While Bangalore today is known for its IT parks, start ups, pubs and malls, it is also a city of gardens, parks and lakes. Although rampant urbanization has resulted in the tremendous loss of its green cover and the conversion of lake and tank beds to apartment complexes, there are close to 190 lakes in Bangalore as per a report in 2012. One such lake is the Bettakote Lake located in Devanahalli, adjacent to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
A view of Bettakote Lake
This lake has been rejuvenated by KIA in the recent past and its efforts have successfully resulted in the revival of the lake bed and the surrounding wetlands. The water from the runway is directed towards the lake and has helped recharge the ground water in the area as well. Currently the water is used by the surrounding areas for irrigation as well as drinking.
I recently read about this lake and was curious to visit the place. Calm, serene and with plenty of natural beauty all around, I was not disappointed.
The best part about the place was the number of birds I could spot in a short span of less than an hour. Here are some captures, the names of the species mentioned in the caption of each image is per the best of my knowledge; happy to be corrected in case of errors:)
Moving on to the trees, some species I could capture are as under:
White-browed bulbul at Bettakote Lake
I could spot several other species like sun birds and the Brahminy kite but could not capture a neat pic! All in all, an afternoon well spent amidst nature and these wonderful avian species.
To read about other birding spots and day trips click here and here.
