Name: Ooty
Rating: 3.5

Avalanche Lake, Ooty Overview

At a distance of 26 kilometres from Ooty, the Avalanche Lake in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu is a famous tourist spot. Especially renowned among nature enthusiasts and photographers, the Avalanche Lake is counted as one of the star attractions that Ooty houses.

The lake is set amidst a captivating landscape which is filled with lovely flowers. The waterfalls that fall down the nearby mountains further add to the beauty of the place. It is believed that Avalanche Lake derives its name from the landslide that occurred in the year 1823 in the area, as a result of which the lake was naturally formed. This name is, however, a misnomer as is evident in the fact that the lake was created as a result of a landslide, and not an avalanche.

Once you are at Avalanche Lake, you can enjoy mountain trekking, rafting and trout fishing. Tourists can also choose from horse riding, rappelling and open jeep driving at the lake. All in all, the enchanting views of the Lake, coupled with the host of fun-filled activities offered here, attracts tourists from all over the world to visit this marvellous place and to be awestruck by its sheer simplicity, elegance and grace.

Things To Do at Avalanche Lake

The lake offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Fishing rods and all other equipment that is required to enjoy the activity can be purchased from a trout hatchery that is located very close to the lake. Activities like trekking and camping are also trendy amongst tourists who visit Avalanche Lake. Tourists who visit the lake often set out to trek to the Upper Bhavani Lake, which is located nearby and is a major tourist attraction. One can also trek up the adjacent hills to get a breathtaking panoramic view of Ooty. In case you are interested in spending the night at Avalanche Lake, it is a good idea to take a tent along and pitch it on the shores of the lake.

Wildlife at Avalanche Lake

The surroundings of the Avalanche Lake are considered to be a sanctuary that is home to a variety of wildlife and offers a fantastic experience to the visitors who visit the lake to enjoy and rejuvenate themselves. The Avalanche Lake is the habitat of numerous wild animals like tigers, leopards, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer and Nilgiri Langur.

Visitors must take care that the Avalanche Lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and hence, prior permission is required from the forest office in Ooty to visit the lake. No private vehicles are allowed entry in the sanctuary. Tourists have to take a minibus ride into the sanctuary, which lasts for two hours and covers the Avalanche Lake, Bhavani Lake and Hydropower plant.

Avalanche Lake Timings and Entry Fees

There is no entry fee to visit the Avalanche Lake.
However, after the Avalanche Check Point, it is mandatory to ride in government forest vehicles, the cost of which is INR 150 per person. The lake is open on all days of the week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Visitors typically spend about an hour or so at the Avalanche Lake.

For those who wish to enjoy a minibus ride into the sanctuary, the schedule is as follows:
The government buses start their trip from the Forest Department Check Post, which is 3 kilometres from the Avalanche Lake.
The buses are run between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM at specific time intervals.
Each ride lasts for about two hours.

Best Time To Visit Avalanche Lake

The best time to visit the Avalanche Lake is after the monsoon season. This is because the water level at this time is high and offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing.

Tips For Visiting Avalanche Lake

1. It is advised to take the 9:00 AM bus ride to the sanctuary. It gives you the dual advantage of having better chances to view the wildlife, and to avoid the large crowds.
2. Jeeps are available for a group of maximum eight people, so do opt for that if you are travelling in a group or with family.
3. The Avalanche Lake is just 5 kilometres away from the Emerald Lake, so it is a good idea to visit the two in combination.

How To Reach Avalanche Lake

The Avalanche Lake is situated just an hour away from Ooty and is easily accessible by cars or buses. Private transport is allowed only till the Avalanche Checkpoint, following which you have to travel by the government forest vehicles.