When a plan goes off‑script, sometimes it leads you to a spot more memorable than the one on your map. That’s exactly what happened one December afternoon when my friend and I set out from Bangalore for the elusive Water Fort Tank, only to end up unwinding by a rustic, tranquil lake called Bodaguru — about 62 km from the city centre.
Here’s how our impromptu lakeside day unfolded — and why Bodaguru just might become your next escape from the city buzz.
Starting Out: Noon from the Heart of Bangalore
We departed from Bangalore’s CBD at 12:00 pm. A quick fuel stop at Sankey Road (a familiar fueling hub for many road‑trippers around Bangalore) allowed us to top up and mentally shift gears into escape mode. From there, we merged onto the Bangalore–Hyderabad Highway (NH‑44 / old NH‑7 stretch), pushing past toll booths and letting the highway roll by.
Our target lunch spot lay along this route — more precisely, just beyond the airport stretch — and we arrived at Indian Paratha Company (IPC) around 1:00 pm.
A Punjab-Flavored Lunch Break
Since my friend was craving something non‑South Indian, IPC, Indian Parathan Company, was a perfect pick. The restaurant specializes in authentic Punjabi cuisine — parathas, dals, and rustic homely flavors.
His order (parathas + dal makhani) arrived swiftly and was delicious.
My dish (makai ki roti + sarso ka saag) took about 30 minutes to arrive — freshly made, piping hot, and prepared hygienically.
We also had lassi, a virgin mojito, and a water bottle.
The total bill: under ₹900. For a highway stop with Punjabi flair, that felt like excellent value.
Satiated, we hit the road again by 2:30 pm, retracing a bit to a signal and then taking service roads toward Doddaballapur direction.
The Water Fort Tank
At around 3:30 pm, we followed Google Maps toward “Water Fort Tank.” Instead of arriving at a grand historic tank or lakeside fort, we found ourselves in the heart of a village, flanked by low-rise buildings. Not exactly the dramatic water structure we had envisioned.
But this is often how small trips surprise you: rather than forcing the map’s destination, trust your eyes and local cues. Scanning nearby on Maps, we spotted “Bodaguru Lake” and steered toward it — a decision we’d be grateful for soon.
Arrival at Bodaguru Lake
Fifteen minutes later, we glimpsed shimmering water through trees. We found a shady spot to park our car by the roadside and started walking down a muddy path across fields. The lake lay just beside us, golden in the afternoon sun, with gentle ripples and a quiet stillness.
A lone tree offered cool shade, and hay laid nearby made for a comfortable spot to sit, breathe, and let your mind drift. It felt like a secret refuge — barely marked on maps, largely unknown, and entirely peaceful.
By 4:30 pm, we ventured deeper: across fields, past small stone shelters. One structure caught our curiosity — a stone hut with stairs descending (now overgrown and locked), teasing the possibility of a tunnel or old water conduit. Speculation danced between us — was it once part of some irrigation or village water system? The imagination loves a mystery.
The Return Journey & Unexpected Discoveries
At around 5:00 pm, we retraced our steps, letting Google guide us on a “different route” back toward Bangalore — about 60 km ahead. En route, we passed more small lakes and pockets of submerged trees, green expanses dotted with water bodies and informal “chill spots” by the roadside. These were unplanned gems, glimpses into the hinterland’s subtle beauty.
We reached the toll booth by 5:30 pm, and by 6:30 pm, we pulled back into Banaswadi, wrapping up an afternoon that felt more like a meditative retreat than a road trip.
Lessons for Lake Lovers
Here are a few things we learned (and you can apply) when planning a similar lakeside outing around Bangalore:
Be flexible with your route
Don’t cling rigidly to the map’s destination. Some of the best moments happen when you let side roads beckon you. In our case, Bodaguru was not the original target, but the detour made the day.Time of day matters
Arriving at a lake around late afternoon ensures soft light, cooling air, and fewer visitors. It helps nature breathe — and you with it.Pack minimal but thoughtful gear
A small mat, some snacks, and water made all the difference. We didn’t expect to lounge for long, but the hay patches became our impromptu seating.Check local terrain & access
Muddy paths and fields may test your footwear. Also, structures like the stone hut with stairs show how lakes can conceal old infrastructure or village water works.Respect the ecosystem
Even in lesser-known lakes, human impact matters. Bengaluru area lakes are under strain from pollution & encroachment — in fact none of Bengaluru’s lakes are considered fit for drinking, per the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. The Indian Express
Also, in Doddaballapur region, many tanks face degradation, sand mining, and neglect. India Water Portal
So treat these spaces lightly: leave no trace, avoid littering, and be gentle.Use travel time effectively
Our midday stop for lunch at IPC was both a break and a cultural pause. Such stops anchor the journey, not just the destination.
A Bit More About Bodaguru Surrounding Context
According to local sources, Bodaguru is a small hamlet in Chintamani Taluk, Chikkaballapur District. OneFiveNine
However, the distances vary online — some sources say it’s ~87 km from Bangalore, others ~61 km by road, which matches our on-field experience. finddistancebetween.com
In the Doddaballapur area (near your “Water Fort Tank” target), local commentary describes many water tanks (old village reservoirs) falling into neglect and being mismanaged. India Water Portal
