Upper Bhavani Lake, Ooty, Nilgiris
Upper Bhavani Lake is situated near Ooty Hill Station in
Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. This is a beautiful blue-green lake
perched inside the deep forest of Nilgiri. This is one of the last few places
in country, still protected well from the insensible common tourist and is a
must visit for anyone who admires nature in its raw beauty. It is actually
the backwater of Upper Bhavani Dam. The route 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. There is a huge dam on this lake,
which is the major source of water for the nearby regions. 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, and
trekking.
With the reservoir in the backdrop, there is TNEB guest
house in Upper Bhavani for overnight stays. Tourists should get TNEB permission
for staying in their guest house. There are 2 suites, charge is 500 rupees per
room. a Cook is available for cooking with the available rations. Foods will be
provided at extra cost. Visitors should note that as the lake is situated in
the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, prior permission is needed from the forest
office in Ooty.
Private vehicles are not allowed into the Sanctuary and
visitors have to take Forest Department mini bus for a 2 hours ride into the
Sanctuary, covering Lake, Bhavani Temple and Hydro power plant. The bus starts
from Forest Department Check Post 3 Kms before the Avalanche Lake. The buses
are run between 9 AM to 3 PM (2 hours ride) at specific intervals. It is
advised to take the 9 AM bus to have better chances of wildlife sighting. Jeeps
are also available for a group of 8 people.
Upper Bhavani Lake is located at about 24 Kms from Avalanche
Lake, 30 Kms from Emerald Lake, 54 Kms from Ooty, 55 Kms from Ooty Bus Stand,
56 Kms from Ooty Railway Station, 62 Kms from Coonoor, 79 Kms from Kotagiri, 87
Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station, 114 Kms from Coimbatore and 125 Kms from
Coimbatore Airport.
Location