Ootacamund or Udagamandalam is a hill station of Tamil Nadu that is fondly called as Ooty by all the tourists and the local residents. It is called the Queen of hill stations in South India, due to its amazing scenic beauty that is hidden in each slope of the Nilgiri Hills. The unique scenery of this place has intrigued the Indian and even foreign tourists to spend their summer vacations among the lush greenery, tea gardens and eucalyptus trees of Ooty. Ooty is not only famous for its huge reserve of natural flora and fauna, but also for housing a number of naturally created lakes that have enhanced the beauty of this hill station. The local government has undertaken various measures to turn these lakes into brilliant recreational spots for the entertainment of the tourists. Among all these lakes, five are the most popular ones that no tourist can ever miss to visit while enjoying their summers in Ooty and these famous lakes are Ooty Boat House Lake, Pykara Lake, Upper Bhavani Lake, Kamaraj Sagar Lake and Emerald Lake.
1. Ooty Boat House Lake
Ooty Boat House Lake is the largest natural lake of this hill station that covers 65 acres of area. The large boat house created adjacent to the lake by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is a prime cause of tourist attraction here. The whole lake is guarded by huge eucalyptus trees that make a unique natural combination of green and blue in this scenery. The tourists love the experiences of boating with the paddle boats, motor boats and rowing boats on the waters of this lake. There is also an amusement park and garden beside this lake, as well as a mini train running along one of its banks for the best recreations of the tourists. There are many movies also filmed here on the lake because of its serine beauty.
2. Pykara Lake
Pykara Lake is naturally formed reservoir fed by the waters of the Pykara River that descends from the Mukurthi Peak of Nilgiri Hills. This lake is situated among the serene atmosphere of dense forest areas and lush greenery of this river valley. So the government has constructed a forest house for the peaceful accommodation of the tourists at affordable prices. The Pykara Falls and the scope of boating in this lake are the other prime attractions of this place for the tourists. As this place is located only 21 Km from Ooty town, the tourists can easily reach here by cars or buses. If you are a fan of speed boating then you will love this lake as it has many speed boats.
3. Upper Bhavani Lake
Upper Bhavani Lake is actually a huge dam that is the main source of water for the entire region. Though this lake is only 60 Km away from Ooty, the tourists need to trek through the dense forest areas. So they should take prior permission from the local forest department for this tour, Currently closed due to tunnel work and maintanace. The adventure-lovers prefer the experience of hiking and walking through the forests of sholas and wattles to Mukurthy National Park. This park is actually a wildlife sanctuary that is the home of many tigers, leopards, jackals, sambhars and other species of animals. The tourists may also enjoy visiting Bhavani Amman Temple that is located adjacent to this lake. This lake is famous for its sunset and sunrise view, fishing and bird watching.
4. Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is located around 22 Km from Ooty, very close to the village of the same name. This lake is based at Silent Valley National Park that is noted for vast treasures of wild vegetations and quiet atmosphere. So, this place is a heaven for the nature-lovers with all the greenery of tea plantations and the hilly slopes surrounding this lake. It is also a great attraction for the avid bird-watchers, due to the presence of numerous species of wild birds around this lake region. The tourists may also enjoy fishing in this lake, as there are plenty of edible fish available in this water. This lake is worth experiencing for its beauty and tranquil nature.
5. Kamaraj Sagar Lake
Kamaraj Sagar Lake is a huge dam that is spread over 400 acres of area in the suburban region of Ooty. This rainwater-fed lake is located at the base of the hills of Western Ghats. The tourists can enjoy swimming in this calm water or they may arrange for a lovely family picnic here, relishing on various fresh fish delicacies. The tourists may also take the pleasure of walking along the walking trails beside this lake, while watching the greenery of coconut and mango trees, as well as the banana plants all around this place. Sunset view from this lake is dramatic so don’t miss this if you are visiting Ooty. Nature lovers would fell in love with this place
