The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is an ancient temple cut out of the rock probably in the 9th century and is a natural monolith rock formation with the cave temple carved out of it. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has four monolithic pillars and a rare idol of Agm, the God of fire. There are other idols inside including the idol of Agnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs and those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.
8Every year in January, thousands of devotees come to the temple on Makar Sankranti Day to this cave temple. It is a special day when, owing to the brilliance of the architecture of the Temple, the sunrays fall on the Shivalinga for one hour as it passes between the horns of the Nandi.
While Bangalore has several temples that are visited by several devotees but what makes Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is special because it is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hordes of devotees, especially during Shivaratri.
Lakes (or “tanks”) are other beauty spots of Bangalore and are , man made ones constructed in 16th century through bunds as no close by rivers exists. Presently, only 17 remain, considering the healthy and good ones, out of the previous 51 lakes. The remaining lakes have been encroached and converted into colonies etc. as part of Urban Development. These lakes have fresh water and have a varied range of fauna and flora. Some of the notable lakes are The Ulsoor Lake (near MG Road at Halasuru), Madiwala Lake (among the largest lakes), the Sankey Tank (recently enovated); Hsbbal Lake, Lalbagh Lake (at Lalbagh garden), Agara Lake, Puttenahalli Lake, Jarganhalli Lake, Kamakshipalya Lake, Vengaihnakere and Nagavara Lake. These lakes also have boating, parks, playgrounds, fountains and jogging area and some are famous grounds for Ganesh Charturthi immersion.