Among the places to visit in Bangalore, it is unlikely that you would have ever heard of Thattekere Lake. This anonymity is what makes Thattekere’s an interesting day trip from Bangalore. Located in the midst of an Elephant corridor, Thattekere Lake is also a haven for bird watchers and one of the more quaint places to visit in Bangalore. The serene waters of the Lake attracts hundreds of birds especially at dawn. The closest village to Thattekere is Ragihalli which has a flourishing seri-culture practice. The silk cocoons in the houses which have adopted seri-culture, is another notable attraction at Thattekere. Head to Thattekere Lake, if you are looking for a off the beaten trail destination among places to visit in Bangalore.
Where is Thattekere, day trip from Bangalore
Thattekere can be reached from Bangalore via Bennerghatta Road as well as Kanakapura Road. If you prefer Banneghatta road then go past the National Park, Ragihalli and Sivanahalli. Thake the right next to a small hospital towards Jaiputadoddi. This road will lead you to the Lake, a hidden gem among places to visit in Bangalore.
While coming from Kanakapura road, take left at Harohalli. This road will take you to Thattekere village after 12 KMs.
Elephant warning
Thattekere lies in an Elephant corridor and extreme caution should be exercised while in this area. The area around the Lake has electric fences and check posts. At any cost, don’t venture alone into the thickets. There have been fatal encounters of unsuspecting people with the wild elephants. Stick to the open spaces and keep away from the forest. If you hear Elephants, it would be sensible to beat a hasty retreat. This is not one of the touristy places to visit in Bangalore!
If you love interacting with Elephants then make a visit to Dubare Elephant Camp where you can feed and bathe these pachyderms.
Best time to visit Thattekere, day trip from Bangalore
Early morning is the best time to visit the Lake. The waters of the Lake look brilliant just after dawn when the Sun is rising making it one of the more beautiful places to visit in Bangalore. Birds are also busy at this time flying around the lake looking for their fish breakfast.
Birds of Thattekere, Day trip from Bangalore
The best time to spot birds at Thattekere would be around 6 am just after dawn. Some of the birds you can spot in this area would be Quails, Storks, Egrets, Kites, Stilts, Sandpipers, Indian Rollers, Kingfishers, Little Green Bee Eaters and Lapwings. There aren’t many places to visit in Bangalore which boast of such a bird life.
Nature lovers can visit India’s first Butterfly Park located in the nearby Bannerghatta National Park.
Elephant Watchtower
IF you love wild life then do visit Bannerghatta National Park which is not far away from here.
Silk worm weaving at Ragihalli
Ragihalli is a village near Thattekere which has a flourishing Seri-culture practice. Silk worm weaving is done in many houses here, making it interesting among places to visit in Bangalore. The people are warm and friendly and will let you have a look at the weaving and the eggs. It is a fascinating experience to see how this cottage industry is helping these villagers make a living.
Ramnagar on the Bangalore- Mysore road, where he famous movie “Sholay” was shot, is the other centre for Silk worm rearing. Visit Ramnagar for a travelogue.
Thattakere Lake and Ragihalli turn out to be fascinating among places to visit in Bangalore, if you love to be away from the maddening crowds that is!