Glasswater Lake
Doddaballapur
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Overview
This is barely a hike. But this is one of the best spots around for a nice picnic by a lake. And of course a refreshing swim. Think of this spot suitable for a relaxed day out, reading books, writing, drawing, or doing nothing.
🏞️ Photos & Videos
Trail description
This trail is super short and suitable for kids and pets. You can also do the hike with seniors, but you might have to help them a bit. The trail is short but not flat. Also look at the note about the mud road in the getting there section.
You hike to your left as you approach the lake, the lake won't yet be visible from the parking spot. Follow the trail marked on the map till the fork marked on the map.
Once at the fork you need to decide which spot by the lake shore you want to go to. There are two spots. Left: open spot, right (via the small gully): shaded spot under trees.
Open spot
This spot is open and there's not much shade here, but if you come here when it's not too hot, it might be a nice spot. [Not too hot: early morning, evening, cloudy days]
🌊 If you're planning to get into water, this is easier spot to get in from, since the slope into the water is gradual and even non-swimmers can get in an enjoy a dip in the water. There's enough space for one to stand. But of course use extra caution, especially if you're a non-swimmer (or only a pool swimmer). Carry a lifejacket 🛟 when unsure about anyone in the group.
Spot with shade under trees
From the fork mentioned above, if you take a right, there's a trail that goes through a gully (seasonal stream) and opens up to some fields, walk one one side of the fields and you will be walking along a group of trees to your left. You'll a small opening through them going towards the shaded spot under the trees.
There are a couple of shaded spots under some trees to the right of this first spot too. So based on the season and the time of day, you might want to move into shade under different trees nearby.
🌊 If you're planning to get into water, you need to exercise more caution ⚠️ as there are several rocks and boulder sticking out near this part of the shore and some deceptively inside the water. You don't want to slip on or accidentally hit any of those. You can opt to first walk a few meters towards the right (while facing the lake) and then get in.
🐠 Swimming
Open-water Swimming is an inherently dangerous activity, so please exercise plenty of caution, carry lifejackets for inexperienced swimmers and avoid getting drunk when swimming (this is one of the most common causes of drowning).
That said, this is one of the best spots to swim at, with great water quality and good water levels all year round.
🌦️ Season
Any time of the year. Dry season (Jan-Apr) might be super hot, so choose the shaded spot during this time.
🎟️ Permit
No permit needed.
🗺️ Trail Map
A note about the trail map (and gpx file) linked above. It includes both the mud road and the hike to the shore. So you can drive your vehicle till the parking spot [🅿️] and then start hiking from there.
🐾 Wildlife
Nothing to worry about. You'll get to see birds 🕊️ here, numbers and variety will vary based on the season.
Cleanliness
Found almost no trash on the trail.
Crowd
Almost no one goes here, maybe a few locals go here, probably to catch fish.
🛺 Getting there
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