Kanva Lake, which is about 69 kilometers away from Bangalore is a secret oasis for all those who love lakeside adventure camping. With lot of greenery all around, this is an artificial reservoir created by the Kanva Dam, which takes its name after the Hindu mythological sage Kanva, adding a mark of historical significance to its very charm. With its calm waters and picture-perfect vistas Kanva Lake is becoming quick an attraction for campsites currently for those seeking to enjoy some time away from the city experience and get themselves to loose into the heart of nature.
The primary reason why Kanva Lake is an ideal spot for camping is that it is located at a reasonable distance from Bangalore, hence acting as a weekend getaway for city dwellers. The surroundings of the lake represent an awesome backdrop for pitching tents and sleeping under the stars at night. It's such an exceptional camping experience with that soothing quiet environment coupled with the views of the beautiful lake. This leaves campers with much room to relax and unwind, reconnecting with nature while appreciating the unfettered scenery. Additionally, the lake is not over-commercialized, meaning visitors can enjoy a raw and authentic outdoor adventure in a crowdless event.
It is an easy destination to get to from Bangalore for the solitary visitor and groups too. The drive to Kanva Lake is fairly straight forward and takes about two hours. Located on both road and public transport routes, access to this lovely lake is through some of the eye-catching villages and open fields of rural Karnataka. Once you reach the lake, you will observe several places designated for camps. You will find room to pitch your tent, and the campsites can accommodate all types of groups. However, if you are desiring an organized outing, you can just rent tents and other camping equipment to ensure a hassle-free outing.
There are plenty of activities carried out around the campsite of Kanva Lake. The hobbies seem to range from fishing and boating, to bird watching and nature walks. There are many species of birds; hence, it is a haven for bird watchers or wildlife enthusiasts. Early morning walks around the lake allow for the catching of rare migratory birds and an intake of fresh crisp air. Also, activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or even a good swim in the lake gives more thrill to camping. Campfires in the evening cannot be missed, as they happento be the ideal time to share stories, sing or dance together under the starry sky with the fellow campers.
Kanva Lake offers a wide variety of tents and accommodations to the campers. The tents are generally spacious and comfortable and provide basic amenities for an overnight stay. Besides that, many camping packages also come with a bed of sleeping bags and air mattresses to ensure a cozy night. Coming to food, most of these camping trips around Kanva Lake are self-catered, and the organisers can also arrange for some food. A lot of grilled food and barbecues, simple camp-style meals can be cooked here, making the overall experience all the more rustic.
The best months for camping at Kanva Lake are the cooler months, say October to February. The weather in these months is amicable, with cooler nights very apt for camping. Monsoon months are pretty attractive when the lake is full and the surroundings are green, but heavy rains make the experience tougher while camping. First of all, it is important to prepare for your trip very well, especially carrying lots of appropriate gear, such as warm clothing for the night and sturdy shoes for trekking, alongside some insect repellent. Although some areas require camping permits, Backpackers United takes care of all the required regulations so you can just come out there and enjoy the experience.
There are a few different ways you can get there depending on which part of Bangalore you are coming from, but by far the most common and popular route is to take the Mysore Road and then detour off the highway at Ramanagara that takes you towards the lake. Those who would be taking public transport can take a train to Ramanagara and there hire a cab or rickshaw for the remaining distance. There are some other attractions too, such as Ramanagara hills, which have a reputation for trekking and rock climbing; also, there is Janapada Loka, a cultural center for folk arts and traditions of Karnataka. Exploring these nearby spots would add another dimension to adventure. So pack your bags, gather some friends, or perhaps the whole family, and get ready to go camping at the Kanva Lake, which promises to leave you refreshed and inspired.
Kanva Lake is a tranquil lakeside camping spot, 69 km from Bangalore.
An artificial reservoir created by the Kanva Dam, which is named after the Hindu sage Kanva.
Ideal weekend outing spot for Bangalore city people looking for a nature break.
Pretty surroundings ideal for pitching tents and star gazing.
Not commercialized at all so you get a very raw and authentic camping experience.
You can enjoy activities like fishing, boating, bird-viewing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature walks.
The perfect destination for a bird-watcher due to the large variety of migratory birds.
Campfires under the stars with stories, songs, and bonding are a must.
Various types of tents with basic amenities are available for campers to spend the night.
October to February is an apt time for camping at Kanva Lake.
Self-servicing campsite with grilled and camp-style meals.
The connectivity here is wonderful; there's easy access via Mysore Road or public transport with nearby attractions like Ramanagara Hills and Janapada Loka.