10 Best Lakes & Backwaters Tamil Nadu

At a distance of 16 km from Chidambaram & 217 km from Chennai, Pichavaram is an exquisite coastal village near Chidambaram in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the picturesque places to visit near Chennai and among the must include places in Chidambaram packages.

Located between the Vellar estuary and Coleroon estuary, Pichavaram is well-known for its mangrove forests spread over 1100 hectares area. The mangroves of Pichavaram are considered the second largest mangrove forests in the world. Apparently, the forest has more than 50 islands of various sizes and 4,400 big and small canals. The trees grow in water that's 3 to 10 feet deep in different places. The conditions are quite hostile, as the sea's tides bring saltwater in and out twice a day, changing the salinity. Hence, the trees have unique root systems, with membranes that only allow fresh water to enter. It is one of the popular Chidambaram tourist places.

Pichavaram can be enjoyed through a boat ride around the 1100 hectare area of the forest, which takes you through narrow canals, breathtaking sceneries and allows you to witness the amazing life forms of the mangrove trees while adoring the birdlife of the forest. Approximately 200 species of birds have been recorded, along with many ...

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At a distance of 9 km from Ooty Bus Station, Kamraj Sagar Dam, also known as the Sandynalla Reservoir, is a very quiet and scenic dam situated on the slopes of the Wenlock Downs in Ooty. It is one of the top Ooty tourist places and also a must include in every Ooty Tour Packages.

The dam, built on the Kamrajar Lake, is spread over 400 acres and is situated on the way to Wenlock Downs & Pykara. The dam is a monsoon fed water body and measures about 6 km in length. The dam and the serene location make it a heavenly place and a favorite haunt for the nature lovers. It is also a popular destination with honeymoon couples because of its picturesque natural beauty. It is a popular shooting location in Ooty.

There are several walking trails around the lake and visitors can also explore several tourist places in the area through these walking trails. The surroundings of the lake are home to variety of birds which include peacocks, storks, kingfishers, cranes, herons and sunbirds can easily be spotted in the area. The animals that are seen in this area include wild boars, Indian bison, barking deer, monkeys, mongooses and leopards.

There is a pine forest adjacent to the main road through which the reservoir is accessed. Pine trees spread across several acres is a nice place to take snaps & famous shooting spot as well. ...

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About Pykara Dam

At a distance of 22 km from Ooty, Pykara Lake is a placid lake situated on Ooty - Mysore road in Tamilnadu. The dam amidst dense forest is a beautiful destination offering breathtaking scenery. It is one of the best places to visit in Ooty and an ideal place to experience a beautiful boat ride.

Situated amidst a lush green shola forest, Pykara Lake is formed as a result of the construction of the Pykara Dam over the Pykara River, the largest river in the Nilgiris district. The Pykara Lake formed by the dam is a blessed lake for the Todas, the local tribe of Nilgiris. The dam also has a powerhouse which is one of the oldest power plants in South India and is generating about 60 megawatts of electricity. It was declared a heritage plant in 1997, triggering the establishment of more hydroelectric power stations in the state.A few hundred meters north of the lake, the river tumbles down the rocks to form the famous Pykara Falls.

The place is a popular picnic spot among locals as well as tourists. The lake is surrounded by the thick forest of Mukurthi National Park. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of wildlife like elephants roaming on the banks of the lake.

Boating at Pykara Dam

Organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, boating in Pykara Lake is a memorable experience. Visitors can hire a speed boat or motor boat from the boat house and enjoy ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Ooty and 27 km from Coonoor, Emerald Lake, a serene lake with emerald blue waters, is located near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Situated amidst dense forests, it is one of the top Ooty tourist places. The lake is part of the Silent Valley National Park situated on the way to Avalanche village.

The blue waters of Emerald Lake surrounded by lush green meadows and forest is simply mesmerizing. The water is crystal clear and of course cold. This is a great place to enjoy the day with breathtaking views of the slopes of Nilgiris. Emerald Lake is also a haven for a variety of birds. It is a mini paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists as they get to see and study a number of native birds. It is also notable for the scenic sun rise and sun set views near the lake. The Tea gardens is a great spot to spend some time as it gives a memorable experience. Trekking is another activity visitors can indulge in.

Far from maddening crowds packed in the town, this place is untouched by regular tourists. There are no amenities around the place except The Red Hill Nature Resort which is a little further from the shore of the lake. The various facilities arranged by the resort for tourists include mountain biking, bird watching, fishing and trekking in the regions surrounding the lake.

The journey to Emerald Lake (from Ooty / Coonoor) offer ...

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About Avalanche Lake

At a distance of 5 km from Emerald Lake, 23 km from Ooty & 33 km from Coonoor, Avalanche Lake is a beautiful lake situated at Avalanche village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular eco-tourism spot among the best places for sightseeing in Ooty.

Situated at an altitude of 2,500 m, Avalanche Lake is surrounded by a thick forest of pine and eucalyptus trees. The lake is a heaven for nature lovers, as small waterfalls falling from the encircling mountains create a picture-perfect ambiance. The surroundings of the dam are considered a sanctuary with a variety of wildlife like Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Nilgiri Thar, Sambar Deer, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer, and Nilgiri Langur.

History of Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is a mesmerizing lake formed in the year 1823 AD due to a massive landslide (Avalanche). The lake is approximately 500 m long and 150 m wide and is fed by mountain streams and rainwater from the surrounding hills. This lake is the major source of water supply for the Kundah Hydro Power stations. Avalanche Lake is not just a natural wonder, but it also has a rich cultural history. The lake is considered to be sacred by the local tribal communities, who believe that it is the home of the spirits of their ancestors. They hold an annual festival at the lake, where they offer prayers and perform rituals to honor their ancestors.

Mini Bus ...

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At a distance of 38 km from Pollachi, Thirumoorthy Hills is one of the charming outdoors near Pollachi. A part of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, it is one of the famous places to visit in near Pollachi.

At the foot of the hills is the Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Sri Amanalingeswarar Temple. A perennial stream flows by the side of the temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Legend says that Athri Maharishi and his wife Anasuya Devi resided in these hills, and the Gods of the Hindu trinity had come down to test their devotion. The Gods asked Anasuya Devi to make their offerings in nudity. She agreed and changed the Gods as babies with her devotion, fed them & put them to sleep in a cradle. Athri came back afterward and hearing the story from Anasuya praised the three gods sleeping in the cradle. Later, the Trinities come back to their original form and give a boon to Anasuya. According to her wish, three children were born to her - Shiva is born as Sage Durvasa, Vishnu as Dattatreya, and Brahma as Chandra (Moon). Hence, this region is named as Thirumoorthy Hills.

Thirumoorthy Dam has been constructed adjoining the Thirumurthy Hill near Amanalingeswarar Temple. The panorama of the Anamalai Hills surrounding the shimmering blue waters of the reservoir is a sight to behold. This area is a popular spot for shooting films thanks to the beauty of the region. It is the perfect place for tourists who love ...

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At a distance of 23 km from Valparai, and 55 km from Athirapally, Sholayar Dam is a masonry- gravity dam situated on Valparai-Athirapally road. It is one of the top tourist places to visit near Athirapally Waterfall, and among the must include places in Valparai tour packages.

The Solaiyar Dam is part of the Solaiyar Hydroelectric Project (HEP) which comprises the main Soliayar Dam, the Solaiyar Flanking, and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam. Solaiyar Dam was officially opened in 1965. The Solaiyar Flanking was built in 1964 and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam in 1965.

The dam is an important reservoir under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project. The height of the main dam is 66 m, its width is 430 m, and its length 430.60 m. The reservoir's overflowing waters are let into the Parambikulam Reservoir through the saddle dam. The surroundings of the dam are full of great natural beauty.

It is not worth visiting other than in monsoons as the lake is dry after December.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 55 km from Ooty, Upper Bhavani Lake is an artificial lake located in the Western Catchments of Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated near the Avalanche area, it is one of the lesser-known but among the most beautiful and captivating lakes in Ooty.

Upper Bhavani Lake was created by the Upper Bhavani Dam, which was constructed across the Bhavani River. It is a must-visit for anyone who admires nature in its raw beauty. The lake is an entry point to view the flora and fauna of the Nilgiri hills. The view of the lake surrounded by the hills is fantastic. Tourists are left speechless by the scenery, the lush greenery, and the clouds that fill up the blue sky.

Prior permission from the Forest Department is required to enter the area. One can drive to the forest department check post, after which private vehicles aren't allowed. From the check post, mini bus and jeeps take you on a safari to Upper Bhavani Lake. The entire journey is a 2-hour affair since it takes 45 minutes to cover one side and then the bus/jeep stops at the lake for about 20 minutes.

The vehicles also stop midway at a few places for some time, and tourists are allowed to click photographs. The first halt is at Sholas, which is a steep valley full of trees. There is a small water spring running down the valley en route to the Upper Bhavani Lake. The bus halts for around 10 minutes. The final stop is at the Upper Bhavani Lake. En route your trip, you can also visit Bhavani ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Srirangam, and 20 km from Trichy, Kallanai Dam, also known as the Grand Anicut, is an ancient dam situated in Srirangam. It is one of the prominent Srirangam tourist places.

The Kallanai Dam, constructed by Karikala of the Chola dynasty in 150 CE, built across the flowing Kaveri River. During the 19th century, the British remodeled this dam. It holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structure globally and the oldest one in India that is still functional. Its primary purpose was to divert water from the Kaveri to the fertile delta region for irrigation through canals, as well as to the northern delta branch known as Kollidam/Coleroon.

Made of unhewn stone, the Kallanai Dam measures 329 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 5.4 meters in height. Remarkably, the dam remains in excellent condition and served as a model for later engineers, including Sir Arthur Cotton's 19th-century dam on the Kollidam, a major tributary of the Kaveri. The ancient irrigation network irrigated approximately one million acres of land.

Visitors to the Kallanai Dam can enjoy a picturesque view of calm waters and lush vegetation. Adjacent to the dam, there is a small park that locals often visit for picnics. Additionally, a section of the river is accessible to visitors, allowing them to enter the River Kaveri and swim alongside ...

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At a distance of 75 Kms from Coimbatore and 70 Kms from Erode, Kodiveri Dam & Waterfalls is a wonderful picnic spot situated near Satyamangalam in Erode district (20 Kms from Bannari Mariamman Temple).

Constructed on Bhavani River, the Dam provides irrigation water for over 25000 hectars of land. There is a beautiful Park developed at bottom of the dam with many attractions.

The Waterfalls formed by the downstream of Kodiveri Dam is a wonderful spot with nice views of the falls (close to the dam). Since the falls are not heavy, anyone can easily reach bottom of the falls and enjoy. Bathing & swimmings in the pool at bottom of the falls is a memorable experience.

Park Timings: Not Available

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