Ayyanakere Lake, Sakharayapatna

Most Kannadigas would have heard the folk song "Mayadanta Male Bantanna Madagada Kerege". That is what we were discussing on our way to Ayyanakere Lake in Sakharayapatna. There is this lake called Madagada Kere, which one of us had visited a long time ago. The relevance here being the very Ayyanakere is called Dodda Madagada Kere and both these lakes were at a distance of 8 kilometres from each other.

Famed as the second largest lake in Karnataka, the Ayyanakere Lake is at a distance of 29 kilometres from Chikmagaluru towards Kadur. On our way we did a quick search to find out which one is the first largest and it is 'Shanti Sagara in Sulekere of Channagiri Taluk.

Ayyanakere lake is the primary source of water for agriculture to the nearby villages. Having ten canals to supply water it covers an area of 21560 hectares for irrigation. The major cultivation is coconut, arecanut, and sugarcane. The village name is Sakharayapatna (Sugar-Sakkare in Kannada) and sugarcane fields were aplenty. So, we easily assumed it to be Sakrayapatna (town of sugar). Our assumption was wrong. Later we were told the town is named after "Sakharaya", a local chieftain. 

The countryside stretched before us in green patch. Occasionally we would see few houses, animals, and villagers. Since we had our destination mapped in GPS we did not have to ask anybody for direction, but we knew people will be more than willing to help from our past experiences.

History: It is said the lake was built by chieftain of Sakharayapatna, Rukmangada Raya and later in 1156 restored under the tutelage of Narasimha I of Hoysala dynasty.

Legend: Legend has it that the lake was guarded by two cowherds, Honna Billa and Channa Bill. During such patrolling on one full moonlight, lake goddess emerged from the water and told them that the lake will deluge. If that happens the entire village will be submerged causing total chaos and destruction. The herders made a pact with the goddess to delay the process, so that they can alert the villagers of the impending doom, help them evacuate the village, and will return with the news. Goddess promised them to halt the breach until their return. Rather than informing the villagers and returning, they killed themselves as a sacrifice, hence keeping the goddess waiting eternally and saving the lives of many. Now a mantapa stands as a tribute to these two men. How we love these folklores.

Another lore says the ever breaching lake stopped doing so when people started following the rituals suggested by a saint named, Nirvanaswamay.

The reservoir is situated in the eastern base of Bababudan Giri. When we approached the lake shimmered silver in the bright evening sun. It provided a perfect mirror for the funnel-shaped Shakunagiri hillock and others. It is said Shakungairi is at a height of 4600 feet from sea level. The cool breeze ran over the unrippled surface as we relaxed on the stone benches. We could hear faint bird songs from the surrounding, though unable to locate one. We smiled at few teenagers who looked disappointed at their parents for not clicking instaworthy photos. Some kids were trying to create the perfect ripples by throwing stones. We could see everyone enjoying the evening as it passed by. For us a deep sense of serenity overcame to the radiant glow of setting sun. We could simply hear and feel Master Shifu's "inner peace" here.

As light started failing we decided to head out to call it a day. All in all early mornings and evenings can be spent on this beautiful lake.

Entry: Free
Transport: No public transport. Drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi from Chikmagaluru 
Best Season: Throughout year
Best Time: Be there for sunrise or sunset
Facilities: No toilets. No shops or hotels. Carry your own food
Activities: Fishing, bird watching, picnic