Tonnur Lake / Kere Thonnur (2026 Guide): 1,000-Year Sacred Reservoir & Swimming
Cradled in a natural rocky basin between rugged granite ridges, Kere Thonnur is one of Karnataka’s oldest continuously functioning artificial reservoirs. Created by erecting a massive earthen embankment between two rocky hillocks under the guidance of Sri Ramanujacharya, the lake has provided drinking and irrigation water for over a millennium without drying up.
Unlike urban lakes affected by city runoff, Tonnur’s water remains sparkling clean, fed entirely by pristine rainwater catchments from the surrounding Melukote reserve forest.
Tonnur Lake Dam Bund & Ancient Embankment
Visitors can walk across the 1,000-year earthen bund, view the stone sluice gates engineered under Hoysala kings, and enjoy safe swimming in designated shallow bays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swimming safe in Tonnur Lake?
Swimming is safe near the gently sloping gravel embankments where local families bathe; however, diving near the deep central sluice drop-off is strictly prohibited.
How We Researched & Field-Audited This Guide
At Mysore Mysuru, we enforce zero third-party outsourcing and zero AI-generated guesswork. Every entry, route, tariff, and timing in this dossier was physically audited in Mysuru:
- Physical On-Site Inspection: Verified operating counters, gate queues, parking tariffs, and photography permissions.
- Zero Sponsored Bias: We pay 100% of our entry tickets, meals, and transport fares in full. No commercial brand can buy inclusion.
- Official Gazette Alignment: Cross-referenced with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mysuru District Administration, Palace Board, and KSRTC transit notifications.
Explore More Field Guides
Handpicked stories in Nature
