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Sankey Tank, Bengaluru
Sankey Tank is a 37-acre reservoir in Malleswaram, dug in 1882 against drought and now a park with a 1.75 km walking loop. Entry is free. The park keeps walkers' hours: early morning, then late afternoon into the evening, and the late slot is the one for sunset over the water.
Colonel Richard Sankey had this 37-acre reservoir dug in 1882 against drought, and the city has been walking around it ever since. The loop measures 1.75 km, there are gazebos to stop in, and the western sky over the water does something worth waiting for near sunset. Birders count more than fifty species here (pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants), which is a lot for water this close to Malleswaram's market streets. The park keeps walkers' hours: early morning, then late afternoon into evening. Free.
The best sunset water in central Bengaluru, ten minutes from Malleswaram's market streets
Timings and entry
Sankey Tank is free. The park around the water keeps walkers' hours: it opens early in the morning, closes through the middle of the day, and opens again from late afternoon into the evening. No official timetable is published online, so check the exact times locally.
Two windows work best. At dawn the loop belongs to Malleswaram's regular walkers and the birds are most active. Late in the afternoon the western sky over the water does something worth waiting for near sunset.
Why it is called Sankey Tank
The tank is named after its builder, Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey of the Royal Engineers, who had it dug in 1882 to secure the city's water after the Great Famine of 1876–78. It was linked with Miller's Tank and Dharmambudhi Tank as protection against drought. An older local name, Gandhadhakotikere, comes from the government sandalwood depot that once stood nearby.
In the early 2000s the city turned the banks into a park with paved walkways. A separate tank was added for immersing idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.
The loop and the birds
The walking loop measures 1.75 km, with gazebos along the way. Birders count more than fifty species here (pelicans, kingfishers and cormorants among them), which is a lot for water this close to Malleswaram's market streets. Binoculars earn their place in the morning.
The tank sits between Malleswaram, Vyalikaval and Sadashivanagar, so it combines easily with Malleswaram's old market lanes and filter-coffee breakfasts before or after the walk.
❓ FAQ
What is the entry fee for Sankey Tank?
There is none: Sankey Tank is free.
At what time does Sankey Tank open?
It keeps walkers' hours: early morning, a midday break, then late afternoon into the evening. Check exact times locally.
Why is it called Sankey Tank?
It is named after Colonel Richard Sankey of the Royal Engineers, who had it built in 1882.
Is Sankey Tank worth visiting?
For a walk, birds and sunset, yes: a 1.75 km loop, more than fifty bird species and open water in the middle of the city.
How long is the Sankey Tank walking track?
The loop around the tank is 1.75 km.