Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility? If yes, then Sankey Tank is the perfect destination for you. Sankey Tank is a beautiful man-made lake in the Malleshwaram area of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
Whether you want to go boating, picnicking, birdwatching, or just relaxing, Sankey Tank has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sankey Tank, its history, location, features, activities, timings, entry fee, and contact details. Read on to find out why Sankey Tank is one of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
Sankey Tank History
Sankey Tank was built by Colonel Richard Sankey, the chief engineer of Mysore, in 1882. He constructed the lake to meet the water supply needs of Bangalore, which was facing a severe drought at that time. The lake was named after Colonel Sankey and also known as Gandhadhakotikere, meaning “the lake of the smelly village” in Kannada. The lake was originally spread over 100 acres, but later reduced to 37.1 acres due to urbanization.
In 2004, the Bangalore Development Authority renovated and beautified the lake, adding a walking and jogging track, a children’s park, a musical fountain, and a meditation centre. Today, Sankey Tank is a popular tourist attraction and a recreational spot for the locals.
Sankey Tank Location
Sankey Tank is situated in the Malleshwaram area of Bangalore, near the ISKCON temple and the Orion Mall. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, metro, auto rickshaws, and cabs. The nearest bus stop is Sankey Tank Bus Stop, which is just a few minutes walk from the lake. The nearest metro station is Yeshwanthpur Metro Station, which is about 3 km from the lake. You can also hire a private vehicle to reach the lake, as there is ample parking space available for cars and bikes.
Sankey Tank Features
Sankey Tank covers an area of 37.1 acres and has a capacity of 1.5 million litres of water. It has a well-maintained walking and jogging track around its perimeter, with benches, lights, and trees. The track is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers, who can enjoy the fresh air and the scenic views of the lake. Sankey Tank also has a small island in the middle, which is home to various birds and plants. The island can be reached by a bridge or a boat, and is a great place to spot some rare and exotic species of flora and fauna.
Sankey Tank also has a children’s park, a musical fountain, and a meditation centre within its premises. The children’s park has swings, slides, and other play equipment for kids to have fun. The musical fountain is a spectacular sight to behold, especially in the evenings, when it lights up and dances to the tunes of music. The meditation centre is a serene and peaceful place, where you can relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Sankey Tank Activities
Sankey Tank offers boating facilities, such as pedal boats, row boats, and motor boats, operated by the Maurya Sankey Boat Club. You can choose from different types of boats, depending on your preference and budget, and enjoy a ride on the calm and clear waters of the lake. Boating is a fun and exciting activity for all kinds of travellers, whether you are with your family, friends, partner, or solo. You can also take a picnic basket and have a delicious meal on the island or the lawns, while admiring the beauty of nature.
Sankey Tank is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 50 species of birds, such as pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. You can spot these birds on the island or the shores of the lake, and capture some amazing photos and videos. Sankey Tank is also a good place to witness the sunrise and sunset, as the sky changes its colours and reflects on the water.
Sankey Tank Timings and Entry Fee
Sankey Tank is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days, except Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. It charges a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10 per person and Rs. 5 per child. It also charges different rates for different types of boats, ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 per hour. You can pay the charges at the entrance or the boating counter, and get a receipt for the same. You can also book the boats in advance, by contacting the Maurya Sankey Boat Club.
Sankey Tank Contact Details
If you want to know more about Sankey Tank or book a boat, you can contact the Maurya Sankey Boat Club through the following details:
Phone number: +91-80-2334-2400
Email address: mauryasankeyboatclub@gmail.com
Sankey Tank is a serene oasis in the heart of Bangalore, where you can enjoy nature, boating, birdwatching, and picnicking. It is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, as it offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a fitness freak, or a thrill seeker, you will find Sankey Tank to be a rewarding and memorable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Download a free PDF guide or book a package for Bangalore with Holidify or KSTDC, and plan your visit to Sankey Tank today. You will not regret it.
