Lakes in & Around
Ooty
Ooty Lake
Introduction
Ooty Lake is located in Ooty in
the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India. It
covers an area of 65 acres. The Boat house situated by the lake, which offers boating
facilities to tourists, is a major tourist attraction in Ooty.
The Ooty Lake is the pride of the Blue Hills. It is
Central and strategic attraction. Earlier the entire lake was used for fishing
as a major activity. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on behalf
of the Tourism Department took the possession of the lake for pleasure boating
facilities in the year 1973. Another added attraction of the Ooty Lake is the
Mini Train.
Ooty Lake is an artificial lake constructed
by John Sullivan, in 1824. The water flowing down mountain streams
in the Ooty valley was dammed to form the lake. The lake became empty on three
occasions when it breached its bund. The lake was originally intended to be
used for fishing with ferries being used to travel across the lake. It
gradually shrunk from its original size giving place to the current bus stand
race course, and the lake park. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
on behalf of the Tourism Department took the possession of the lake in 1973,
for providing boating facilities as a tourist attraction.
Features
The lake is surrounded by groves of Eucalyptus
trees with a railway line running along one shore. During the summer
season in May, boat races and boat pageantry are organised for two days.
Boat house
The boat house, which adjoins the lake, was opened
by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). Boating is the
prime attraction at the lake. The boat house offers boating facilities
with Paddle boats, Row boats, and Motor boats. It also features a garden a mini train
and an amusement park. The other notable features
include a canteen run by the TTDC and pony rides in front of the boat house.
Activities
In recent years the lake and the boat house have
become the hub of entertainment for the visitors. At the boat house end there
is children's park with a toy train. In the adjacent site there is a deer park.
A mini-garden is at the bus stand end and a well laid footpath circles the
entire lake. Just outside the Boat house local ponies are available for jolly
rides at a charge.
From just behind the Main Bus Stand (also near the
Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for
about two kilometers in length and varying distances in width. At the far end
is the Boat House where all kinds of boats are available for hire from eight in
the morning to six in the evening.
Setbacks
The lake has had continuous problems with rapidly proliferating
weeds (water hyacinth). The officials of the Public Works
Department (PWD)
have been continually working to clean the lake of the weeds. According
to a study conducted by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Ooty Lake is the
most polluted water body in the state and its water is not fit for potable
purposes.
Entry Charges:
Boat
House: (Prices are subject to changes)
Ø Entrance fee: Re.1.
Ø Parking Fee: Rs5 for bus, Rs 3
for Car and Rs. 2 for two wheeler.
Ø Camera Fee: Rs3.
Ø Video Camera: Rs10.
Ø Video Game: Rs 2 per Coin
Boating: (Prices
are subject to changes)
Boats
|
Duration
|
Season
|
2 Seat Pedal
|
30Mts
|
Rs30.00
|
4 Seat Pedal
|
30Mts
|
Rs40.00
|
2 Seater Row
|
30Mts
|
Rs30.00
|
4 Seater Row
|
30Mts
|
Rs30.00
|
6 Seater Row
|
30Mts
|
Rs40.00
|
8 Seater Motor
|
20Mts
|
Rs80.00
|
15 Seater Motor
|
20Mts
|
Rs115.00
|
Mini Train: (Prices
are subject to changes)
Ø Rs 3 for adult and Rs 2 for
Children Pony ride facilities are also available near boat house
Avalanche Lake, Ooty
Avalanche Lake (Avalanchi Lake) is
located 28 kilometers from Ooty in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu.
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The Avalanche valley is also famous for trout fishing. A nature lover's paradise, this trout fishing site also has arrangements for hiring fishing rods and other necessary equipments. While out in one of the most beautiful excursions from Ooty, you can opt to stay amidst this serene locale in the Destiny Farm stay.
Etymology
The lake derived the
name avalanche because of a huge land slide (avalanche) that occurred
in the region in the early 1800s.
Tourism
Avalanche Lake is an important tourism destination
in the Nilgiris district. The lake is
surrounded by a rolling landscape with blooming flowers like magnolias, orchids
and rhododendrons. Tourists can traverse beside the lake through winding paths
around the lake. Tourists visiting the lake can also engage themselves in
Trout fishing. A trout hatchery is established near the lake, from where visitors
can get fishing rods and other fishing accessories required for trout fishing. The lake is also used by
tourists as a camp site wherein they pitch tents near the lake. Other tourist
activities in the area include rafting across the lake and trekking the nearby
hilly regions like Upper Bhavani where there are thick forests and untouched
wild habitats.
Accommodation
Forest Department Guest House
There is only the Forest Department guest house at
Avalanche which you will need to book from the DFO office at Ooty. You will
also need permission to visit Avalanche; you can go up to the Forest check post
but not beyond without a permit.
Contact Details
Nilgiris Wildlife and Environment Association
C/o DFO (North)
Mount Stewart Hill,
Ootacamund, 643 001
Ph. (0423) 2447167
Wildlife Warden, Ooty:
Ph. (0423) 2444098
District Forest Officer (North): Ph. (0423)
2441950
District Forest Officer (South): Ph. (0423)
2444083
Destiny Farm Stay
Destiny Farm Stay is an eco resort next to Ooty
situated right beside the Avalanche Lake and is spread over almost an entire
hill. Those who are looking for environmentally friendly accommodation in Ooty,
this is the ultimate place to look for. The unique concept, the picturesque
landscape, the luxurious rooms, the great food and service makes Destiny an
ideal weekend getaway.
Connectivity to Destiny Farm Stay
From Ooty Bus stand, take the fern hill road. About
17km on this road, you will get emerald towm. From there, take the avalanche
road which is about 6 km. End of this road will take you to a rocky and mud
road and traveling about 300 meters, you will reach the parking lot of Destiny.
From here, the last lap of 2 km is a two wheel drive which is taken care by the
resort itself.
Address
Destiny Farmstay
Avalanche,
Nilgiris,
Tamilnadu.
India
Ooty,
Tamil Nadu
Contact Details
Nirvana
India Enterprise,
304, 3rd
Floor,
Kane
Plaza,
Mind
Space, Opp.
Magnus
Tower, Off New Link Road,
Malad
(W), Mumbai-400064, India,
Ph: 022 -
6516 5500 / 6517 6600 / 40048061
Ph: +91
8452040404
Emerald Lake, Ooty
Emerald Lake is located near Emerald village
in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. It is located in a region called the silent
valley, about 25 kilometers from the Ooty town.
Emerald lake is a wonderful lake in the upper
plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It is a part of the silent valley and is
beside the Red hill nature resort which is a best picnic place of the
region.
The site of the lake is wonderful and one would definitely love being at that place. One would hold one's breathe by looking at the wonderful sites of the nature and fun is to the fullest. The chirping birds and ducks and other swimming creatures add beauty to the place and the sun set and sun rise is also spectacular here. There is tea plantation in the suburbs and one can enjoy different flavors of tea, fresh and fine.
Nestled in the Nilgiris, Emerald Lake is
a sight to behold. Equally visited for the flora and fauna around it, Emerald
Lake is a favourite spot for picnics. Tourists from Ooty often throng
to the lake to soak in the natural beauty that's splattered all around. A
perfect place for the lovers of solitude, it's situated in a region that's
hailed as 'silent valley'. Surrounded by tea plantations and acres of Rolling
Meadows, Emerald Lake is a great place for the lovers of
photography.
You might also come across Ornithologists here, for the lake and the adjoining area teems with exotic species of birds. Needless to say, the lake also boasts of a humongous variety of fish. You can also go bird watching, trekking, biking or a simple stroll by the lake.
Emerald is a small village in Silent Valley of
Ooty, which is about 23 kms from Ooty on the way to Avalanche (another tourist
destination). It is a beautiful picnic spot one should never miss. Ooty itself
is a renowned hill station and is known as the Queen of Hill stations. Emerald
Lake does perfect justice to the repute of Ooty as the preferred hill station.
The area in and around Emerald Lake is lush green with a variety of flora and
fauna.
Tourism
The lake is an important tourist and picnic spot in
the region. The lake is famous for its different varieties of fishes in
the lake and birds in the locale. It is also notable for the scenic sun rise
and sun set views near the lake. The lake is surrounded by tea plantations
where visitors can buy tea products.
Ø Emerald Lake is rich in something
or the other to attract the tourists and nature lovers. The Lake is an
important picnic spot for the tourists. The lake is home to a variety of fishes
popping up in groups all over the lake. Tourists who like to feed the fishes
derive immense pleasure in seeing the fishing devouring their feeds. Children
will definitely enjoy watching the different kinds of fishes.
Ø Emerald Lake is also a haven for
a variety of birds. It is a mini paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists as
they get to see and study a number of native birds. It’s a delight to watch the
colorful birds flock around and giving you a mesmerizing feeling.
Ø Sun rise and sun set is an
important event that should never be missed. It is a pleasing experience to see
the Dawn and the Dusk of the day right in front of you at Emerald Lake.
Ø The Tea gardens is a great spot
to spend some time as it gives you an experience which you cannot experience in
a city life or in the plains. You can also buy Tea products right from the
factory or from a nearby outlet.
Ø Trekking is another activity you
can indulge in if you love adventure.
Ø Red Hill Nature Resort is another
destination where you can get a lot to experience like mountain biking, bird
watching, fishing and trekking.
Ø Emerald Lake also has a small dam
that caters to the area around Emerald Lake.
Climate
In the
summer from March to May the temperature will be between 25°C and 10°C and in
winter the temperature maintains between 21°C and 5°C. Rains hit the Ooty hills
between June and September. The best time to visit Emerald Lake is any time
during the year but ideally it is more fun during April to June and September
to November.
Accommodation
The Red Hill Nature Resort
The Red Hill Nature Resort is an accommodation
facility for visitors adjoining the lake. The facility is housed in a building
constructed in the late 1800s. The resort is surrounded by tea plantations. The
various facilities arranged by the resort for tourists include mountain biking,
bird watching, fishing and trekking in the regions surrounding the lake.
Contact Details:
Emerald, Nilgiris, Ooty,
Tamil Nadu 643209
Landline: +91 – 423 – 259 5753
Mobile: +91 – 94422 54755
Kamaraj Sagar Dam
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam (also known as
Sandynalla reservoir) is in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It
is located at a distance of 10 km from the Ooty bus stand. It is a picnic spot and a film shooting spot
on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs.
Kamaraj Sagar Lake is actually a dam which is located
in the outskirts of Ooty. The woods and the greenery in this place, makes it a
great picnic spot. The water is extremely cold and one can also have a good
fishing experience in the place as fishing industry has flourished quite a lot
in this region.
The Kamaraj Sagar dam is a good picnic spot and can be reached via Kandal
amidst every old trees and green shrubs of various terrains and through
Hindustan Photo films on the Gudalur road. It is a very good picnic spot on the
slopes of the Wenlock Downs. Apart from studying nature and the environment,
fishing provides excellent game in Kamaraj Sagar as well as in the Upper
Bhavani and in Avalanche, the waters of which are especially rich in trout.
The various tourist activities the dam include
fishing and studying nature and environment.
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam also spelled as
Kamaraj Sagar Dam, has definitely added to the list of major tourist
attractions in Ooty in the recent years. Also referred to as the Sandynalla
Reservoir, the Kamaraj Sagar Dam offers an excellent venue for locals to spend
picnic lunches with their kids thus transforming this Spot into one of the
favourite picnic spots amongst tourists with a majority of them visiting to
just enjoy the sights that this reservoir has to offer.
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam is situated near
the town of Ooty in a small place named Kandal that features ancient towering
trees thus offering a serene site for enjoying the nature or capturing those
extraordinary moments in your cameras.
Placed at a distance of only 10 kms from the main
Central Bus Stand of Ooty, the Kamaraj Sagar Dam is indeed a heavenly place
with a vast expanse of scenic panorama to offer to all visitors thus making
this not only a favourite picnic venue but apt for nature walks as well.
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam is situated a bit farther
from the main town of Kandal and lies between the greenery and the woods hence
making it apt for people to spend their weekends amidst a peaceful environment.
The Kamaraj Sagar Dam is surrounded with a wide
variety of herbal plants and shrubs scattered around the terrain and hence apt
for capturing the scenic beauty in movies that you may have noticed. Popular
Blockbusters have showcased parts of open roads of this area including the
slopes of the Wendlock Sagar or Kamaraj Sagar Dam in Ooty.
The water of the Kamaraj Sagar Dam or Wendlock
Sagar is somewhat cold, however, though it may not be a good idea to swim,
which is anyway prohibited, however, being a haven for angling and home to a
variety of aquatic life especially the trout fish, one can enjoy a great time
fishing at this Lake which is also one of the most flourishing businesses in
Ooty with Fishing Industries earning well as the primary food available in Ooty
is fish and rice therefore, you can enjoy a delectable meal of fried fish or
fish curry after you fish out your catch.
There has been several speculations made by the
Nilgiri Ecological and Animal Protection Samiti [NEAPS] members protesting
against the water pollution of the Kamaraj Sagar Dam and the famous Pykara Lake
as well due to chemical downpour from the nearby private companies operating in
this region, however, the Government still seems unperturbed by this fact and
the only hope is for the companies to realize the importance of maintaining the
bio-diversity of nature and find other legal methods of disposing their debris.
Porthimund Lake:
Porthimund Lake is 19 Kms away from Ooty & 5
Kms away from Porthimund Village. This is mostly in a reserved forest and is
largely off-limits to visitors. Shooting of the blockbuster Tamil
movie Roja was done here.
This is beyond Power House VI, reached by the road
from Emerald to Red Hills Hotel. The lake has very low water at present due to
a failed monsoon, but there are great views of the Nilgiri Peak. Water
from Porthimund flows through a tunnel in the mountain, into the penstock of
Power House VI emptying into Emerald Lake
Pykara Lake
Introduction
Located amid sylvan surroundings about 22 km from
here, Pykara Lake has over the years become very popular among tourists. The
water spread extending over several kilometres had been converted into a
boating facility about 13 years ago to relieve congestion at Ooty Lake.
Pykara Lake, a popular getaway from Ooty, is a
placid lake located between the lush green valleys of Ooty. Surrounded by dense
forests, there is a forest rest house in the area. Additionally, Pykara is
known for its boat house, which is near the Pykara falls and Dam. The boat
house also includes a restaurant and a rest house, where tourists can relax.
Tourists can visit the clean and beautiful Pykara
Lake, which is free from pollution and is not very crowded. Boating is a key
attraction of this lake and tourists can enjoy it at a reasonable price.
Pykara Lake is just 22 km from Ooty on the
Ooty-Mysore road and can be reached by different transportation modes, such as
cars, taxis and buses.
The placid lake of Pykara, amid the lush green
valleys is a lovely getaway from Ooty. Here, a calm lake is surrounded by
forests. It is a clean and scenic lake in between the hills. It is an isolated
lake free from pollution and maddening crowed.
Pykara Lake is located at a few kilometers away
from city limits. The reservoir has a boat house operated by the
Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation operates speed boats as
well. Though not well known till few years back, the place is much crowded
nowadays. Pykara has a power station declared as a heritage power
plant and is a great example of engineering achievements in Tamilnadu.
The lake is best enjoyed during the months of
summer and autumn. The other nearby places that one can visit are Wenlock
Downs (9th mile and 5th mile), Mukurthi peak, Lamb’s Rock.
The Pykara river flow to run downward throughout the
hills; The river tumbles down the hills and creates two
waterfalls of 55 meters and 61 meters known as Pykara falls. When it reaches
the plateau, it spreads to an expanse. As this river is the only source of
water to the district a dam is built across it and a hydro electric plant has
been installed there. The backwaters of the dam in the valley form a beautiful
lake. Pykara lake and waterfalls are situated 20 Km from Ooty on the
Ooty-Mysore road. The lake depth is 170 feet at its deepest point. The Mukurthi
peak can be seen from the lake looking proudly at her child’s beauty.
Activities
The
waterfalls are around 6 km from the bridge on the highway. A boat house by the
Pykara falls and Dam is added to the attractiveness to the tourists. The Pykara
Lake and Pykara falls are catch the attention of many
tourists. The Pykara dam is placed near to the falls and includes
the Pykara power station. One of the oldest plants in
Tamilnadu, the Pykara power plant still working and producing
about 60 megawatts.
There is a boathouse where different types of boats
can be hired to explore the lake. The expanse of the lake is overwhelming and
the boat ride is very pleasant with protected shola forest, red hilly mud
banks, grassy meadows and small coves formed by the twisting of the water flow,
which complements the sparkling lake. The fact that many wild animals come to
the lake to quench their thirst is enough to keep you alert to be the first to
spot an animal.
The Pykara Lake is most excellent visiting place in
during the months of April, May and in December. It is one of the best tourism places
in your summer holidays.
With the number of
visitors steadily increasing, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
(TTDC), which runs a boat house at Pykara, has drawn up a plan to improve the
facilities there. It has introduced two car boats recently.
Pointing out that
these boats have become a major hit among the visitors, it could accommodate 10
persons each. Since they were all-weather boats a sum of Rs. 500 was being
collected for a 20-minute ride. On an average about 2,000 tourists are visiting
Pykara Lake every day.
Pykara Dam
The dam is situated close to the main Ooty-Gudalur
road and includes a power station. One of the oldest power plants in south
India, the Pykara station still functions, generating about 60 megawatts. The
first unit of 6.65 MW was commissioned in October 1932. Sir C.P.
Ramaswamy Aiyar, Diwan of Travancore, worked with the British regime in 1920s
and 1930s in the setting up of the Pykara project. A team of engineers led by
H.G.Howard, a chief engineer in the then Electricity department, was responsible
for carrying out the project.
The Pykara Station, declared as a heritage plant in
September 1997, triggered the establishment of more hydro-electric power
stations in the state. Today, the Nilgiris district alone boasts hydro-electric
stations with an aggregate installed capacity of 837 MW. Five decades after
establishment of the old plant, the EB authorities came up with a plan for the
PUSHEP, containing three units of 50 MW each. The construction of an
underground powerhouse, 17 tunnels and the hydraulic head of 1039 metres are
the special features of the new plant. According to the EB, the hydraulic head
is the highest in Asia. The access point to the powerhouse is a 1.5-km-long
tunnel.
Pykara Boathouse
A boat house on the Pykara Reservoir is an added
attraction for tourists. The boat house with restaurant is maintained by Tamil
Nadu Tourism & Development Corporation. It consists of several boats and
has motor boats which are allowed for 20 min. and speed boats which are allowed
for 10 min.
To the north of Ooty, on the way to Mudumalai, lies
Pykara. Leaving Ooty, the road goes through a beautifully forested stretch to
reach here. Pykara Lake is located prettily amidst a shola forest and there is
a snack bar run by Tamil Nadu Tourism. People come here and go boating in the
large motorboats.
The Pykara Lake is about 21 kms from Ooty on the
Ooty-Mysore road. Boating on the Pykara Lake is enjoyable. A
restaurant is also available. Wenlock Downs, a vast Expanse of grassy
meadow on way to Pykara, is a favorite picnic location and is very popular with
the movie makers of this country.
Pykara water falls in between Mysore
and Ooty highway, Need to walk a bit to see the water falls from
the Pykara bus station. Around 1 km near Pykara boat house, not so
frequent bus facility available, good if you have hired a cab or taxi.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
daily
Restaurant: Available
Ticket Price for Boating:
Ø
6 Seaters Motor Boat: Rs 400(Time – 20 min)
Ø
8 Seater Motor Boat: Rs 500 (Time– 20min)
Ø
10 Seater Motor Boat: 600 (Time – 20 min)
Ø
3 Seaters Motor Boat: 550 (Time –10 min)
Ticket
Price for Pykara Lake: Rs 5 for Entrance
Bellikkal Lake
Bellikkal Lake is a wonderful destination located
16 Kms away from Ooty. It’s the best place to spend some relaxing time with
family. Located near Ooty, this is a must see destination for tourists,
wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and honeymooners alike.
Bellikkal Lake has some magnificent views to offer
to the visitors. Bellikkal Lake is a preferred watering hole for a large
variety of wild animals. As such, one can spot wild animals like elephants,
tigers, bear, bison and deer here.
Bellikkal Lake is a birdwatchers paradise. A wide
variety of birds like bulbuls, shrikes, doves, crow pheasants, drongos, and
woodpeckers can be spotted here.
Honeymooners find the solitude offered by the Lake
and its surrounding appealing. Apart from that, the adventure seekers can go on
Mountain biking and trekking while on a visit here.
Ayurvedic massage at the end of the day is a
wonderful way to wind up the activities of the day.
The other attractions located close by are Upper
Bhavani Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Lake, Sanctuary Avalanche,
Shooting Point, Lady Canning's Seat, Arranmore Palace, Western Catchment,
Needle Rock View Point and the Second World War Memorial Pillar.
Bellikkal Lake can be easily accessed from Ooty. It
is preferable to visit the place during summers.
Bellikkal Lake is a beautiful water feature that has
some great views to offer. Fishing here may not be a good idea since this lake
is a popular watering hole for a variety of wild animals. Elephants can be
frequently seen getting a drink early in the morning or right at dusk here.
Tigers, bear, bison, and deer are all possible animals that could be sighted as
well. A wide variety of birds also like to frequent this lake. It is not
uncommon to see such birds as bulbuls, shrikes, morning doves, crow pheasants,
drongos, and wood peckers.
Marlimun Lake
With crystal clear waters and the backdrop of the
pristine Nilgiri Hills, Marlimun Lake is a panoramic spot in Ooty.
With a variety of different boats to enjoy a boat ride, you can choose from an
open shikara type to a paddle boat. It is surrounded amidst virgin forest
reserves so the only sounds that are heard are bird calls and the silence of
the valley.
Marlimun Lake is located in Ooty and is a wonderful lake of the region. It has all the
things which come in one’s mind when one thinks of lake. It is clean and neat
and is a best place one would love to go for. Several different kinds of boats
are made available in this region and one can go boating with the family. Boats
are generally in the form of house boats or shikaras and even open boats are
available to choose from. The lake is not much deep but it is sufficiently wide
enough to have the fountains and water fall in the place which does increase
the scenic beauty of the place.
This lake is in the Mukurthi National Park and
largely off-limits to visitors. Upper Bhavani Lake is situated at a distance of
10 km from Korakundah and over 20 km from Avalanche. The route to Upper Bhavani
is replete with sholas trees and the entire area is a wildlife habitat.
Tourists can go for trekking from Bangithapal through Sispara to the Silent
Valley. For trekking in this region, it is necessary to get permission from the
forest department.
Upper Bhavani Lake is a very wonderful lake and has
lots of water in it all year through. The lake is wonderful and has great
natural beauty.
There is a huge dam on this lake, which is the
major source of water for the nearby regions. This Upper Bhavani Dam is just 60
km from Ooty and is the ideal way to reach the Mukurthi National Park. There is
a wildlife sanctuary at this place, which covers an area of 70 sq. km and is
home to Nilgiri Tahr. This sanctuary also features sambhar, giant squirrels,
leopards, tigers, jungle cats, wild dogs and jackals, among others.
The entire region of Upper Bhavani, which gets over
5000 mm of annual rainfall, is dominated by the sholas and wattle plantations.
This place is the perfect location for hiking, trekking and walking holidays.
With the reservoir in the backdrop, there are few guest houses in Upper Bhavani
for overnight stays.
The lake is surrounded by lush green forests which
are called as Upper Bhavani Sanctuary. The Upper Bhavani sanctuary is spread
over an area of 70 square kilometers and is a safe haven to the few remaining
Nilgiri Tahr. The resident wildlife of the Upper Bhavani sanctuary
includes tigers, jackals, jungle cats, wild dogs, sambhar, giant squirrels,
Nilgiri langurs, and leopards.
The northern and southern half of the Upper Bhavani
sanctuary is joined by a strip of earth where the Upper Bhavani dams of the
western catchment area lies. The sholas and wattle plantations dominate
the region that gets around 5000 mm of rainfall annually.
The Thai Shola is the largest shola in the Nilgiri
range and is just a few kilometers from Upper Bhavani. The landscapes, a part
of the Western Ghat montane ecosystem, have an abundance of perennial streams
and small reservoirs.
The region is easily accessible as one of the
excursions from Ooty. Cocooned amidst greenery, it is perfect for hiking,
trekking, walking holidays or for simple unwinding in the lap of nature. One
can trek from Bangithapal to the silent valley through Sispara.
For overnight stays, there is a guest house in
Upper Bhavani with the serene reservoir in the backdrop. An excellent picnic
ground one can also try wildlife spotting. Upper Bhavani looks best when the
reservoir is veiled by the early morning mists. The guest house is set amidst a
mushy forest land and is perfect for the trippers from Ooty to Upper
Bhavani.
The place is popular for its beautiful, hills,
valleys, gardens and lakes. Out of the lakes, the Upper Bhavani Lake and the
sanctuary are extremely popular. It has a mesmerizing effect on the tourists
who visit it.
The Upper Bhavani Lake is characterized by water
throughout the year. There has been a dam constructed here named the Upper
Bhavani Dam which provides water for irrigation and to nearby settlements. This
dam has been responsible for most of the successful agricultural activities
around the place. The Upper Bhavani sanctuary is spread over 70 sq km of land.
The Nilgiri Tahr can be found here. The sanctuary also is home to such animals
like includes tigers, jackals, jungle cats, wild dogs, Sambhar, giant
squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, and leopards.
The Upper Bhavani is ideal for trekking, hiking and for walks. There is a guest
house here, for those who wish to spend the night here. The upper Bhavani
reservoir remains as the beautiful backdrop for this. The rest house lies
amidst a mushy forest land. This place is an amazing treat to tourists and
nature re lovers. It’s a must see place on a visit to Ooty and is an
unforgettable travel experience.
Mukurthi Lake
Mukurthi
Lake, this panoramic Lake located within the Mukurthi National park, which is
home to innumerable birds, butterflies and marine life. Other activities such
as boating and swimming can be enjoyed in the lake.
Mukurthi Lake is a paradise for ducks and birds in
the park.