakalasandra Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Thavarekare Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Karisandra Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Nandi Shettappa Lake	Padmanabanagar	BBMP Lakes
Arehalli 2 & 3 (Small Tanks)	Uttarahalli	BBMP Lakes
Bovimaranahalli Lake	RajaRajeshwari Nagar	BBMP Lakes
Gundopanth Lake	RajaRajeshwari Nagar	BBMP Lakes
Kamakshipalya Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Sanegoravanahalli Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Handrahalli Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Lingadeeranahalli Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Sanegoravanahalli Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Herohalli Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Vishwaneedam Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Ullala Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Mallathahalli Lake	Yeshwanthapura	BBMP Lakes
Agraharadasarahalli Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Gangondanahalli Lake	Govindarajanagara	BBMP Lakes
Ramagondahalli Lake	Bangalore North	Out of BBMP
Avalahalli Lake	Bangalore North	Out of BBMP
Vaderahalli Lake	Bangalore North	Out of BBMP
Medi Agrahara Lake	Bangalore North	Out of BBMP

Source : Karnataka Tank Conservation & Development AuthorityGovernment of Karnataka

Top 5 lakes in Bangalore 

1. Sankey Tank

• Location: Situated in Malleshwaram, close to Sadashivanagar.

• Features: A picturesque man-made lake spread across 37.1 acres. It was constructed in 1882 to meet the water needs of Bangalore during a severe water crisis.

• Activities: Offers boating facilities, jogging tracks, and lush gardens. It's a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.

• Wildlife: Home to various bird species, including herons and egrets, making it a peaceful location for birdwatching.

• Special Note: The lake’s surroundings are well-lit in the evenings, making it ideal for night strolls.

2. Ulsoor Lake

• Location: Located near MG Road, in the central part of Bangalore.

• Size and Features: One of Bangalore’s largest lakes, covering 123 acres, with several small islands enhancing its charm.

• Activities: Boating is the most popular activity here, with a dedicated boat club. It’s also a great spot for picnics.

• History: Dates back to the time of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, and has historical significance.

• Challenges: Like many lakes in Bangalore, Ulsoor Lake has faced issues with pollution, but restoration efforts have improved its condition.

3. Madiwala Lake

• Location: Situated in BTM Layout, near Hosur Road.

• Features: Spread over 114 hectares, it is one of the largest lakes in Bangalore. Managed by the Karnataka State Forest Department.

• Activities: A hotspot for birdwatching, especially during the migratory season, as it attracts species like pelicans, herons, and cormorants.

• Special Features: The lake has a well-maintained walking trail and serves as a tranquil space amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

• Restoration Efforts: Despite urban challenges, the lake remains well-preserved and is a favorite among nature lovers.

4. Hebbal Lake

• Location: Found in Hebbal, in the northern part of Bangalore.

• Size and Features: Built during the reign of Kempe Gowda in 1537, it spans 150 acres.

• Activities: Popular for nature walks and birdwatching, especially for spotting migratory birds. The lake is surrounded by greenery, making it a peaceful retreat.

• Wildlife: Apart from birds, it hosts a variety of aquatic species, contributing to its biodiversity.

• Challenges: Hebbal Lake has faced pollution issues over the years, but ongoing efforts aim to restore its former glory.

5. Agara Lake

• Location: Situated near HSR Layout and close to Sarjapur Road.

• Size and Features: A natural lake spread across 98 acres, known for its well-preserved environment.

• Activities: Equipped with jogging and cycling tracks, making it a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts. It also has a children’s play area and benches for relaxation.

• Wildlife: Frequently visited by birdwatchers as it attracts various local and migratory birds.

• Restoration: The lake has undergone significant restoration in recent years, with community involvement playing a key role

10 Best Lakes in Bangalore 

1. Sankey Tank Lake

Located in Malleshwaram, this man-made lake was built in 1882 to tackle water shortages. Today, it’s a serene spot for boating, jogging, and picnics.

2. Ulsoor Lake

One of Bangalore’s largest lakes, Ulsoor spans 123 acres. It’s famous for boating activities and its picturesque islands.

3. Kengeri Lake

Situated in Kengeri, this lesser-known lake offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery.

4. Lalbagh Lake

Nestled within the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, this lake is a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant flora of the garden.

5. Hebbal Lake

A birdwatcher’s paradise, Hebbal Lake is known for its biodiversity and historical significance, having been built by Kempe Gowda.

6. Madiwala Lake

Spread across 114 hectares in BTM Layout, Madiwala Lake is a hotspot for migratory birds and is managed by the Forest Department.

7. Kaikondrahalli Lake

Located on Sarjapur Road, this restored lake is a testament to successful community-driven conservation efforts.

8. Hesaraghatta Lake

A man-made freshwater lake built in 1894, it’s surrounded by lush grasslands and is a favorite for photography and birdwatching.

9. Agara Lake

Found near HSR Layout, Agara Lake is popular for its jogging tracks, birdwatching, and serene sunrise views.

10. Varthur Lake

Part of the Bellandur-Varthur lake system, this large lake plays a crucial role in Bangalore’s water management despite facing pollution challenges.

Which is the biggest lake in Bangalore?

Bellandur Lake is the largest lake in Bangalore, spanning an impressive area of approximately 892 acres. Situated in the southeastern part of the city, it is a vital part of Bangalore's hydrological system and connects to the Varthur Lake downstream.

Importance of Lakes for Bangalore’s Ecosystem

Bangalore’s lakes are vital to the city’s ecological balance. They help recharge groundwater, mitigate urban flooding, and maintain the local climate. Lakes also support a variety of flora and fauna, making them biodiversity hotspots. Beyond their ecological importance, these water bodies provide recreational spaces for residents, offering opportunities for boating, jogging, and birdwatching.

Challenges Facing Bangalore’s Lakes

1. Pollution: Industrial waste and untreated sewage have severely degraded many lakes, with Bellandur Lake being a prime example.

2. Encroachment: Rapid urban development has led to the shrinking or complete disappearance of several lakes.

3. Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction due to pollution and encroachment has impacted the flora and fauna dependent on these water bodies.

Restoration Efforts and Success Stories

The BBMP, along with local NGOs and citizen groups, is working to restore Bangalore’s lakes. Key initiatives include:

• Installing sewage treatment plants to prevent pollution.

• Desilting and clearing encroachments to revive water bodies.

• Community-led conservation efforts, such as the successful rejuvenation of Kaikondrahalli and Agara lakes.

These efforts demonstrate the potential for restoring Bangalore’s lakes to their former glory.

Madiwala Lake, Bangalore

• Location: Situated in the BTM Layout area of Bangalore.
• Significance: One of the oldest and largest lakes in Bangalore.
• History: Believed to have been constructed by the Chola dynasty.
• Biodiversity: Home to various bird species, especially during migratory seasons.
• Recreational Activities: Offers boating facilities and is a popular picnic spot.
• Preservation Efforts: Ongoing initiatives to clean and maintain the lake.
• Challenges: Threatened by pollution and encroachments over the years.
• Timings: Open for visitors from morning till evening.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for birdwatching and serene views.
• Connectivity: Easily accessible by public transport and private vehicles

Bellandur Lake, Bangalore

• Location: Largest lake in Bangalore, situated in the southeastern part of the city.
• Historical Significance: Dates back to the early 12th century.
• Biodiversity: Once supported rich aquatic life.
• Challenges: Notorious for pollution and frothing due to industrial waste.
• Government Actions: Several measures have been taken to restore the lake.
• Community Role: Local activists have been pushing for better management.
• Key Issue: Inflow of untreated sewage and encroachments.
• Importance: Acts as a drainage basin for other lakes in Bangalore.
• Future Prospects: Restoration projects aim to bring back its ecological balance.
• Connectivity: Well-connected by major roads and public transport.

Sarakki Lake, Bangalore

• Location: Located near JP Nagar in South Bangalore.
• Size: Spreads across approximately 85 acres.
• Biodiversity: Supports birds, fish, and other aquatic life.
• Recreational Use: Walking tracks and a serene atmosphere attract visitors.
• History: Once a vital water source for nearby villages.
• Environmental Issues: Shrinking size due to urban encroachment.
• Restoration Efforts: Revitalization projects have been initiated.
• Local Support: Residents’ groups actively participate in clean-up drives.
• Importance: Helps in groundwater recharge for surrounding areas.
• Timings: Ideal for morning and evening visits.

Vibhutipura Lake, Bangalore

• Location: Nestled in the Vibhutipura area, near HAL Airport Road.
• Size: Covers a modest area but is significant for local biodiversity.
• Key Features: Walking paths and small green spaces around the lake.
• Community Involvement: Local groups advocate for its conservation.
• Environmental Challenges: Faces issues of pollution and encroachment.
• Ecological Role: Provides habitat for migratory birds and aquatic life.
• Restoration: Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the lake ecosystem.
• Cultural Importance: Acts as a green lung for the urban locality.
• Accessibility: Conveniently located for residents of East Bangalore.
• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for peaceful surroundings.

Arekere Lake, Bangalore

• Location: Found in the Arekere locality of South Bangalore.
• Size: Medium-sized lake surrounded by residential developments.
• Biodiversity: Home to birds, fish, and other wildlife.
• Recreational Aspects: Walking tracks and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Environmental Concerns: Polluted by urban waste and untreated sewage.
• Community Role: Resident associations actively work on lake clean-ups.
• Restoration Efforts: Government and NGOs collaborate for rejuvenation.
• Importance: Contributes to groundwater recharge and temperature regulation.
• Timings: Popular during morning hours for walkers and joggers.
• Connectivity: Easily accessible via major roads in South Bangalore.

The Future of Bangalore’s Lakes

To ensure the survival of Bangalore’s lakes, sustainable urban planning is crucial. Public awareness and active citizen participation are essential in protecting these natural assets. With collaborative efforts, Bangalore can preserve its lakes as vital ecological and recreational spaces for generations to come.