Honnamana Kere, lake in India

Honnamana Kere is a lake and holy site in Doddamalthe near Sulimalthe, about 6 km from Somwarpet in Kodagu district, Karnataka. It is the largest lake in Kodagu and is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and coffee plantations. A temple to Goddess Honnamana stands by the water.

The lake takes its name from Goddess Honnamma, who according to local tradition is said to have sacrificed her life for the safety of the village people. This connection to an ancient story of devotion has made the water a place of religious and community importance for many generations.

The lake is named after the goddess Honnamana, who according to legend gave her life for the welfare of the people; a temple was built in her honour. Each year during the Gowri festival a special pooja is held and a Bagina, the belongings of the goddess, is presented to the lake.

Honnamana Kere lies in Doddamalthe near Sulimalthe, about 6 km from Somwarpet town in Coorg. Temperatures through the year range from 16 to 27 degrees. A few homestays stand nearby, including one about 1 km from the lake.

The Kannada name Kerege Hara, linked to the lake's making, comes from the story of the goddess Honnamana, who is said to have given her life for the people's welfare. A temple was built in her honour, and modernisation work has recently added facilities at the site.