- Created
- 1824, by John Sullivan
- Best time
- April to June; September to November for fewer crowds
- Ideal time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Distance from Ooty bus stand
- About 2 km
- Nearest railway station
- Ooty; Mettupalayam in the plains
- Nearest airport
- Coimbatore (about 85 km)
What to do
Boating is run by the government boat house, with life jackets provided. The toy train line runs along one bank, so you may see the Nilgiri Mountain Railway pass while you are on the water.
- Paddle boats, row boats and motor boats
- Cycling or walking along the lakeside path
- Pony rides and a mini train for children
- The adjoining children's park and snack stalls
Best time to visit
April to June is peak season, when the summer festival brings boat races and a decorated boat pageant, and the lake is at its busiest. September to November is quieter, with misty mornings and cool days that suit photography. Early morning and late afternoon are the pleasantest times to be on the water, before crowds build and after the midday glare fades.
How to reach
The lake is about 2 km from both the Ooty bus stand and the railway station, a short auto or taxi ride. Mettupalayam is the main railhead in the plains, from where the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage line, climbs to Ooty. Coimbatore airport is roughly 85 km away. Good roads link Ooty with Coimbatore, Mysuru and Bengaluru, so buses and cars reach it through the year.
Tips for your visit
Queues at the boat house can be long on summer weekends and holidays, so arrive early. Carry a warm layer, as the breeze off the water is chilly in the evening. Our Ooty packages usually pair the lake with the Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Doddabetta on the same day. If you are staying nearby, an early walk around the shore before the boat house opens is one of the quietest ways to see it.
Also nearby
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