Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake, also known as Ootacamund Lake, is a man-made lake located in the beautiful hill station of Ooty in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The lake is spread over an area of 65 acres and is a popular destination for tourists who visit Ooty.
The Ooty Lake was built in 1824 by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, as a source of water for the town and its surrounding areas. The lake is situated in the heart of Ooty and is surrounded by beautiful green hills and tall trees.
The lake is a popular destination for boating, with several boats available for rent. Visitors can choose from a variety of boats, including pedal boats, row boats, and motor boats. The boating experience is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
The lake is also home to a variety of fish, which makes it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is home to several species of fish, including carp, trout, and catfish. Fishing is allowed at the lake, but visitors need to obtain a permit from the local authorities.
The Ooty Lake is also a popular picnic spot, with several areas around the lake providing the perfect setting for a picnic. There are several benches and picnic tables located around the lake, and visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The lake is surrounded by several popular tourist attractions, including the Botanical Garden, which is located just a short distance away. The Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Another popular attraction near the Ooty Lake is the Doddabetta Peak, which is the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. Visitors can take a trek to the top of the peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Ooty Lake is also surrounded by several shops and food stalls, selling a variety of local delicacies and souvenirs. Visitors can indulge in some shopping and try some of the local snacks and food items.
Ooty Lake Enter Fee
Indians are charged 13 rupees per person while foreigners are charged 560 rupees per person for entry to the Ooty Lake. If you are planning to capture some memories with a still camera, it will cost you 30 rupees. For video cameras, the charges are slightly higher at 150 rupees.
The lake offers a variety of boating options, including 2-seater and 4-seater pedal boats, 4-seater and 6-seater row boats, and 8-seater, 10-seater, and 15-seater motor boats. For a 30-minute ride on a 2-seater pedal boat, you’ll have to pay 240 rupees, while a 4-seater pedal boat costs 260 rupees for the same duration. A 4-seater row boat can be rented for 30 minutes at a cost of 250 rupees, while a 6-seater row boat costs 290 rupees.
For those who want a bit of adventure, motor boats are also available. An 8-seater motor boat can be rented for 20 minutes for 560 rupees, while a 10-seater motor boat costs 680 rupees for the same duration. The largest motor boat, a 15-seater, can be rented for 20 minutes at a cost of 990 rupees.
It’s worth noting that the rates for boating are subject to change, so it’s best to check the current rates before planning your visit to the Ooty Lake. Additionally, the boating timings may vary according to the season and weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit Ooty Lake
The best part about Ooty is that it has a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a great vacation spot whenever you plan to visit. However, the ideal time to visit is between the months of October and May. During these months, the skies remain clear, and the weather is cool and comfortable. Although occasional rain showers may occur, they don’t pose any problems to the visitors.
If you plan a trip to Ooty Lake, make sure to visit in May. May is the perfect month to visit Ooty as it is the time when the colourful boat race event takes place at Ooty Lake. As a part of the Summer Festival, Ooty Lake serves as the venue for the boat race. So, if you plan your trip in May, you can not only escape the summer heat for a few days but also get to witness this spectacular event.
Plan your trip to Ooty Lake during the months of October and May, and if possible, in May, to witness the beautiful boat race event.
How to reach Ooty Lake
The Ooty Lake and Boat House are located at a prime spot, in close proximity to the city centre. It’s conveniently accessible from the bus stop and railway station, which are just 2 km away. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available to take you to the lake.
Alternatively, you can drive your car or hire a private cab from top car rental companies in Ooty to explore all the tourist spots, including the Ooty Lake. There are also other ways to reach Ooty.
By Road – NH67 provides easy road access to Ooty from nearby towns and cities. Regular buses and taxis from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore and other places are available at reasonable prices.
By Train – Major cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore have daily trains to Mettupalayam railway station, which is about 40 km away. From there, the heritage toy train connects Mettupalayam to Ooty, offering a scenic journey through the Nilgiris and a delightful experience.
By Air – The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, about 90 km away. Daily flights from Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities (including Bangalore) fly tourists to Coimbatore. International tourists can find it convenient to book tickets to Bangalore, which is 300 km away from Ooty and has plenty of flight connections to other countries.
Places to visit in Ooty
Overall, the Ooty Lake is a must-visit destination for tourists who visit Ooty. Its natural beauty, serene surroundings, and various recreational activities make it a great place to unwind and relax. The lake is open to visitors throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
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