Sankey Tank

Sankey Tank is a man-made lake of about 15 hectares in Sadashivanagar, on the border with Malleshwaram in northern Bengaluru, in Karnataka, India. It was dug in 1882 under Colonel Richard Sankey, an engineer, to supply drinking water to the growing city, and it remains one of Bengaluru's best-loved open spaces. A walking path circles the water, lined with trees, benches and small gardens, and joggers, families and elderly residents use it throughout the day. A small Ganesha temple sits on the bank, and the lake is a modest birdwatching spot with waterbirds and garden birds visible along the edge. Ganesh immersion during the festival season draws visitors and crowds to a dedicated area. Boating has been offered at various times but visitors should not count on it. A typical visit takes about an hour for a leisurely walk around the perimeter. The tank is open daily from about 5:00AM to 8:00PM, and entry is free. Early morning is the most pleasant, with mist, walkers and birdlife, while evenings are lively with families and tea and snack stalls near the gate. Weekends are busier. Sunset gives good photographs across the water, with reflections of the tank's trees. Malleshwaram's Eighth Cross area offers famous local eateries and flower and vegetable markets, so many visitors combine a walk here with a meal. The nearest metro connection is in Malleshwaram, and auto-rickshaws and BMTC buses serve the lake. Paths are generally level, though some sections are uneven. Visitors should be aware that water levels and quality vary and that quiet, respectful behaviour is expected.