Sankey Tank
View of the Sankey Tank
Sandwiched between Malleswaram and Sadashivnagar, the Sankey tank has always been on the Bangalore map. I still remember riding the bus to school on the road adjacent to the lake, connecting Bashyam circle and Malleswaram 18th cross. Amidst the heavy crowd in the bus, the lake was the only solace for the few seconds when we got a view of it. This was the late 80s. Those days, the lake was just part of the wilderness. Untouched and surrounded by lots of trees, it used to look beautiful! I vaguely remember the lake offering some boating facility and had a few benches at the 2 entrances; one gate closer to Malleswaram 18th cross and the other facing the road that curves along the lake in Sadashivnagar. This road is now called the Jeevraj Alva Raste.
In comparison, it is *very* different now. The Bangalore Mahangara Palike has made lots of changes and this lake is now transformed into a usable park. Earlier, the lake offered only a visual break to the passer by, but now with all the upgrades, the transformed park is a walker’s/jogger’s paradise.
On entering from Sadashivnagar, you see a Kalyani to your left. You can sit on the steps of this Kalyani by yourself or with company for retrospection, gossip, or just some quiet time. Notice how well used it is.
A Kalyani
Apart from the Kalyani, you have a nicely paved wide path running along most of the lake. When we visited, we saw lots of people using it for walking and strolling. We even saw a board that said something about a Sankey Tank Walkers’ Association! I am guessing they have some serious walkers in the neighborhood.
The long stretch of paved path is well used for strolling, walking, and jogging. Notice the benches lined along the curb.
All along the lake, you will also find benches facing the lake. Both sides of the paved path are well landscaped. Overall, the entire park is well maintained. People also seem to be using the place responsibly; didn’t notice any trash anywhere. Wonderful, huh?
Couple of views of the lake
We noticed different water birds in the lake. The lake also has a couple of small islands. We learnt from the security guard that the boating has been stopped since about a year, when the residents complained about the activity disturbing the birds and the fish of the lake.
What this park does not offer is a children’s play area. So, it disappoints parents like us a little. However, within walking distance is another park that houses a children’s park. But I think, a couple of slides and a few swings could only add to the charm of the Sankey Tank park.
At the entrance, you find some small vendors selling churmuri, balloons, ice creams, etc. You also have decent parking space at both the gates. Since this park is more of a walking/jogging track for the local residents, it is not worth a visit from afar, as the park offers no other activity. However, if you are in the neighborhood, you must definitely stop by.
PS: One of the BMP boards in the park reads, “Sankey Tank – Restored, rejuvenated, and maintained by the Bangalore Mahangara Plaike. Sounds as if the BMP is an ayurvedic spa!! :)
Hi Chitra,
Nice writeup and update on the developments in and around Sankey tank. I used to stay in Malleshwaram a while back and reading the article brought back memories indeed.
It is also heartening to know that “progress” is being made incrementally to develop and maintain these wonderful spots in the city instead of transforming it to a concrete jungle.
Will definitely visit the place the next time I am in the neighbourhood.
-Ramkumar
Good one Chitra with nice pics!
Good Post Chitra, Sometimes back i had posted an article on Sankey & here is the link http://bangalore.metblogs.com/archives/2006/09/sankey_unforgettable_name.phtml.
Hi Chitra, Your post & pictures are really nice. Well I happened to go there with a friend when we were looking for some nice place to go in that area. I was very surprised that the place was what it was. I am a frequent visitor to Ulsoor lake & Ulsoor lake is yet to be developed on similar lines but some work has started hopefully should be done soon.
Great pic !! When I saw Sankey tank for the first time ; I was surprised to see such beautiful place amidst of city area !!
Ramkumar, thanks. I am glad too that these spots have been retained as is.
Silkboard, Shadow, Lokesh, thanks. Shadow, Interesting post about Sankey. I wasn’t aware! Lokesh, I just about see the Ulsoor lake from the road. I have never stopped by. Maybe, I should.
Saaya, thanks! Yes, it will be a pleasant surprise if you run into it for the first time, without having a clue.
Hailing from Malleswaram and my school being in Sadashivnagar,I used to frequent this route along Sankey tank on my cycle with a heavy load of books on my back……….Really miss those days,
Thank you for this post,I surely went Nostalgic!
Hmmmm…nice pics & nice post, Chitra.
Me at Orange County ( on work mind you!) but being transported to Bangalore.
Chitra,
Thanks for the post. Sankey Tank is my FAVOURITE spot in Blr. I used drive along Sankey tank just at sunset and it made a gorgeous view. But that was long ago and this post brought back memories
:-)
BrijuPrasad, Abhipraya, you are very welcome. Nostalgia in good measure is wonderful. :)
Ravi, thanks!
“on work mind you!”
Ravi, we do mind, irrespective of the purpose :)
Me too Ravi….
Nice post chitra, been drivign nerby the tank so many times never had an insight, till your post…
ಸ್ಯಾಂಕಿ ಪರ್ಕು, ಜಾಗರ್ಸ್ ಅಂಡ್ ವಾಕರ್ಸ್-ಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಅಲ್ಲ, ಡೌ ಹೊಡ್ಯೋರ್ಗೆ ಹೇಳ್ ಮಾಡ್ಸಿದ್ ಹಾಗಿದೆ.