Tusk Troop Pond
Ramanagara
Overview
The easiest trail in this area - a flat-ish walk to a pond with a great view of the bigger hill behind, with shade by the water and an option for a swim if you know what you're doing.
Photos
🌦️ Season
Any.
🎟️ Permit
Okay, technically you need a permit to hike here. But if you go to the forest department for a permit they will most certainly not give you a permit. Instead they might prevent you from going here & ask you for reasons.
I have been here several times without any issues. A few friends have also visited the pond independently, without me.
🐘 Wildlife
Locals also call the hill Aane Gundi (Aane = Elephant in Kannada). And I have been repeatedly told by the locals to be wary of elephants here. I have spotted some elephant poop here too.
Hiking here in the daylight should be okay. Don't venture out here at night.
Trail description
This is the easiest trail in the area. Easier than the more popular trail to the top of the main hill. And it gives you a great view of the main hill!
You can spend some time at the pond or under the tree next to it. (Unlike the main hill, there's not much shade at the top.)
The locals graze their cattle in the area and often warn about the presence of elephants here. So it's best to stay on the shared trail and not go astray. As always, be respectful of the locals you meet here.
The trail is quite easy to navigate. You follow the broken mud road from the temple and continue on past the main hill. Once you have passed the hill, you turn right.
The hill will remain on your right. The path is obvious until you reach a wide rock section on the trail.
From here you continue southwest until the pond.
I have swum several times in the pond. So you can do so too if you know what you're doing. There might be a few plants underwater, so beware if you plan to swim.
Cleanliness & Crowd
There might be a few people, mostly locals, visiting the pond on a Sunday. So it might get a bit crowded at the pond on some Sundays. I'd say you'll mostly find the pond to yourself if you visit on a Saturday (or a weekday).
This trail is mostly devoid of trash.
