With a recorded history of over 1,400 years, the Historic Yediyur Lake holds the distinction of being one of the oldest lakes in Bengaluru city. Historical references trace Yediyur and its surrounding villages to the Hoysala period, and a stone inscription dating back to 1017 AD stands as enduring testimony to its legacy. Preserving this heritage while revitalizing the lake for contemporary civic use was undertaken with deep respect for history, ecology, and community needs.
 

Under the visionary project titled “Banadi Sabhari Ba Goodige,” Yediyur Lake was comprehensively developed and transformed into the best bird sanctuary within the Bengaluru metropolitan area. Today, the lake and its surrounding park provide a natural habitat for around 129 species of birds, including both native and migratory species from India and abroad that visit the lake for breeding. In a first-of-its-kind initiative globally, a “Bio-Diversity Birds Wall” and “Bio-Diversity Birds Tower” were constructed to attract rare bird species from across the world and to educate visitors about avian diversity.
 

The lake precinct has been developed as a vibrant public space that caters to people of all ages. A beautifully landscaped park, an international-standard boardwalk, and a 1.25 km-long promenade with high-quality tiling allow visitors to experience greenery, fresh air, birdsong, and serene surroundings. Pedal boating facilities enable visitors to enjoy the lake up close, while an Open Exercise School with high-quality fitness equipment supports the physical well-being of morning walkers and air travelers alike. A world-class children’s play park has also been created to encourage outdoor play.
 

Yediyur Lake also serves important cultural and civic functions. Among the eight Ganesha idol immersion ponds in Bengaluru, Yediyur Kere is the most prominent, facilitating the immersion of over 1.5 lakh Ganesha idols every year in an organized and environmentally conscious manner. Every evening, two spectacular colored water fountains—one reaching 100 feet and another 45 feet—light up the lake between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
 

Adding to its cultural depth, a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda, mounted on a 12-foot pedestal, has been installed, with his biography engraved around the base. Statues of seven great freedom fighters—Mangal Pandey, Tantya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Veera Sindhoora Lakshmana—stand as educational inspirations for future generations. A Vaidika Kendra is also being constructed on the southern side of the lake to enable citizens of South Bengaluru to perform traditional Vaidika rituals for departed souls.
 

Today, the Historic Yediyur Lake stands as a rare example where heritage preservation, ecological balance, public health, cultural memory, and civic infrastructure come together seamlessly—offering Bengaluru one of its purest and most meaningful urban environments.