If you are looking for an easy starting walking trail in North Bangalore then check out Thirumenhalli lake. It is just 1.5 kilometres , can be done in 40 minutes and the gradient is easy, flat making it easy for walkers, hikers, senior citizens and people with joint issues to try this route out.
Tirumenhalli lake belongs to Agrahara village in North Bengaluru. It is just one of the lakes falling in Yelahanka zone. It is 15 acres and slightly more and flows in to the Hebbal Valley. According to the CSIR-NEERI’s 2021 report the water of this lake is suitable for drinking purposes.
The lake is beautiful during monsoons. The terrain is flat with plenty of trees and flowers. There are native trees like the Peepal, Neem, jackfruit, fig trees and Millettia pinnata, commonly known as Honge etc thrive in this area. Interestingly it has few fishtail palm trees as well. The tree is easily identifiable with its dangling fruit like clusters. Read somewhere that this palm is unique. The flowers grow from top to bottom and once the lowest flower blooms the tree dies.
There is a small Renukamma temple inside the park and besides that there is a small garden that grows jasmine and hibiscus flowers as well. A children park and a fitness gym also are present in the park. The walking track is well maintained.
The lake is home to many variety of birds. Some birds that I could sight were spot billed duck, pelicans, , red wattled lapwing, Herons, Cormorants, black kites etc.
Like other lakes in the city this too suffers from sewage entry and garbage dumps. There is growth of algae as well.