Travelogue in new year started with ride to Thattekere lake, a place located around 25 kms from Bangalore. It has been in a long time to-do list, ever since reading the eye catching trip report of Prashanth. Also it has been close to 8 months ever since I took my Yamaha out of the city for a ride.

The bicycle tales

Earlier plans to start by 6 AM has been pushed to 7 AM owing to the laziness & the weather ensured that we start by 7.30 AM. Meanwhile, the two bicyclers were in middle of  their first journey in cycle which started around 5 AM. Amidst the weather which constantly made patterns of dew in my helmet fibers, we set out in three bikes with two pillion riders. We made two stops before reaching the Bhannerghatta Road - one at HSR petrol bunk to fill fuel for the bikes & one at Tea shop near Shoppers stop to fill fuel for our stomach.

                       

Its a straight route from Bhannerghatta road without any turns till you hit the Bhannerghatta National Park deviation. Turn left and head straight for about 7 or 8 kms until you spot the next deviation. Take right, which me missed to do so, causing an extra 5 kms travel before we realized that we took the wrong route. From that its pretty much a straight road for around 10 kms, travelling into the villages with a scenic view. Its better when in doubt ask the villagers for the route.

The Enchanting Lake Entrance

Around 8.30 AM , we stopped for breakfast at some roadside hotel in Bhannerghatta. Reached the lake by 10.30 AM. The last stretch of ride thru the village roads is just awesome. Will be more enjoyable, especially if the weather is bit cloudy. After a few inquiries, finally we reached the much awaited place, kept out of the city, less occupied by people and obviously clean & calm. On the entrance you find Madheswara temple and few steps down the slide, the scenic lake. The bicyclers went in for a swim to get rid of the tiredness of 5 hrs of cycling. We just wandered there for some time , took some snaps & started back.

Lake View

Some more from the Lakeside

Lakeside View

On the return, we made a visit to Bhannerghatta National park, & my desperate attempt to capture a butterfly finally got fulfilled. We reached back home by 5.30 PM.

The moment

Pack foods, drive in with family, eat, spend time, watch the birds, & what more, Thattekere makes an ideal picnic spot which you will not regret visiting.

Cheers,
Prem.