Sanapur Lake

A must-visit place in your Hampi itinerary.

Hampi is a place that offers an array of options among which Sanapur lake is one build at foothills. The place is certainly worth a visit that offers calmness combined with spectacular views. Sanapur lake is one of the best reservoirs that is fed through Tungabhadra Dam Canal. A deep blue lake in the middle of boulders gives a magnificent view. But to have a nice view of the lake you will have to reach very close to it as it remains hidden. You can say Sanapur lake is the cities best but a secret place. Created by irrigation reservoir, a trip to this lake gives your eyes a very pleasant retreat. It is one of the popular places for hangout among the backpacker crowd. Most of the people come here for cliff jump, soaking up in sun and for swimming even if there are warnings for crocodiles and whirlpools.

Where it is located and how to reach there?

Sanapur lake Hampi is located in Virupapura Gadde also known as Hippie island. To reach here from Hampi, you have to take a 5-minute boat ride across the river. The first boat ride starts at 7 am and the last is at 5.30 pm. The boat ride costs not more than Rs.50 one way. Once you reach the other side of the river, you can reach the lake by taking a scooter or bicycle on rent. The distance is about 4 km.

What to do at Sanapur Lake, Hampi?

Sanapur lake is a place that is quite contrasting from its neighbour. The only similarity is they share the same town. Hampi is covered with rocky as well as deserted landscape and in Sanapur there are green paddy fields, lake, Tungabhadra canal, beautiful waterfall and a quiet place. In short, you can enjoy the following things in Sanapur lake:

• A serene spot best for relaxation.
• You will get to enjoy a peaceful walk in the river outskirts.
• Some of the spots are suitable for swimming.
• If you are brave enough, you can go for cliff-jumping.
• There are coracle rides.
• It is a very quiet spot with less number of visitors.
• A place where you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
• Beers or refreshments sold by locals.

Yes, it is true that if you make a trip only to Sanapur lake, it is not worthy of your time but exploring the place in your trip to Hampi is worthful. Wondering why? Well! here are few places or things you can do while you are in Sanapur lake.

• A ride through green paddy fields while looking at sunrise/ sunset: While on your way to Sanapur you take the narrow village road from Hospete to Sanapur. There you will be greeted with green paddy fields along with beautiful rock formations in the background. Park your bike by the roadside, grab a drink and you are fully set for the beautiful sunrise or the sunset views.
• Tungabhadra Canal: after you are done with retreating your eyes with all green paddy fields, head straight to the small dam and get mesmerized by the hill reflections over the tranquillity of the calm water in Tungabhadra canal.
• The theppa ride in Sanapur lake: It is one of the best and amazing things you can do in the lake located adjacent to the Tungabhadra canal. It will take about 15-20 min for the complete ride over the lake. Theppa is a kind of small but a circular boat that is made from bamboos and trees bark.
• Small yet beautiful waterfall: Then just 5 min away there is a small waterfall, which is a perfect place for relaxing your body.

There are some other places near Sanapur lake which is worth visiting like

• Anegundi
• Monkey temple
• Matanga Hill
• Virupaksha temple
• Elephant stable
• Vittala temple

Thus all we can say is Sanapur Lake is a place with the beauty and utmost calmness. If you want to enjoy maximum, then you must visit either early morning or during late evenings to this offbeat little place.