Avalanche Lake in Ooty, a picture-perfect location, is nestled between the green slopes of the Nilgiris. Situated 20 km away from Ooty, this place is a favourite tourist spot in Ooty among nature lovers and photographers. Apart from sightseeing, there is much to do around this lake, such as enjoying numerous thrilling and adventurous activities such as rafting, mountain trekking, horse riding, rappelling, trout fishing, and open jeep driving. The majestic beauty of Avalanche Lake, coupled with the fun-filled activities available here, attracts tourists worldwide to visit this spectacular tourist spot in Ooty.
Avalanche Lake In Ooty: Overview
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Avalanche Lake is located 26 kilometres from Ooty in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, away from the chaos of the city. Nestled amidst lush green valleys, this famous tourist spot is popular among nature lovers and photographers. Holding a curious name, this lake was formed from a vast landslide instead of an avalanche.
A landslide formed this lake in 1823. The lake is surrounded by a captivating landscape filled with flowers in varied colours, making it a star tourist attraction in Ooty. A nearby waterfall cascading down from the mountain adds to the lake’s charm and overall beauty.
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Things To Do At Avalanche Lake In Ooty
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1. Trout Fishing: Avalanche Lake is an ideal spot in Ooty for fishing enthusiasts. If you visit this place post-monsoon, you can fish in this lake. There is also a trout hatchery near the lake itself, from where you can purchase fishing rods and other essentials.
2. Trekking: Avalanche Lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, the best trekking spots in Ooty. Trekking to Upper Bhavani Lake, a prominent tourist attraction spot in Ooty, is the most preferred trekking trail for people. If you want to explore independently, you can also trek up the adjacent hills to get a breathtaking panoramic view of Ooty. If you are interested in star gazing in Ooty, you can spend the night at Avalanche Lake and pitch your tent on the shores of the lake. But remember to take all the necessary precautions before venturing into deep forests.
3. Forest Safari: If you do not want to trek to explore Avalanche Lake and the nearby forests, you can go on a forest safari at Avalanche Lake anytime. The forest department organizes a 2-hour Avalanche Lake Ooty safari that includes three designated viewpoints, the last of which is Avalanche Lake. During this safari, you can visit the Bhavani Amman temple and view the green cauliflower shola forest cover.
Wildlife At Avalanche Lake In Ooty
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Avalanche Lake is not just a tourist spot for nature lovers and adventure freaks. It is also a pretty popular place for wildlife enthusiasts, as the surroundings are home to diverse wildlife.
Along with finding peace and solace at the lake, you can also rejuvenate yourself deep in the forest, witnessing the animals in their natural habitat. Some popular animals you can spot near Avalanche Lake are leopards, Gaur, tigers, Nilgiri, Sambar Deer, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer and Nilgiri Langur.
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Places To Visit Near Avalanche Lake In Ooty
Some of the most popular places to visit near Avalanche Lake in Ooty are mentioned below:
1. Emerald Lake
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Want an escape from the chaotic life of the city? If yes, then Emerald Lake is the best spot near Ooty to spend an extended weekend in the lap of nature amidst the Nilgiri Hills. It is one of the most beautiful lakes near Avalanche Lake, and you can visit it to see different species of birds. I would love this place as many migratory birds flock around the lake yearly. This lake is also one of the best picnic spots in Ooty, where people of all ages can enjoy.
Location: 5.4 km away from Avalanche Lake
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Rose Garden
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Undoubtedly, Rose Garden in Ooty is one of the must-visit places near Avalanche Lake. Situated at the foothills of Doddabetta Peak, it is amongst the best 35 rose gardens worldwide, containing over twenty thousand roses varieties. If you want to witness thousands of roses in full bloom, the best time to visit the Rose Garden is between March and June. Apart from this, you can also participate in the Flower Show that is held in May. Blooming roses in the garden make a perfect setting for a romantic evening with your beloved.
Location: 24 km away from Avalanche Lake
Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
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3. Ketti Valley
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Visiting Ketti Valley is a wholesome experience, as there are some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails for adventure freaks. You can also witness beautiful cascading waterfalls around the place. Ketti Valley, the second-largest valley in the world, is a hidden gem on Ooty-Coonoor Road. From the valley’s top, you can enjoy the majestic view of the Nilgiris mountain hills and the surrounding regions. The valley is also known as the Switzerland of South India, nestled amidst breathtaking waterfalls, cliffs, and green landscapes.
Location: 24.6 km away from Avalanche Lake
Timings: Open for visitors throughout the day
Information About Avalanche Lake In Ooty: Timings and Entry Fees
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Entry to Avalanche Lake is free; however, you need to pay the charges for the government vehicle at the checkpoint, as private cars are not allowed inside. A jeep or bus covers a distance of around 3-4 km to the lake, which costs around INR 2000 and INR 200 per person, respectively. The jeep to Avalanche Lake can accommodate a maximum of 8 people. Each jeep or bus ride to Avalanche Lake lasts for about two hours.
Timings of the Avalanche Lake: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Things To Know About Avalanche Lake In Ooty
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As Avalanche Lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is advisable to get prior permission from the forest office in Ooty to visit the lake.
- Private vehicles are prohibited from entering the sanctuary where Avalanche Lake is situated. Tourists can take a two-hour Jeep or bus ride to Avalanche Lake, which also covers the Bhavani Lake and Hydropower plant.
- It would be best to take the 9:00 AM bus ride or jeep to the lake. At this time, you can avoid the crowds and have a better chance to view the wildlife.
- Make sure you carry some warm clothes, as the weather in Avalanche Lake can be chilly, and early morning dew is also very high.
- If you are planning a trek near Avalanche Lake, make sure you carry proper gear. There is a high probability of leeches all along the way, especially after the monsoon.
Getting There: Avalanche Lake In Ooty
Nestled amidst the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Avalanche Lake is situated just 22 km far from Ooty city centre, and numerous bus and taxi services are available at regular intervals to take you to Avalanche Lake. A drive-through NH67 offers spectacular views of lush green valleys filled with tea plantations. You can drive your car or hire a cab from Bangalore, Coimbatore, or Mysore to reach this heavenly place in Ooty.
Another fun way to reach this lake is by train, which won’t be an ordinary train. You can travel by a toy train from Ooty to Mettupalayam railway station, 40 km from Avalanche Lake.
If you are coming by flight, the nearest airport to Avalanche Lake is Coimbatore International Airport, which is 88 km away. However, if you come from outside the country, you can fly to Bangalore Airport and hire a cab to Avalanche Lake in Ooty.
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Watching the gorgeous scenic views around Avalanche Lake is a true experience of wonder, and the undisturbed forests surrounding the place add to its charm and beauty. If you are on a trip to Ooty and want to explore some hidden gems around the hill station, then this majestic lake would be a great addition to your itinerary. Make sure you get prior permission from the forest department to visit Avalanche Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Avalanche Lake In Ooty
What is so special about Avalanche Lake in Ooty?
Avalanche Lake in Ooty is home to a wide variety of birds that any nature lover would love to watch. Apart from the majestic views you get after trekking up to the top of the hill at Avalanche Lake gives an awestruck view of the valley and reservoir at the foothill.
How to reach Avalanche Lake from Ooty?
Avalanche Lake is approximately 23 kms from Ooty, and can be reached by road. You can hire a taxi, drive your vehicle or take a bus to reach this lake from Ooty.
What is the best time to visit Avalanche Lake in Ooty?
The best time to visit Avalanche Lake is between August and January when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Do I need permission to visit Avalanche Lake in Ooty?
Yes, you need permission to visit Avalanche Lake. it would help if you had to ask for prior permission from the Forest Department as it is located within a protected area.
What are the activities available at Avalanche Lake in Ooty?
A number of activities are available at Avalanche Lake for visitors such as trout fishing, rafting, and trekking. Additionally, the scenic beauty of the lake makes it an ideal picnic spot near Ooty.
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