7 Soothing Lakes in Ooty

A man made wonder, which dates back to the year 1823, measuring an area of 65 acres, sprawls in tranquillity of Eucalyptus trees. The calm waters of this place mirror the surrounding nature, resulting in a very tasteful scene for tourists. The legendary Nilgiri mountain railway, winding its way along the lake shore on one edge, gives the lake added grace. Visitors can have a good time choosing from the recreational activities available at the TTDC’s boat house that include motorboats, rowboats and pedal boats among others that allow them to enjoy the entire lake. Moreover, the fascinating boat parade performances will also be enjoyed by the tourists, thus adding to the cultural aspect of the experience. The lake area is an amusement park for the whole family. There is a mini train, an amusement park and a canteen where the best snacks are served. A child can enjoy pony rides. The Ooty Lake holds the place as a timeless spot of recreation and delight, which calls the travellers to indulge themselves in its calm environment.

Emerald Village, lying on the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and 20 km away from Ooty is the home of the Emerald Lake within the Silent Valley National Park. Famous for its captivating sunrise and sunset vistas, the lake got its name from the emerald colour of its waters. Enveloped by the pristine beauty of the Nilgiri slopes, lush meadows, and dense forests, the lake is a haven of tranquillity for those seeking peace in the embrace of nature.

Bird watchers and nature lovers will be amazed by the variety of water and air birds that make this sanctuary their home. The ornithologists will surely enjoy studying these feathered creatures in their natural environment.

Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy a wide range of activities at Emerald Lake, such as hiking and mountain biking, which provide adventurous experiences in the beautiful setting. You can go fishing in the peaceful waters of the lake.

People looking for relaxation can just sit by the lakeside and meditate. Whether you are reading a book in peaceful solitude or taking in picturesque views, Emerald Lake provides a refreshing break from the noise of the city.

The Lake Avalanche is situated in Ooty in the captivating Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and is a popular natural landmark. However, the name of the lake doesn’t reflect reality as it was not a result of an avalanche but a huge landslide that took place in 1823. The setting, full of hills covered with flowers of different colours, including magnolias, orchids, and rhododendrons, is as if it outshines any human art.

For nature lovers who wish to have an involving experience, staying the night outdoors next to the lake becomes unavoidable. To put up tents by the lakeshore after packing camping gear one can have a magical night amidst the pristine air and stars. Avalanche Lake seduces adventure seekers as well, with an assortment of activities to enjoy. Whether be it thrilling rafting expeditions across the serene waters or trekking surrounded by the nearby rocks, there is never a dearth of adventure. 

Avalanche Lake is best visited after the monsoon season, when the local flora blossoms and paints the landscape in a spectrum of colours and fragrances. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or just looking for a serene getaway in the midst of natural beauty, Avalanche Lake guarantees an everlasting memory for all visitors.

Lying in Pykara Village, this place is nestled at 19 km from Ooty. It is on the scenic Ooty-Mysore road.

Pykara Lake presents an ideal place for a refreshing nature retreat. Making its route from the majestic Mukurthi Peak, the lake passes through the mountain's arcs and slopes, creating awe-inspiring scenes and marvellous waterfalls. The presence of two prominent waterfalls, one rising from the surrounding greenery 180 ft. and the other from the same backdrop at 200 ft., produces a landscaping beauty that captivates any visitor.

Though Pykara Lake finds prominence in being a part of a hydroelectric power project, it also is an ideal hideout for nature enthusiasts, lovers, honeymooners, as well as weekend vacationers. The serene atmosphere and captivating scenery are the very characteristics that make it a perfect getaway for those who find peace on the lap of Mother Nature.

The boathouse and restaurant run by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development with close proximity to Pykara Falls are some of the attractions that work to ensure a great visitor experience. There, one is able to unwind, to enjoy the pure air, enjoying the beautiful vista of the hilly environment. The Pykara Lake is a manifestation of the scenic beauty of nature which urges visitors on a voyage that is serene and breathtaking.

A famous lake in the Ooty region located on the Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Highway, the Kamaraj Sagar is one of the most loved lakes situated in Sholur, Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Only 10 km from Ooty, it clusters on the gentle slopes of the lovely Wenlock Downs. The peaceful amalgamation of the soft green slopes, the tranquil blue waters and a magnificent dam backed by a continuous stretch of pine forests has made it the preferred location for many Bollywood songs.

The natural beauty of Kamaraj Sagar and its calm ambiance have been attracting newly married couples, nature lovers, and photographers alike. The 6 km-long dam covering 400 acres is mostly watered by rainfall, making it even more enchanting.

A birdwatchers' haven, Kamaraj Sagar hosts a variety of avian species like peacocks, storks, kingfishers, cranes, herons, and sunbirds, who keep the place lit up with their charming presence. In addition to the local wild animals which include wild boars, the Indian bison, the barring deer, and the leopards as well, this area has ecological diversity. 

Tucked between the mountain lines of the Nilgiri district, above the Avalanche region of Ooty, there is a magical Upper Bhavani Lake. Despite the fact that it doesn’t have the fame that Ooty has in the outside world, it is an interesting and must-see tourist destination in Ooty. Restricted only to private transport and providing prior permission from Forest Department, this secluded is located about 50 km away from Ooty

To get further to Upper Bhavani Lake, the tourists have to go to the Avalanche Forest checkpoint, where eco-tour vehicles with trained guides are available to take them to their destination. Since this is a major highway, travellers can experience an array of natural wonders along the way, such as the Cauliflower Sholas, Bhavani Amman Temple at Thalai Bhavani, and the peaceful backwaters of the Upper Bhavani Reservoir.

From the tea mountains to the Sholas, a combination of tea terraces, brightly coloured flowers and shady forests of shade trees, to open grasslands. Amidst the mists and fog enveloping the lush mountains and the still blue waters of Upper Bhavani Lake, the atmosphere lends an indelible romantic ambiance that leaves the place magically spellbound by its ethereal splendour.

Bellikkal Lake hidden in the tranquil setting of Bellikkal Village, Nilgiris District, Ooty, India, is a charming attraction. Famous is one of the Ooty lakes that caters to sundry visitors such as adventure seekers, wildlife fans, nature lovers, bird watchers, and couples who are on a honeymoon. The lake offers an abode of natural beauty and peace.

A picturesque lagoon set against the background of a dense forest and luxuriant cardamom plantations, Bellikkal Lake is a scenic view of nature’s tranquillity undisturbed. The lake acts as a home for a great diversity of wildlife, among which are elephants, tigers, bears, bison, and deer. Thus, wildlife lovers have the chance to admire the beauty and wonder of nature.

Bird lovers are sometimes rewarded with the sight of a variety of avian species, for example, shrikes, bulbuls, mourning doves, crow pheasants, and woodpeckers, which in turn adds to the beauty of the place. Adrenaline junkies who enjoy outdoor sports find Bellikkal Lake rewarding with thrilling experiences such as mountain biking and trekking. This allows them to take on the wild and beautiful landscapes.

Furthermore, the Ayurvedic massage therapies which are aimed at bringing the body and the soul at peace are available for tourists to revel in. The Bellikkal Lake represents the Ooty's landscapes that do not wither with time, which calls the tourists to bask in its virgin beauty and relax in its mystifying ambience.