Kukkarhalli lake

About Kukkarhalli lake

Spread in a whopping area of a hundred and twenty acres of land, the spectacular lake area of Mysore is conveniently placed right in the middle of the city and the renowned Mysore University. The water of the lake shaped like a 'J' is restricted to a hundred and fifty acres, the depth of which is measured upto sixteen feet. A Twenty-seven-kilometre long canal coming from Hanikal confluences into the lake waters. The ancient spot thus formed here counts among the best places to visit in Mysore.

Major Attractions

If you are a nature lover looking for spectacular places to visit in Mysore, you have reached the jackpot. It was built by the eminent Wadiyars in 1864 in order to irrigate ten thousand acres of land on the outskirts. The periphery of the premises ranges to over four kilometres at a stretch which paves way for nature walks for the lovers of its beauty. The serene walk by the calm waters of the lake is indeed a paradise for tourists looking forward to spending some time amidst the peace of nature.

Called by the Kannada speaking locals as 'Kere' (meaning 'River' in the English language), the magnificent waters though getting deteriorated year after year witnesses a lot of timely efforts of its restoration and subsequent preservation. It has been given immense significance by the NCC as the training for the world-renowned local competition of boat pulling is given on its waters to its skilled candidates. Tourists can enjoy both motored and non-motored boat rides on its waters as well. Kukkarhalli lake is among the destinations covered in Mysore's tour packages.

From winter onwards, up to fifteen thousand birds used to migrate towards the lake which made it nothing less than heaven for bird watchers and lovers of nature. However, the number seemed to have decreased over time. Storks, cormorants, pecans, darters and spoonbills are some of the rare bird species still spotted here. Hopefully, the bird watching expeditions will soon be resumed here. Till then, with the stoned benches around, the place is a significant addition to Mysore tourism.

All these wonderful specifications of the lake site make visiting the lake a list topper when it comes to Things to do in Mysore.