Ulsoor Lake

Ulsoor Lake, also known as Halasuru Lake and earlier as the Halsur or Alasur lake, spreads over about 50 hectares in central Bengaluru, making it one of the biggest lakes in the city. Several small islands sit in the water, and a shaded promenade runs along the shore. It dates from 1537, which also places it among the oldest lakes in Bengaluru.

Local tradition links its origin to Kempe Gowda, but the lake in its present form was laid out by Sir Lewin Bentham Bowring during his time as commissioner. A dedicated pond is used for immersing idols of Durga and Ganesha after Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi. A gurdwara stands just behind the lake, and old temples are found around the Ulsoor neighbourhood, along with hotels, restaurants and street-food markets. Viewpoints along the shore are popular at sunset.