
Hirekolale Lake Mysore
A breathtaking man-made lake nestled in the Western Ghats, offering stunning mountain views and a serene escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

Hirekolale Lake Mysore
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking man-made lake nestled in the Western Ghats, offering stunning mountain views and a serene escape.
"This place is incredibly scenic and is truly a must-visit highlight when you are in Chikmagalur."

🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit on weekdays for a more serene experience. Weekends can get crowded with visitors filming reels.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with the mountain backdrop.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hirekolale Lake
Chikmagalur
A stunning man-made lake nestled amidst the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape.

Mountain Backdrop
Surrounding hills
The lake is beautifully framed by the lush green mountains of the Western Ghats, creating a picturesque panorama.

Tranquil Waters
Lake surface
Experience the calm and reflective surface of the lake, especially during quieter times, offering a peaceful ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit on weekdays for a more serene experience. Weekends can get crowded with visitors filming reels.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with the mountain backdrop.
🧘♀️ Seek Serenity
If you're lucky to visit during a quiet time, you can fully appreciate its serene beauty.
🚗 Easy Access
Located near Chikmagalur town, making it a convenient spot to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Weekend Rush
Visit on weekdays for a more serene experience. Weekends can get crowded with visitors filming reels.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with the mountain backdrop.
🧘♀️ Seek Serenity
If you're lucky to visit during a quiet time, you can fully appreciate its serene beauty.
🚗 Easy Access
Located near Chikmagalur town, making it a convenient spot to explore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hirekolale Lake's stunning natural beauty and scenic mountain backdrop, calling it a must-visit highlight. While the serene ambiance is highly appreciated, some note that weekend crowds and content creation activities can sometimes disrupt the peacefulness. Overall, it's a cherished spot for its picturesque charm.
"Location is very nice but need lot of attention from administration to regulate public. Amount of people visit with no restriction will make it bad. Till now it all natural and scenic"
Sushil Prajapati
"This place is incredibly scenic and is truly a must-visit highlight when you are in Chikmagalur. If you’re fortunate enough to visit during a quiet time with fewer tourists, you can fully appreciate its serene beauty. However, when crowded, people often line up and create reels, which can disrupt the peaceful ambiance."
Shuvra Maitra
"A Heritage symbol of our Hinduism and Bharat. One of excellent visiting place if you are traveling to Chikkamagaluru. You shall visit once in your life to the place if you're nearer to the place or going this way."
Brushaketu Biswal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hirekolale Lake is located near Chikmagalur town, not directly in Mysore. From Mysore, you'll typically drive to Chikmagalur, which takes around 3-4 hours. The lake is a short drive from Chikmagalur town itself.
The most convenient way to reach Hirekolale Lake is by car or taxi from Chikmagalur town. The roads are generally good, offering scenic views along the way.
While public buses can take you to Chikmagalur town, reaching the lake directly might require a local taxi or auto-rickshaw from the town.
Hirekolale Lake is situated a few kilometers away from Chikmagalur town, making it an easily accessible destination for a short trip.
Follow the signs from Chikmagalur town towards the lake. The journey itself is quite scenic, passing through local villages and countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there are no entry fees or tickets required to visit Hirekolale Lake, allowing for free access to its natural beauty.
Hirekolale Lake is generally accessible throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times posted.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most picturesque views with softer lighting. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
While there are no official closing hours, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting.
The main 'restriction' is to respect the natural environment and avoid littering. Excessive crowds can sometimes detract from the peaceful ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire perimeter offers stunning views. Look for spots with clear reflections of the mountains in the water for truly captivating shots.
While some videos show drone footage, it's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone, as permissions may be required.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, creating beautiful colors across the sky and water. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Capture the panoramic views of the lake with the Western Ghats in the background. The reflections on a calm day are also a must-capture.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the sky and water.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the scenic beauty, taking photos, and relaxing. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic or quiet contemplation.
Yes, it's a great place for families to enjoy nature. However, supervision is needed around the water, especially with young children.
Facilities are minimal. It's advisable to carry your own snacks and water. Restrooms might not be readily available directly at the lake.
It can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, with many visitors creating content. Weekdays offer a much more peaceful experience.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress in layers as the weather can change. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for most times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic blanket for a comfortable family outing. The gentle slopes around the lake are generally safe for children to roam, but always be mindful of uneven terrain. The visual appeal of the lake and mountains can also be a great way to introduce children to the beauty of nature and encourage their curiosity about the environment.
📸 Content Creators & Photographers
Experiment with different times of day to capture the changing light. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for photography. While drone footage is common, always verify local regulations before flying. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment while you're creating your content.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Bring a book or a journal to make the most of your solitary visit. The gentle sounds of nature and the expansive scenery can be incredibly rejuvenating. While the lake is beautiful any time of day, the soft light during early mornings or late afternoons can enhance the peaceful ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Hirekolale Lake
While its beauty is undeniable, the experience at Hirekolale Lake can vary significantly depending on the day of your visit. Weekends often see a surge in visitors, with many using the scenic backdrop for creating social media content. This can sometimes detract from the peaceful atmosphere that many seek. Therefore, planning your visit during weekdays or early mornings is highly recommended to fully appreciate its serene and unadulterated charm.
Despite the potential for crowds, Hirekolale Lake remains a must-visit highlight for anyone exploring the Chikmagalur region. Its accessibility from Chikmagalur town makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. Remember to respect the natural environment and leave no trace behind, ensuring this beautiful spot remains pristine for future visitors.
Photography Tips for Hirekolale Lake
When composing your shots, experiment with different angles. Getting closer to the water's edge can offer unique perspectives and capture the textures of the surrounding flora. If you have a wide-angle lens, it's perfect for encompassing the vastness of the landscape. A polarizing filter can also be a valuable tool to enhance the colors of the sky and water, reducing glare and bringing out the vibrant greens of the hills.
While many visitors are seen creating reels and short videos, remember that the true essence of Hirekolale Lake lies in its tranquility. Capture the serene moments, the play of light and shadow, and the raw beauty of nature. If you plan to use a drone, be sure to check and comply with all local regulations regarding drone usage to ensure a smooth and legal photography experience.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit