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Shanthi Sagara, or Sulekere, is the biggest natural lake in Karnataka and one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Asia. Situated in the Davanagere district, this biggest lake in Karnataka is 26.51 sq km in size and dates back to the Western Chalukya period in the 11th century. Built out as an irrigation tank originally, it has recently become an important water supply and an ecological hotspot. The lake nourishes local agriculture, draws migratory birds and offers a picturesque escape for travellers. It is also one of the top destinations with its ancient temples, scenic embankment, and peaceful atmosphere.
Quick Details
Location: Channagiri, Davanagere district, Karnataka
Surface Area: 26.51 sq km
Type: Natural freshwater lake (later expanded for irrigation)
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Nearest City: Davanagere
Elevation: 605 m (1,985 feet) above sea
Location
Photo: Siddarth.P.Raj / Wikimedia Commons
Shanthi Sagara (Sulekere) is in the Channagiri taluk, Davanagere district of Karnataka. It is located 12 km east of Channagiri town, 50 km southeast of Davanagere city and 260 km northwest of Bengaluru. Agricultural fields and coconut groves surround it, along with villages such as Santhebennur, Kanchikere, and Nallur. The lake can be reached by SH-76 connecting Channagiri to Holalkere and Hosadurga through NH-48 (Bengaluru-Pune Highway). The 12-km-long bund area provides an uninterrupted view of the lake. To the southwest, the land is fairly flat, while the northeast features gentle hills that embrace the lake’s expanse.
How To Reach
Photo: Manjunathk 92 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Hubballi Airport (150 km), with flights coming in from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The nearest major international airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (260 km).
By Train: The closest major railway station is Davanagere (50 km), which is well-connected to Bengaluru, Hubballi, Mysuru, and Pune. Taxis, buses, and private vehicles are available for hire from Davanagere.
By Road: From Bengaluru, use NH-48 till Davanagere (5-6 hours). From there, head towards Channagiri on SH-76. From Davanagere, take SH-76 through Channagiri (1 hour) to Shanthi Sagara. From Shivamogga, take SH-24 to Channagiri (2 hours). From Chitradurga, drive southeast on NH-50 (1.5 hours), and then take SH-76 past Holalkere and Channagiri. Local transport is also available KSRTC operates several buses between Davanagere and Channagiri, with some buses going to the adjacent villages.
Things To Do
There are many things to do at the biggest lake in Karnataka, from enjoying the lake while boating to then exploring the area around the lake.
1. Explore The Ancient Temples Around The Lake
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are a few ancient temples around the holy spot, with the prominent one being the Sri Siddeshwara Temple, situated in the vicinity of the lake’s embankment. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in the Dravidian style and sees a surge of pilgrims all year round. Another is the Bagali Veerabhadra Temple, a 9th-century structure known for its beautiful Chalukyan-era sculptures. These temples serve as a spiritual experience and are gorgeous to look at with the lake behind them.
2. Take A Boat Ride At Sunset
Photo: Óscar Dejean / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Perhaps one of the most tranquil activities is a sunset boat ride in the Sulekere Lake that gives you a panoramic view of the vast waters of the lake along with the hills around it. Local boatmen give you a ride in a traditional coracle and rowboat, an authentic experience. In the evening, vivid bursts of orange and pink fill the sky mirrored perfectly in the still water. The calm ripples and soft breeze are the perfect getaway from city life.
5 Places To Visit Near Shanthi Sagara (Sulekere) Lake
There are numerous other stunning locations that you should visit in addition to the biggest lake in Karnataka Sulekere Lake.
1. Santhebennur Pushkarini
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Santhebennur Pushkarini is a beautiful stepped tank (Kalyani) built in the 16th century by the Nayakas of Chitradurga. Unlike regular stepwells, which are dark and dug deep in the ground, this one has a multi-tiered pavilion at the centre of the structure, with symmetrical steps leading down on all sides. Today the tank is also used for ritual bathing and cultural events. Visit in the morning or evening to see the reflections of the pavilion on the rippled water, which is mesmerising.
Distance From The Lake: 8 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Bagali Veerabhadra Temple
Photo: Chethankarur / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Bagali village, the 9th-century temple is an architectural masterpiece of the Western Chalukya period situated southeast of Shanthi Sagara. Dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva, the temple features intricately carved stone pillars, friezes illustrating the mythological tales, and a sabha mandapa with lathe-turned columns. The site is an active place of worship and includes inscriptions that offer insights into medieval Karnataka’s history.
Distance From The Lake: 22 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Uchangidurga Fort
Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Uchangidurga Fort is an ancient military stronghold built during the Vijayanagara Empire, perched atop rocky hills from Shanthi Sagara. Its ruins, which include watchtowers, secret escape routes and massive stone walls, provide panoramic views of the Davanagere plains. It is home to the Uchangamma Temple, which is dedicated to the local goddess and attracts devotees from surrounding villages. The hike to the fort is steep, and the top is slippery with rough stone steps. The best time to visit to avoid the harsh sun is either early morning or late afternoon.
Distance From The Lake: 40 km
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
4. Kundavada Lake And Park
Photo: User533567 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located on the outskirts of Davanagere city, Kundvada Lake is a man-made lake that provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a manicured walking path, shaded sitting areas and a children’s play zone, which makes it a favourite among locals. Birdwatchers and binocular-toters are delighted by some of the migratory species that frequent the lake, and photographers can snap amazing sunset vistas. Kundavada Lake Garden, located close by, is good for picnics. The lake is also a major drinking water supply for Davanagere city.
Distance From The Lake: 50 km
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
5. Chitradurga Fort
Photo: Nikhil Narayanan / Wikimedia Commons
Chitradurga Fort is constructed over the course of several dynasties of Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Nayakas and the Vijayanagara Empire, the fort comprises seven concentric walls with secret tunnels, water reservoirs and storage for grains. It is famous for Obavvana Kindi, where a courageous woman defended the fort against enemy forces, and is renowned for the legend of Kindi. With its gigantic boulders, intricately designed carvings and strategic architecture, the fort is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Distance From The Lake: 60 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Zak Chapman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Decent stays can be found at Channagiri and Davanagere. In Channagiri, low-cost lodges such as Hotel Sannidhi and Shanthi Comforts offer no-frills accommodation (₹800 to ₹1,500 a night). Better options are Southern Star (₹3,000), Apoorva Resorts (₹2,500) in Davanagere, and Pooja International (₹1,800). For a back-to-the-roots experience, you can choose homestays in neighbouring villages for a countryside stay. Most of the Davanagere hotels offer facilities like WiFi, AC rooms and in-house restaurants, making them suitable for families and groups. Authorities recommend booking in advance, though especially during festival seasons.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jack Baghel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are very few places to eat around Shanthi Sagara, but you can find local eateries in Channagiri. For simple South Indian meals (idli-vada, dosas and rice meals), there is the Hotel SLV Bhavan and Nandini Darshini (₹100 to ₹250 per person). Davanagere is a better destination if you want to have a few more options for dining. You must not miss Davangere Benne Dosa outlets, with Shri Guru Kottureshwara Benne Dosa Hotel a top pick (₹80 per dosa). Apoorva Multi-Cuisine Restaurant serves up North and South Indian fare (₹300 to ₹500 per meal) and Sagar Palace is popular for vegetarian meals.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a day trip to Shanthi Sagara can be planned for approximately ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person with food, whereas a weekend trip with better accommodation and dining options would vary from ₹4,500 to ₹7,000 per person. Transport expenses vary, as a KSRTC bus from Bengaluru to Davangere charges ₹500 to ₹800, while a private cab rental for a round trip can cost ₹6,000 to ₹9,000. Moderate food spending and accommodation in budget hotels can help you budget overall expenses. Other expenses like fort entry, guide, and boating can cost ₹100 to ₹300 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- You should time your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to experience cooler weather and enhanced lighting for photos.
- Bringing water bottles, a cap, and sunscreen is a must, especially during summer. There is limited public transport available, so hiring a private vehicle is advisable to retain flexibility.
- Swimming is discouraged because of the depth of the water and vegetation. Keep the lake’s ecosystem safe by avoiding litter.
- If visiting nearby villages, be sensitive to local customs and dress modestly, particularly in temples. Finally, in the countryside, cash is used preferably.
The biggest lake in Karnataka is also a historic and ecological treasure. It is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike with its ancient irrigation system, migratory birds and relaxed space surroundings. Spending time at Shanthi Sagara is a good way to get away from the humdrum of city life. So plan your trip with TripXL and go deep in Karnataka.
Cover Photo: Siddarth.P.Raj / Wikimedia Commons
