Why this Trip Felt Special – Lakes near Bangalore
Some drives are about ticking off destinations, filling checklists, or racing against time. This was not one of those. This was a day to breathe — to let the roads open up, to slow down, and to just be.
I left Bangalore’s Central Business District at 10:30 am, choosing the Bangalore–Hyderabad highway (NH-44 / formerly NH-7) as my route. My only plan: find a quiet lakeside spot, sit, soak up the calm, and return before dusk. No agenda, no rush.
Breakfast by the Highway
Shortly after exiting the ring roads, we hit the first toll near the airport. The highway rolled ahead, broad lanes, light traffic, fields opening up on either side.
At around mid-morning we stopped for breakfast at Udupi Swada (just past the IPC fuel station on NH). After refueling the car and ourselves, we enjoyed a simple South Indian breakfast — piping hot idlis, crisp dosas, sambar, chutneys. A humble, comforting meal, eaten with a view of the highway and distant fields.
By 12:00 noon, sated and ready, we resumed the drive toward the lakeside.
Reaching the lake
Maps had led us along a narrow lane that, in hindsight, wasn’t quite meant for cars — especially SUVs. The lane squeezed between hedgerows, slightly eroded, overhung by branches. We decided to skip that route and instead navigated via a looser, more informal trail close by.
At 1:00 pm, we parked near what locals call an “unofficial entrance” to the lake. There was no gate, no signboard — just a break in the boundary wall, a footpath, and silence.
A gentle walk followed. On one side, the lake stretched wide; on the other, fields and the highway in the distance. Ahead lay a small rocky hill, its silhouette thrown sharply against the sky. The contrast — still water, open sky, peaceful land — felt like it was drawn just for you.
We walked for about 15 minutes until we discovered a shady patch — a dry, muddy trail under a large tree. We plopped down, leaned back, and faced the lake.
The Hour of Rest – Soaking in Nature
There we sat — no music, no chatter — just the cool breeze off the water, the light rustle of leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional hum of a far-off vehicle.
The lake, expansive and calm, reflected the sky. The hill stood sentinel. Across the water, tiny farmhouses peeked out. A sense of peace descended.
We lingered for about an hour — Time slowed. Thoughts floated. That rare feeling of being present, in body and mind.
Eventually, we rose and walked back to the car, taking in new angles, pausing to drink the view. We left the spot around 2:30 pm.
Factual Notes & Context
Chikkaballapur, in Karnataka, is about 60–70 km north of Bangalore and is a district known for its hills, lakes, and rural charm. Wikipedia+2Savaari+2
The lake you visited is likely Kandavara Lake (also spelled “Kandvara Lake” / “Kandavara Kere”) in the Chikkaballapur area — a historic water body spread across several villages, covering about 1.68 sq km. adiframs+1
That lake is fed by surrounding catchment and serves agricultural and village water needs. adiframs
Tourism info for Chikkaballapur highlights Srinivasa Sagara (a lake / reservoir) and Jakkalamadagu dam among the local water attractions. Karnataka Tourism
Nearby lakes in the district (for future visits) include Vatadahosahalli Lake (aka Sabbanahalli Lake), about 100 km from Bangalore, surrounded by rocky hills and quieter terrain. Karnataka Explore+1
A community-driven initiative in Chikkaballapur has revived 12 lakes in recent years without state funding, showing local care for water bodies is very much alive. The Times of India
