Ride to Deepambudhi Lake

Saturday morning 8.30 AM. I was on my bike heading towards my home, Kunigal. The usual short bike ride of 75-80 kilometers one way on weekends. I was bored with same old NH4 (Tumkur road) and NH48 (B’lore-M’lore road). So I decided to travel a bit extra via Magadi and cover a place ‘Deepambudhi Lake’.

About Deepambudhi lake:

Deepambudhi lake was built by Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore city, and named after his wife. It is situated between Magadi (birthplace of Kempegowda) and Huliyurdurga. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Magadi and 5 kilometers from Huliyurdurga. For the first 10 years of my, I lived in Huliyurdurga. The Deepambudhi lake used to be our regular picnic spot for us, family and friends during those days. The lake is surrounded by thick forest, lush green, ample water. And a small temple of goddess Kali next to the lake.

Journey:

Since it was the weekend, reached Magadi road junction and was riding toward Magadi in less than 15 mins. I decided to go slow and brought down my speed to 40-50 range. Road condition is good, with rare potholes till Thavarekere. From there onwards, the road was awesome to ride on. Once I crossed Thavarekere, it was almost like I’m in a ‘Ghat section’. Wonderful twisties for almost a stretch of 10-15 kilometers, it was fun riding there.

First pit-stop was at the entrance of Tippagondanahalli dam. One can see the majestic Savanadurga from there. I clicked some photos and continued towards Deepamudhi lake. The weather was awesome and pleasant to ride. I took my own time to reach Magadi. To reach the lake, one has to cross the city. Just after the city, a road deviates which takes one to Kunigal (going to the right). Go straight ahead instead towards Huliyurdurga. The traffic between B’lore and Magadi is moderate – few four wheelers and a lot of two-wheeler. After Magadi, you are the King of the road – one or two vehicles max every 10–15 mins. The road condition varies from average to good to great, with trees lined up either side for the whole stretch.

Unlike urban/cities, Life moves very slowly in rural places. I adjusted myself to the slow pace. Reached Deepambudhi lake at around 11.30 AM, and was disappointed at the state of the place. In the name of development and improvement, they have started constructing some convention hall type beside the temple. And lot very fewer trees and greenery. Spent almost an hour – clicking, sitting, just savoring nature just sitting on the tankbund.

I wanted to sit there for some more time. But my stomach started grumbling and the breakfast I had in the morning were digested long back. I headed towards home, to Kunigal, about 25 kilometers from the lake.