Are you tired of the loud city? Looking for a place where your kids can run around and get some clean air? If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and easy weekend trip, then I have a secret spot for you! It is a beautiful place and is called Mydala Lake. It is very near Tumkur.
It can be a lot of work to plan a weekend trip with your family. "You want a place that's safe for the kids, easy for the grandparents, and a long bike ride and relaxing for you." Mydala Lake has got everything. It has calm water, safe walking paths, and lots of room for a family picnic. Today I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to visit this amazing lake, including how to get there, what to do, and why it’s the best option for your next family weekend hike.
How Far is Mydala Lake from Bangalore?
One of the best things about Mydala Lake is that it is very close to Bangalore. You do not have to wake up super early or spend your whole day in the car. The lake is about 60 to 70 kilometers away from the city. If you take the Tumkur Road, it is a very smooth and straight drive.
Most of the time, it will take you about one and a half to two hours to reach the lake from Bangalore. The roads are very wide and safe. You can play your family's favorite songs in the car and talk about the fun day ahead, and before you know it, you will see the big, beautiful hills of Tumkur. Because the drive is short, the kids will not get bored or cranky. It is the perfect distance for a one-day trip. You can leave after breakfast, have a great time, and be back home for dinner.
The Journey to the Lake
As you get closer to the destination, the busy city buildings disappear. Instead, you start seeing green trees and large rocky hills. The final part of the drive is the most exciting.
When you park your car and start walking, there is a lovely downhill road that leads straight to the water. Walking down this road feels like stepping into a hidden world. The air instantly feels cooler. You can hear the birds singing in the trees, and the wind makes a gentle swooshing sound. The kids were so excited walking down this path. They could see bits of the blue water shining through the trees, and they could not wait to get closer. It is a very easy walk, even for older people, because the slope is gentle and the path is wide. Note that the road is narrow and there isn't much space for parking.
Walking Along the Dam
When you reach the bottom of the downhill road, the magic truly begins. Mydala Lake is held back by a long, sturdy dam. This dam gives you a wide, flat path to walk on, right next to the water.
Walking along this dam is one of the best parts of the trip. The path is flat and safe, which means you do not have to worry about the kids tripping over rough rocks. We held hands and took a slow, happy walk. On one side, you have the huge, sparkling lake, and on the other side, you have a beautiful view of the green valley below. A cool breeze blows across the water and brushes against your face. It is the kind of fresh air we rarely get in the city. Taking a walk here clears your mind. It was wonderful to just chat with my kids, look at the small fish swimming near the edge, and enjoy the pure quiet of nature.
A View Like No Other
As you walk further along the dam, you get to see just how big and beautiful Mydala Lake really is.
The lake is huge! The water is calm and mirrors the blue sky like a giant glass window. The shore is completely made of smooth rock, which makes it look very unique compared to muddy lakes. You can even swim at your own risk, as there is a shoreline at the entrance, which is a rocky slope.
Why is a place like this so beneficial for kids? Today, our children spend a lot of time looking at phones, tablets, and televisions. They sit in classrooms all day and then sit on the sofa at home. Being at this huge lake gives their eyes a break from screens. Looking at far-away hills and wide-open water is actually very good for their eyesight. More importantly, being in a big, open natural space makes kids feel free. They can stretch their legs, jump around, and use their imaginations. They learn to love the earth, the water, and the sky. Nature is the best playground in the world, and it does not need a Wi-Fi connection.
Family Fun and Making Memories
Family trips are all about making memories that will last forever. Mydala Lake is the perfect spot for parents and children to bond without any of the usual daily distractions.
These are the moments that truly matter. Sitting by a quiet lake is the perfect time for sharing silly stories and just enjoying each other's company without looking at a clock. The rocky shore is very safe to sit on, making it easy to just dip your toes in the cool water, relax, and watch the fluffy clouds roll by. It is peaceful, completely safe, and full of pure joy.
The Pump House Picnic Spot
If you keep walking to the other end of the dam, you will find an old pump house. This spot is a fantastic place to take a break. After all that walking and playing, everyone will definitely be hungry.
The area near the pump house is flat, shaded, and quiet. It is the ideal place to lay down a big picnic blanket and eat lunch. We brought a packed lunch—pulaw, some fresh fruits, and juice boxes. Eating food outside always makes it taste better! The kids sat on the rock slope, eating their lunch while looking out over the huge lake. There are no fancy restaurants right at the lake, which is actually a good thing. It keeps the area clean and quiet. Packing your own lunch makes the trip feel like a real adventure. After lunch, you can just lie back on the rock, close your eyes, and listen to the water gently splashing against the rocks.
A Touch of History
Mydala Lake is not just beautiful; it is also a place with a very long and interesting history. People have been coming to this area for hundreds of years. The locals sometimes call the nearby hill "Basadi Betta." For a very long time, this place has been important for peace and prayer. The rocky hills around the lake have seen kings, farmers, and travelers pass by. Knowing that you are walking on the same land that people walked on almost a thousand years ago makes the trip feel very special. It is a great chance to tell your kids a little bit about history while they are looking at the ancient rocks.
The Mandaragiri Hilltop Temple and Sunset
Right next to the lake is a famous hill called Mandaragiri, and you can actually drive your car all the way up to the top! There is a small entry ticket of ₹40 for the parking and temple area, which is very cheap for what you get to see. At the very top, there is a beautiful, 800-year-old Jain temple and a very special Guru Mandir shaped like a giant peacock feather.
To make sure your family has the best time possible, you need to pack the right things. Because the lake is out in nature, there are no big shops right next to the water. Here is a simple checklist of what you should bring:
Plenty of Drinking Water: Walking makes you thirsty, and it is important to stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you need.
A Big Picnic Lunch: Pack easy-to-eat foods like sandwiches, idlis, biscuits, and fruits.
Good Walking Shoes: The path on the dam is flat, but the shore has rocks. Sneakers or sports shoes are the best and safest choice.
Sun Protection: Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even if the wind is cool, the sun can still be very bright.
A Small First-Aid Kit: Just a few band-aids and some cream, just in case someone scrapes a knee on the rocks.
Trash Bags: Please keep the lake clean! Whatever wrappers or bottles you bring, put them in a bag and take them back home with you.
Final Thoughts
Mydala Lake is a wonderful gift of nature. It is so close to Bangalore, yet it feels like a completely different world. It is the perfect place to get away from the screens, the traffic, and the busy city life.
Whether you want to take a slow walk on the dam, eat a fun picnic by the pump house, or just sit on the rocks with your grandparents and watch the water, this lake has something for everyone. It is cheap, easy to reach, and safe for young children. If you want your kids to sleep well at night with big smiles on their faces, pack your bags this coming weekend and drive down to Tumkur. You will come back with wonderful photos, great memories, and a very happy family.
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