Ooty Lake
We all know in every hill station, there is always that one place where everyone ( families, couples, and friends) wants to visit right from the moment they begin their journey. In Ooty, that place is the famous Ooty Lake.
Ooty Lake, also known as Udhagamandalam Lake or Ootacamund Lake, is an artificial lake located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. Covering about 65 acres and surrounded by eucalyptus trees and green hills, the lake was originally created for fishing but has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty.
History of Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake was built in 1824 by John Sullivan (the Collector of Coimbatore, who is also known as the founder of Ooty). He constructed the lake by damming the mountain streams to form a large water body mainly for fishing purposes. In its early days, the lake covered more than 260 acres, but over time it has been reduced to about 65 acres. Later, a boathouse was added, which turned the lake into one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ooty.
Things to Do at Ooty Lake
Boating
The highlight of Ooty Lake is boating. Tourists can choose from pedal boats, rowboats, or motorboats. Sailing on the calm waters, enjoying the cool breeze, and seeing the greenery all around make it a very relaxing and memorable experience.
Horse Riding & Cycling
Around Ooty Lake, Tourists can rent cycles and ride along the lakeside paths. Cycling here is a fun way to enjoy the fresh air, take in the beautiful views, and even stop by small shops to taste local snacks or street food. For those who love a bit of adventure, horse rides (mostly ponies) are also available near the Boat House. These rides are especially enjoyable for children, but even adults can take a casual round to experience the charm of the lake surroundings differently.
Toy Train Ride
If you are visiting Ooty Lake with your whole family, don’t miss the mini toy train that goes around the lake. It’s a joyful ride, especially for children, and gives everyone a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views together
Photography
Ooty Lake is one of the paradise for photography lovers. The sparkling blue water, misty hills, and tall trees make a perfect natural background. Whether you are clicking family photos, couple pictures, reels, or just capturing the beauty of nature, every shot here comes out beautiful. Especially, Morning and evening are the best times for photos when the lake looks even more magical.
Amusement Park Rides
Apart from the toy train, the Boat House area also has amusement rides that add more fun to your visit. Popular attractions include break-dance rides, dashing cars, a mirror house, and even a horror house. These activities are a great way to keep children entertained while the whole family enjoys some light-hearted fun.
Best Time to Visit Ooty Lake
The best time to visit Ooty Lake is between October and June, when the weather is pleasant. During the summer months, boating and outdoor activities are at their best. The monsoon months (July–September) can be avoided as heavy rain may affect lake activities.
Timings of Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On some days, the boating and activity counters may remain open until 6:30 PM.
How to Reach Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake is located in the heart of Ooty town, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the Nilgiris. Here’s how you can reach:
By Road
From Ooty Bus Stand: Ooty Lake is just 2 km away. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even walk for around 20–25 minutes.
From Coimbatore: Around 85 km (approximately 3 hours drive). Regular buses and taxis are available from Coimbatore to Ooty.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Udhagamandalam (Ooty Railway Station), about 3 km from Ooty Lake.
Local taxis or auto-rickshaws can take you to the lake in 10–15 minutes.
You can also enjoy the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, around 88 km from Ooty. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty.
Inside Ooty
Ooty Lake is well connected by local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses. Walking is also pleasant if you are staying nearby.
Location Map of Ooty Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are Ooty Lake timings?
Ooty Lake is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On weekends and peak tourist seasons, the boating and activity counters may extend up to 6:30 PM.
2) What is the entry fee at Ooty Lake?
The entry fee for Ooty Lake is quite affordable, making it accessible for everyone. Adults are charged around ₹10–₹20 per person, while children usually have a slightly lower ticket price. If you wish to carry a camera, there is an additional charge of about ₹20–₹30 for still cameras and ₹150 for video cameras.
3) What is the cost of boat ride in Ooty Lake?
Boating is the main attraction at Ooty Lake, and the charges depend on the type of boat you choose. A 2-seater pedal boat costs about ₹350 for 30 minutes, while a 4-seater pedal boat is around ₹450 for 30 minutes. Rowboats are slightly cheaper, with prices starting from about ₹200 onwards, and motorboats are ideal for groups, ranging between ₹520 and ₹950 depending on seating capacity and duration.
4) When is the best time to visit Ooty Lake?
The best time to visit Ooty Lake is from October to June, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities like boating, cycling,
and horse riding.
