Hubballi's picturesque Unkal Lake is undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis, shifting from a neglected water body to a buzzing hub for adventure and recreation. This transformation, spearheaded by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) under the Smart City project, is rapidly changing the leisure landscape for locals and tourists in the region.
From Weeds to Water Sports: The Lake's Rejuvenation
Once heavily choked with weeds, Unkal Lake has been partially rejuvenated, creating a cleaner and more inviting environment. The key driver of its new popularity is the introduction of a variety of water-based adventure activities. The HDMC awarded the contract for operating these sports to Om Water Sports, whose proprietor, Raju Khilare, is actively expanding the offerings.
Visitors can now enjoy thrilling rides on motorboats, jet skis, and kayaks, or opt for a more relaxed experience on pedal boats. This development has successfully started attracting crowds, filling a significant gap as there are no such comprehensive tourist destinations near Hubballi.
New Year Additions and the 2026 Vision
The authorities are not stopping at water sports. In time for the New Year, they are adding more facilities specifically designed to cater to both children and the elderly, aiming to create an environment where families can spend the entire day.
Vijaykumar R, HDMC's superintendent engineer, outlined the ambitious vision to TOI: "HDMC's aim is to transform Unkal lake into a tourist destination." He confirmed that a zipline, cycles, and a miniature train are among the planned additions. The corporation has set a clear deadline for this upgrade, stating that Unkal lake will be transformed into a full-fledged adventure destination by January 2026.
Sky Cycling and Family-Friendly Attractions
Raju Khilare provided exciting details about the upcoming installations. A sky cycling facility is being installed over the water body, promising a thrilling experience for riders. Furthermore, the lake premises will soon feature horse-drawn carriages and battery cars for easier exploration. "Five more activities are likely to be added," Khilare expressed, emphasizing that the lake is moving beyond being a mere water attraction.
With new adventure sports equipment being installed for the New Year, the expectation is that both tourists and locals will flock to Unkal Lake for celebration and recreation. This concerted effort by the HDMC is systematically turning the scenic spot into a central pillar for tourism and adventure in the North Karnataka region.
