Things To Do In Ulsoor Lake: A Calm Escape In The Heart Of Bangalore

A view of a small island of trees in the middle of Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Things to do in Ulsoor Lake range from tranquil boat rides to scenic morning jogs along its lush surroundings. Situated in the central part of Bangalore the lake stands out as one of the city’s most beautiful and historically important aquatic sites. The beautiful expanse of this 50-hectare lake provides a serene retreat amidst the busy urban landscape. The destination provides leisure seekers and photography enthusiasts with lush greenery alongside rich heritage and vibrant surroundings. This detailed guide outlines the top things you can do in Ulsoor Lake and its surrounding points of interest.

Top 6 Things to Do in Ulsoor Lake

Get ready to uncover the best experiences Ulsoor Lake has to offer, along with must-visit attractions nearby!

1. Take A Relaxing Boat Ride

Tourists enjoying boating at Ulsoor Lake as the sun sets in the background in Bangalore

Photo: Ali Rizvi / Wikimedia Commons

A boat ride across Ulsoor Lake’s serene waters stands as one of its most enjoyable experiences. Visitors can discover the lake’s small islands during boat tours which allows them to enjoy the area’s peaceful atmosphere. Families and couples can enjoy themselves by renting either pedal boats or rowboats. The changing colours of the sky in the early morning and late evening create a soothing experience when viewed through the water’s reflection on boat rides.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Boat Ride Charges: ₹50 – 100 per person
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening for a peaceful ride

2. Enjoy A Peaceful Morning Walk Or Jog

An image of people jogging on a trail with greenery around similar to Ulsoor Lake
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Photo: wal_172619 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Fitness enthusiasts find Ulsoor Lake to be their perfect sanctuary because it features well-maintained walking and jogging tracks that encircle the entire lake. The combination of fresh morning air and scenic lake views creates the perfect environment for an early workout. The beautiful vegetation along with diverse bird life, adds to the attractiveness of the area, which makes it popular among those who jog and walk. At Ulsoor Lake, you can start your day with a positive vibe.

Entry Fee: Free
Best Time For A Walk: 5 AM – 8 AM

3. Kayaking At Ulsoor Lake

An image of a man rowing his paddle while kayaking in the beautiful waters of Ulsoor Lake.

Photo: Vaishnav26 / Wikimedia Commons

Kayaking at Ulsoor Lake provides adventure seekers with a dynamic way to explore tranquil waters and achieve an excellent physical workout. Kayaking provides a unique opportunity to traverse tranquil waterways at your leisure while paddling alongside serene lake surroundings as you observe stunning views of scattered small islands. Several nearby adventure clubs and water sports organisations host kayaking sessions around this area, typically during morning and evening times when the climate is comfortable. New kayakers can participate in guided sessions which provide a secure introduction to basic paddling skills in a controlled setting.

Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour / varies by provider
Safety Measures: Life jackets provided
Booking Options: Local adventure clubs and water sports providers
Charges: ₹200 – 500 per session / varies by provider and session length

4. Go Birdwatching Around The Lake

A grey heron standing in shallow water, surrounded by a calm lake with a green background.

Photo: Shamprakash / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The presence of several bird species at Ulsoor Lake makes it an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Both dedicated birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can find herons, cormorants, and kingfishers along the lake’s perimeter during their migration season. Photographers will find fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography among the lake islands because they serve as essential nesting sites for birds. The early morning hours offer the best viewing opportunity because bird activity peaks during this time.

Recommended Equipment: Binoculars and a camera for photography
Common Birds Spotted: Egrets, Cormorants, and Herons

5. Enjoy A Picnic By The Lakeside

A lakeside picnic with people seated in an outdoor setting similar to Ulsoor lake

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The lush green environment around Ulsoor Lake creates a perfect setting for family or friends to relax while having a picnic. The shaded spots along the walking paths create an ideal setting to lay a mat and enjoy home-packed snacks while basking in the tranquil atmosphere. The peaceful surroundings of Ulsoor Lake intensify the pleasure of reading a book or listening to music as well as chatting with family members. The morning and evening hours offer picnic enthusiasts ideal weather conditions and beautiful lake reflections for their outdoor dining experience.

Best Time For A Picnic: Early morning or evening
Ideal Spot: Green patches near walking trails
Recommended Items: Picnic mat, snacks, water, and books

6. Capture Stunning Photography Shots

A stunning photograph of people boating at Ulsoor Lake in the evening during sunset

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons

Photography enthusiasts find Ulsoor Lake to be a perfect paradise. The reflections of shifting sky colours on the water combined with surrounding greenery and distant city views create excellent photo opportunities. Ulsoor Lake provides a dynamic and visually appealing setting for various photography styles, including landscape, bird photography and candid street photography. Photographers can take the best shots by capturing images during sunrise and sunset.

Best Photography Spots: Islands, walking tracks, and temple areas
Recommended Gear: DSLR or smartphone with a good camera

Things To Do Around Ulsoor Lake

Beyond the beauty of Ulsoor Lake, discover these nearby attractions for a truly unforgettable experience!

7. Explore The Beautiful Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara

A serene image of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara near Ulsoor lake in Bangalore.

Photo: Nvvchar / Wikimedia Commons

An Ulsoor Lake visit will feel incomplete without exploring the magnificent Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara. The Sikh temple stands as a tranquil retreat famous for its remarkable architectural design and spiritual atmosphere. Melodious hymns welcome visitors by creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere upon entry. The ‘langar’ invites visitors to share a communal meal that welcomes people of all castes and creeds. The combination of golden domes and white marble floors with tranquil prayer halls makes this Gurudwara an ideal setting for quiet reflection.

Location: Near Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or during langar service

8. Visit The Stunning Someshwara Temple

Intricately carved interiors of 16th-century Someshwara Temple in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons

Someshwara Temple stands as one of Bangalore’s ancient and most esteemed sacred places by Ulsoor Lake. The Chola dynasty built the Dravidian-style temple which honors Lord Shiva. The temple walls show intricate carvings and the sculpted pillars reveal artistic expertise alongside the grand entrance gate which exemplifies masterful construction. Devotees come to worship at the temple while history enthusiasts study its detailed architectural heritage. The temple’s tranquil environment creates ideal conditions for leaving city noise behind and experiencing spiritual tranquillity.

Location: Near Ulsoor Lake
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9 PM

9. Indulge In Street Food At Ulsoor

An image of Masala Dosa served with different chutneys and sambhar at a restaurant.

Photo: Mike Linksvayer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The street food scene in Ulsoor offers a wide variety of choices, from traditional South Indian dishes to chaats and fruit juices. The food stalls near Ulsoor Lake offer mouth-watering dishes such as masala dosa, vada pav and freshly steamed idlis. The beautiful lake view enhances your coffee experience when you sip filter coffee by the lakeside. The diverse street food selection available around Ulsoor ensures you find satisfaction whether you need a light snack or a quick meal.

Best Dishes To Try: Masala dosa, vada pav, and pani puri
Best Time To Visit: Evening for the freshest food
Approximate Cost: ₹50 – 200 per person

10. Explore Halasuru Bazaar

A bustling market with shoppers exploring vibrant textiles and colourful handcrafted goods

Photo: Dmgultekin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

When visiting Ulsoor Lake, a visit to Halasuru Bazaar becomes a must because it provides insight into Bangalore’s local culture through its active marketplace environment. The energetic market beside the lake draws in both shoppers and food lovers as well as cultural explorers because of its lively environment. Customers can find traditional items such as silk sarees and handcrafted jewellery in the market’s broad selection at reasonable prices.

Famous For: Fresh flowers, local sweets
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours

The scenic Ulsoor Lake provides more than beautiful views as it serves multiple interests for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, fitness buffs, and culinary explorers. This location offers everything from boat rides and historic temple exploration to street food indulgence and stunning photo opportunities. The harmonious combination of peacefulness and lively energy ensures Ulsoor Lake stays as one of Bangalore’s top destinations. Still wondering what are the things to do in Ulsoor Lake? Think no more; pack your bags and plan a trip to Ulsoor Lake with TripXL now!

Cover Photo: Swaminathan / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The visitor hours of Ulsoor Lake is between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM, making it an excellent location for morning strolls as well as birdwatching and boat rides in the evening.
No, there is no entry fee for Ulsoor Lake. However, activities like boating may have separate charges, which range from ₹50 to ₹100 per person.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited in Ulsoor Lake due to safety concerns and water pollution. However, visitors can enjoy boating and other recreational activities around the lake.
Yes, there are several street food stalls near Ulsoor Lake offering South Indian snacks like dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee. The area is a great place to enjoy delicious and affordable local cuisine.
Ulsoor Lake is located about 5 km from the city centre, making it easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and public buses.

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