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Kere Thonnur

Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India
Kere Thonnur, popularly known as Thonnur Lake or Moti Talab, is a vast natural lake with deep historical and spiritual roots located near Srirangapatna. This serene water body covers an expansive area of over 2150 acres and is nestled between picturesque rocky hills. Legend has it that the lake was constructed or renamed by the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya during his stay in the 12th century. The water is so crystal clear that a Mughal subedar once named it Moti Talab (Lake of Pearls) after seeing his own reflection. Historically, the place served as the second capital of the Hoysala kings, and the lake was a primary water source for the region. Even today, the lake never dries up, providing a lifeline for local irrigation. The surrounding landscape is filled with lush greenery and ancient temples, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history buffs. It offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the city noise, where one can witness the harmonious blend of nature and ancient heritage. The lake's outflow forms a small waterfall known as Ramanuja Gange, which is considered holy by many devotees. Visiting this place feels like stepping back in time while enjoying the refreshing breeze of a vast inland sea.:

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    Duration:

    3 to 4 Hours:
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    Place Type:
    Category:

    Nature and Heritage:
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    Entry Fees:
    Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the lake itself.

    Parking Charges: Small fees of 20 to 50 rupees may apply for vehicles.

    Boating Costs: Coracle rides usually cost around 100 to 200 rupees per pers...
    Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the lake itself.

    Parking Charges: Small fees of 20 to 50 rupees may apply for vehicles.

    Boating Costs: Coracle rides usually cost around 100 to 200 rupees per person depending on the duration. :
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: The lake is open from 05:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: The best time to arrive is either early morning at 06:30 AM or late afternoon around 04:30 PM to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the sunset scenery. :...
    Regular Timings: The lake is open from 05:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: The best time to arrive is either early morning at 06:30 AM or late afternoon around 04:30 PM to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the sunset scenery. :
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    Special Events:
    Ramanuja Jayanti: This festival is celebrated with great fervor in April or May to honor the saint's birth.

    Saturday Puja: The Venkataramana Temple on the hill sees special rituals and local crowds every Saturday. :...
    Ramanuja Jayanti: This festival is celebrated with great fervor in April or May to honor the saint's birth.

    Saturday Puja: The Venkataramana Temple on the hill sees special rituals and local crowds every Saturday. :
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Photo Spots:

    Sunset at the Bund: The long dam wall or bund provides a 360-degree view of the water and hills.

    Hilltop View: From Padmagiri, one can take a wide-angle shot of the entire 2150-acre lake.
    Photo Spots:

    Sunset at the Bund: The long dam wall or bund provides a 360-degree view of the water and hills.

    Hilltop View: From Padmagiri, one can take a wide-angle shot of the entire 2150-acre lake.

    Temple Murals: The colorful and ancient wall paintings in the Venugopala Temple make for excellent close-up heritage photography. :

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Boating and Exploration:

    Coracle Rides: Visitors can experience traditional Teppa (coracle) rides on the deep blue waters for a minimal fee.

    Temple Hopping:

    Explore the four ancient temples: Nambi Narayana, Venugopala, Yoga Narasimha, and Venkataramana.

    Photography: Capture the breathtaking sunset from the lake bund or the hilltop temple.

    Picnicking: The lake shores serve as an ideal spot for family picnics under the shade of trees.

    Trekking: Hike up the small rocky hills surrounding the lake for a panoramic view of the Mandya landscape.

    Bird Watching: During winter, various local birds can be spotted near the shoreline.

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Famous For:

    Spiritual Heritage and Clear Waters: This place is famous because of its association with Sri Ramanujacharya, who spent many years here.

    Moti Talab: It gained fame during the Mughal era for its pe...
    Famous For:

    Spiritual Heritage and Clear Waters: This place is famous because of its association with Sri Ramanujacharya, who spent many years here.

    Moti Talab: It gained fame during the Mughal era for its pearl-like clarity.

    Historical Capital: It is also renowned for being the ancient capital of the Hoysalas before they moved to Halebidu. :
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    Architecture:
    Ancient Hoysala Craftsmanship: The area surrounding the lake is home to four major temples built in the Hoysala style.

    Temple Dimensions: The Nambi Narayana Temple features a massive 18-foot tall idol of Lord Vishnu. The structure includes...
    Ancient Hoysala Craftsmanship: The area surrounding the lake is home to four major temples built in the Hoysala style.

    Temple Dimensions: The Nambi Narayana Temple features a massive 18-foot tall idol of Lord Vishnu. The structure includes intricate carvings on granite pillars and a spacious Prakaram (courtyard).

    Hilltop Vistas: The Venkataramana Temple is situated on a rocky hill called Padmagiri, offering a strategic layout that overlooks the entire lake basin.

    Intricate Carvings: The temples showcase the hallmark of Hoysala art with detailed ceiling panels and stone lattices that have withstood over 1000 years of history. :
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    How To Reach:
    Road and Rail Connectivity:

    By Air: The nearest airport is Mysuru Airport (49 KMS), though most international travelers use Bengaluru (160 KMS).

    By Train: The nearest railhead is Pandavapura Railway Station ...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Near Places: Melukote (15 KMS), Kunti Betta (23 KMS), Ranganathittu (26 KMS), Srirangapatna Fort (22 KMS), Brindavan Gardens (25 KMS), Mysore Palace (35 KMS), Nimishamba Temple (24 KMS), Karighatta (24 KMS), Gumbaz (24 KMS), Balmuri Falls (22 KMS). :

Tourism Tips

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    Safety and Preparation:

    Health & Safety: The lake is very deep; strictly avoid swimming or going deep into the water.

    Packing: Wear comfortable cotton clothes and sturdy walking shoes for the rocky terrain....

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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