Karnataka Coastal capital Mangaluru is the treasure of beautiful places, beaches and sightseeing. Among them, Pilikula is also the most beautiful place in City.
Pilikula Lake is a serene water body located in the City. The lake is situated on the Mangaluru – Moodbidri Highway (NH13), at a distance of about 12 km from the Town of Mangaluru.
The lake is part of the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, an eco-educational tourist park that comprises a zoo, botanical garden, heritage village, science centre, garden and golf course along with the lake. The water body is spread across an area of 5 acres and has a depth of about 30 feet.
The lake attracts nature lovers to the scenic beauty of the place and is frequented by people of all age groups.
Pilikula Lake was once a large water body that served as the source of water for the various wild animals living in that area.
However, over time, the lake was affected by water pollution. The pollution increased to such a level that the huge lake shrank to become a small pond and was on its way to oblivion. It was at that time that the authorities finally woke up to the matter of preservation and restoration of the lake.
The lake was de-silted and restored under the Pilikula Project. Due to the restoration process, the lake was able to get back its original glory.
Pilikula Lake is a place of visual delight. The scenic beauty of the water body is enhanced by the presence of beautifully laid gardens that encircle the lake. The green lawns have rest areas and drinking water facilities for visitors.
Due to the serene beauty of the lake, it has become popular as a picnic spot among the locals. There are boating facilities available for visitors to the water body. There are small pedal boats that are ideal for couples who want to enjoy a nice time on the lake.
For families or visitors in large groups, there are bigger boats that can carry about 10 to 15 people at a time for a cruise on the lake. Swans and ducks can be seen in and around the lake. A walking cum jogging track surrounds the water body.
The Pilikula Lake is easily accessible from different parts of Karnataka and beyond. As the lake is located near the town of Mangaluru it can be reached by several means of transport.
