Crystal Lake Loop
Tumkur
Overview
Probably one of the best hikes around with a lake that has clean water & camping spots!
Hike to the hilltop is mostly easy. However some parts of the trail maybe covered in dense bushes and grass post-monsoon.
The descent to the lake shore from the hilltop is steep and might not be suitable for beginners. Try the this trail in the same area instead if you're looking for something easier.
🌦️ Season
- Any season is suitable. Will be lush green in the wet season. Be careful on wet or black patches on the rock in the wet season. Can be exteremely slippery.
- Choose the easier trail in the wet season
🎟️ Permit
No permits are required to hike here. But it helps to be friendly to the locals.
🐾 Wildlife
There's not much to worry about here.
But be careful of snakes in the wet season. Cracks in the rocks & in dense grass is where snakes like to hide & rest. So when you're walking through grass be very loud & be watchful so that you don't accidentally step on a snake.
🦚 Peacocks & peahens can be easily spotted here, especially in the wet season.
🐇 Wild hare are also present here.
Trail description
The trail starts at the mud road after the poultry farm & then goes towards a mix of rocky, grassy & vegetated patches to the hilltop.
The hilltop is mostly base rock, with ruins of an old man-made structure.
After reaching the hilltop you can go down to a spot by the lakeshore. This spot is right next to a big boulder. So there's some shade under the boulder throughout the day. [This shaded spot under this boulder can be under water during and soon after the rainy season]
There's another near the shore which has some shade from the trees. There's also a few big rocks from where we jump in to the water. [⚠️ Please check the rocks underwater before you choose to jump.]
While going towards the lakeshore spot, be careful of any black & wet water patches on the rock.
⚠️ Only get into the water if you're a confident open-water swimmer. I take no responsibility of any mishaps in the water.
Cleanliness
Mostly clean. Except in the first half of the trail. Seems to be trash left behind by local alcoholics. [Should be able to clean with a group in a couple of days.]
Crowd
None, except a few local cow & goat herders.
More photos
