Ooty Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty, the charming hill station in Tamil Nadu. But did you know that Ooty Lake is not a natural lake, but an artificial one created by a British engineer in the 19th century?
In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Ooty Lake, including its history, location, entry fee, timings, activities, attractions, and other things to do nearby. We will also share some tips and suggestions for making the most of your visit to Ooty Lake.
The History of Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake was constructed by John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty, in 1824 by damming the mountain streams flowing down the Ooty valley. He wanted to create a fishing lake for himself and his friends. He also built a boat house near the lake, where he stored his boats and fishing equipment.
The lake was originally much larger than it is today, covering an area of about 200 acres. However, over the years, the lake shrunk due to various reasons, such as encroachment, sedimentation, and pollution. Today, the lake covers an area of about 65 acres and has an irregular L-shape.
The Location of Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is situated in the heart of Ooty, the capital of the Nilgiris district. It is about 2 km from the Ooty bus stand and railway station, and about 90 km from Coimbatore airport. You can easily reach Ooty Lake by road, rail, or air from various cities in India. You can also hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw from Ooty town to reach the lake. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and eucalyptus trees, creating a picturesque scenery. The lake also has a railway line running along one bank, which is part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Entry Fee and Timings of Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is open to visitors throughout the year, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the best time to visit Ooty Lake is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. The entry fee for Ooty Lake is Rs. 10 per person.
You also have to pay extra charges for camera and boating. The camera fee is Rs. 30 per camera. The boating fee ranges from Rs. 180 to Rs. 450 per boat depending on the type and duration of the ride. You can choose from different types of boats, such as pedal boats, row boats, motor boats, etc. The boat house near the lake also offers other facilities such as locker room, toilets, restaurant, etc.
The Activities and Attractions at Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and its surroundings while boating or cycling along the lake side. You can also have some fun and adventure at the amusement park near the lake, which has various rides and games for children and adults alike.
You can also shop for some souvenirs, handicrafts, chocolates, etc. from the shops near the boat house and the amusement park. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at Ooty Lake:
Boating
Boating is one of the most popular activities at Ooty Lake. You can choose from different types of boats, such as pedal boats, row boats, motor boats, etc. The boating fee ranges from Rs. 180 to Rs. 450 per boat depending on the type and duration of the ride. You can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and its surroundings while boating. You can also spot some birds and fish in the water.
Cycling
Cycling is another fun activity at Ooty Lake. You can rent a cycle from the cycle stand near the boat house and explore the lake side on two wheels. The cycling fee is Rs. 10 per cycle for half an hour. You can also take a cycle ride around the lake on a dedicated track that is about 2 km long. You can enjoy the fresh air and the greenery while cycling.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is another exciting activity at Ooty Lake. You can hire a horse from the horse stand near the boat house and ride along the lake side on a horseback. The horse riding fee is Rs. 50 per horse for one round. You can also take a horse ride around the lake on a separate track that is about 2 km long. You can experience the thrill and joy of riding a horse while admiring the beauty of the lake.
Mini Train Ride
Mini train ride is another enjoyable activity at Ooty Lake. You can board a mini train from the mini railway station near the boat house and take a ride around the lake on a toy train. The mini train ride fee is Rs. 25 per person for one round. You can also see some models of animals and birds along the train track. You can have some fun and nostalgia while riding the mini train.
Shopping
Shopping is another interesting activity at Ooty Lake. You can buy some souvenirs, handicrafts, chocolates, etc. from the shops near the boat house and the amusement park. You can also find some vendors selling snacks, drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, etc. near the lake side. You can shop for some local products and delicacies while visiting Ooty Lake.
You may also like to check out: 10 Things to do in Ooty - The Only Ooty Travel Guide You Need!
Other Things to Do Near Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to some other amazing places that showcase the beauty and diversity of Ooty. You can visit some of these places near Ooty Lake that are worth exploring, such as Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Rose Garden, and Museum, etc.
Here are some of the places that you can visit near Ooty Lake:
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty. It is one of the oldest and most scenic mountain railways in India. It passes through many tunnels, bridges, curves, and valleys, offering spectacular views of the Nilgiri hills. You can board the train from the Ooty railway station, which is about 2 km from Ooty Lake. The train runs twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The ticket price is Rs. 250 for first class and Rs. 30 for second class.
Rose Garden
Rose Garden is a beautiful garden that showcases a variety of roses from different parts of the world. It is one of the largest rose gardens in India, spread over an area of 10 acres. It has more than 20,000 rose plants of about 2,000 varieties, arranged in different shapes and patterns. You can visit the garden from the main road, which is about 3 km from Ooty Lake. The garden is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden is a magnificent garden that displays a collection of plants from different regions and climates. It is one of the oldest and most famous botanical gardens in India, established in 1848 by William Graham McIvor. It covers an area of 22 hectares and has more than 1,000 species of plants, including ferns, orchids, cacti, bonsai, etc. You can visit the garden from the main road, which is about 4 km from Ooty Lake. The garden is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person.
Doddabetta Peak
Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiris district and the fourth highest peak in South India. It stands at an altitude of 2,637 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of Ooty and its surroundings. You can reach the peak by road or by trekking from Ooty town, which is about 10 km from Ooty Lake. The peak has a telescope house that allows visitors to see distant places clearly. The peak is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Tea Factory and Museum
Tea Factory and Museum is a place where you can learn about the history and process of tea production in Ooty. It is located on the way to Doddabetta Peak, which is about 8 km from Ooty Lake. It has a tea factory that demonstrates how tea leaves are plucked, dried, crushed, fermented, and packed. It also has a tea museum that displays various artifacts and information related to tea culture and history. You can also taste and buy some tea products from the tea shop. The tea factory and museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Also read: This is how boating at the Ooty Lake on a winter sunset feels like, during the golden hour!
Ooty Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It offers a range of activities and attractions that suit different tastes and preferences. It is also surrounded by some other amazing places that showcase the beauty and diversity of Ooty. You can spend a whole day or more at Ooty Lake and its nearby places and have a memorable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now and experience the charm and thrill of Ooty Lake and its nearby places. You will surely fall in love with Ooty and its lake.
