Avalanche Lake / Sanctuary, Ooty - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

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 Safari to Avalanche Lake

As the lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, prior permission is needed from the forest office in Ooty to visit the lake. Private vehicles are not allowed into the Sanctuary and visitors have to take Forest Department mini bus for a 2 hours ride into the sanctuary, covering the lake, Bhavani Temple, and the Hydropower plant. The bus starts from Forest Department Check Post which is 3 km away from Avalanche Lake. The buses run between 9 AM to 3 PM (2 hours ride) at specific intervals. It is advised to take the 9 AM bus to have better chances of wildlife sightings. Jeeps are also available for a group of 8 people.

Other Activities 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 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.

Best Time to Visit Avalanche Lake

The best time to visit Avalanche Lake is after the monsoon season when the water level is high and offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Summer months, from March to June are also preferable when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and camping. Better to avoid monsoon season as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can make trekking and hiking difficult. However, the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the area make it a popular time to visit for nature lovers.

Avalanche Lake Timings

Monday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Thursday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 3 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 3 PM

Avalanche Lake Entry Fee

Entry: Free
Mini Bus Safari: Rs. 200 per person
Jeep Safari: Rs. 2000 for 8 persons

How to Reach Avalanche Lake

The lake is approximately 28 km from the town of Ooty and can be reached by car or bus. Private vehicles are allowed only till the Avalanche Checkpoint, following which you have to travel by government forest vehicles. Visitors should note that as the lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, prior permission is needed from the forest office in Ooty.