Chikbanavara Lake is located in North Bangalore, near to Jalahalli, at a distance of about 20 km from the city centre. This is a huge lake, this lake was preserved by the nature for centuries and is one of the oldest lakes of Bangalore.

It is very popular among bird watchers as it is one of the few existing spots where a large variety of exotic birds can be watched.

The lake is known not only for the lovely birds but also for the beautiful surroundings that make it an ideal destination to spend some moments away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

During the summer months most of the water of the lake dries up and the water body adopts a barren look. A few adventure clubs engage in parasailing during the summer season. The best part is that even in that season the lake continues to attract birds of various species. The place around the lake is perfect for a nature walk.

We could spot people fishing nearby the lake area, there are no official numbers of Fish species found but I have personally spotted only 1 breed, not sure about the name.

Near to Chikbanavara, there is Man Made Lake Hesaraghatta Lake, It was conceived by Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the Dewan of erstwhile Mysore state and the M. C. Hutchins, the chief engineer of Mysore. It was developed with the intention to meet the drinking water requirements of the city. The lake is connected to the Arkavathy River that originates from the Nandi Hills of the Kolar district. This century old lake has stood the onslaught of time and nature and managed to keep attracting various species of birds to the cool environs. However, due to the drying up of the lake bed the situation is rapidly changing.

The beauty of Hesaraghatta Lake lies in its green surroundings. The drive to the lake is a wonderful experience in itself.The lake is situated in the vicinity of the last surviving grasslands near Bangalore. The refreshing sight of the serene water is enhanced by the presence of a number of birds that can be seen frolicking around the water or hopping near the shores of the lake.

The Hesaraghatta Lake is a place where sightings of more than 2000 water birds have been reported. The place is known to be frequented by more than 29 species of birds. It is also a favourite destination of many of the migratory birds that visit the city in the months of winter. Among the birds that can be sighted at the lake are Kingfishers, Pond Heron, Wagtails, Brahminy Kite, Magpie Robin, Black Kite, Drongos, Paddy field pipit, Purple Sun birds, Bushlarks, Cormorants, Pale Billed Flowerpecker, Egret, Mayna, Bulbul, etc. Migrant species like Spotted Eagles and Harriers can be sighted at the lake during the winter months.

Chikbanavara Lake comes under Hasserghatta, Medical colleges, Engineering colleges and Schools have been part of this area for decades like Sapthagiri College of Engineering, Sri Krishna Institute of Technology, Acharya College, RR Institute of Technology and many other Colleges. With the large number of students moving into this area. It has Increased the local demand for house, PG, Commercial Complex etc.

In the recent past years, we have seen many Apartment, Builders coming into the locality. The land price has shoot up and the construction is in its full swing. The area is getting filled by the houses and the original beauty of this area is getting diminished day by day.

Acres of Trees have been cut down and are converted to new layouts. 

Sadly, the Chikbanvara Lake is inching towards a slow death. There are several factors that are contributing towards this plight of the lake. Drainage form the nearby area and the apartments have been put to the lake. It has made the lake water dirty and it smells bad.

People also use Lake bed for Immersion of the Idoms.

The Authorities and the Local body has been Informed couple of times by the local residents but seems like Lake will not get any help from the Government Authorities, many Acres of land has already been encroached and water inlet areas have either been blocked or diverted to the Gutters.

We would expect the local authorities to take some immediate action against the illegal encroachment, garbage dumping etc.