Ayyanakere, near Sakharayapatna in Kadur taluk, is among the largest tanks in Karnataka, its long bund holding back water against a backdrop of the Baba Budangiri hills. Believed to date to the Hoysala period and later strengthened, it draws waterbirds in winter and makes a wide, calm stop on the drier eastern side of the district.
What to do here
- Walk the long bund at sunset
- Watch migratory birds in winter
- Drive out from Kadur or Sakharayapatna
The largest and most historic waterbody in the district.
History
The tank is traditionally dated to the Hoysala era and was extended by later rulers; it has irrigated the Kadur plains for centuries.
Travel tips
Karnataka's second-largest lake, at the eastern foot of the Baba Budan range, 5 km from Sakharayapatna and about 40 km from town. Attributed to Rukmangada Raya of Sakharayapatna and renovated under the Hoysalas in 1156 CE. Go at first light — there is no shade and no shop at the bund.
Please note
Do: bring water and a hat; the bund is completely exposed. Do: watch for waterbirds at the shallow end. Don't: swim — it is deep, unguarded and used for irrigation. Don't: drive onto the bund where it is barred. Don't: leave litter; nobody clears it.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Ayyanakere Lake
PremiumTC Resort HDW, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 24 km from town
PremiumTC Resort BND, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 11.2 km from town
PremiumTC Resort GLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 4.4 km from town
PremiumTC Resort SLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 9.9 km from town
Combine your trip
Places near Ayyanakere Lake
Sakharayapatna
An old chieftain's town at the foot of the Baba Budan range, and the seat that built Ayyanakere.
PeakBaba Budangiri
A shared shrine on a ridge of coffee legend
Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint
The horseshoe gorge on the Mullayanagiri–Baba Budangiri road — fifty steps up, and the whole range in front of you.
Kalhatti Falls
A cliff cascade over a small temple