Manchinbele Lake - A weekend trip near Bangalore

Manchinbele Lake

Author: Aarabhi

Photography: Vasistha

My fiancée and I left home (in B’lore) a little late (around 7.30 a.m.) in the morning on a hot March day and reached the lake at 8.40 a.m.; a ride of about 25kms from the kengeri, rajarajeshwari arch.

 We sped along the Bangalore-Mysore highway till the Rajarajeshwari Dental Hospital was in sight and turned right beside it into a narrow lane till we came upon the “Doddaladmara” or “The Big Banyan Tree”. A left turn here and a few minutes more of riding brought us to the “Chandrappa Circle”. One more left at the circle and we followed the road till we reached the beautiful Manchinbele reservoir.

  

    Though small and not an engineering marvel, the dam is nonetheless charming. The reservoir and its surrounds have a refreshing vista with the blue blue water amidst the green green hills and the blue blue sky above.

A leisurely stroll around the water’s edge brought us to a pile of boulders where we parked ourselves for some much needed nourishment and conversation. Snacks and drink demolition completed, we whipped out our cameras and began exercising out fingertips.

A lot of pussyfooting around for the perfect shot of shy birds and shyer fiancée, I wrapped up my cam and we headed back home after a short visit to this enchanting and idyllic place.

Travelling Guide

What?

It's a small dam and reservoir fit for a day's outing from Bangalore.

Where ?

It is about 40KMs from the city centre(Majestic), on a cross road off Mysore road travelling towards Mysore and 12KMs from "The Big Banyan Tree".

Who?

It's perfect for couples and small families looking for a quiet and intimate time together.

When?

   Time of the year: Excepting the monsoon season when the approach roads might be slippery and   treacherous, the lake is beautiful the year around.

   Time of the day: Very early in the morning (6.30 to 8 a.m.). The weather is breezy and cool around this time with the rising sun’s light being diffused. In other words- perfect for photography.

To Do:

Stroll, climb, trek, birdwatch, and picnic.

Plenty of birdlife to be seen here. From water birds to Bulbuls and Wagtails. A nice grassy lawn at the water’s edge makes for the perfect picnic spot. It grows much hotter as the day proceeds and there is no shelter around; so an umbrella or a car is preferable for shade. 

For the well connected: The dam itself is a prohibited area and entry is restricted for visitors without special permission. Boating might be an option if you can catch the “Theppa” users.

Not to Do:

Litter!

No plastics or bottles left behind to mar the pristine beauty of this place, please!

Stay on after dark!

The place is not completely safe (lack of light, unsafe people around) after nightfall.

Preferably finish having fun and go back home before dusk.

Play loud/raucous music!

This is a very peaceful and quiet place and loud music is as out of place here as snow is in hell.

Languages:

Kannada. Hindi and English are understood tolerably.

Food and Water:

No eateries or safe water sources here! Bring your own food and water.

Halt:

No hotels/ rest houses at the spot. There might be a resort (Kanva resort) close by (not confirmed).

Sanitation:

No facilities available, unfortunately!