Pykara Dam & Reservoir, Ooty - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit

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 a 20-30-minute fun ride in the lake. The scenic views from the center of the lake will literally leave you spellbound and asking for more. You can click pictures and shoot videos while boating. The boat house also includes a restaurant and a rest house, where tourists can relax. Boathouse is usually crowded on weekends and holidays and may have to wait for more than 30 minutes sometimes.

Boat House Timings: 10 AM - 5. 30 PM

Best Time to Visit Pykara Dam

The best time to visit Pykara Lake is from October to March when the weather remains pleasant, and even the Pykara dam is in full force. Pykara Dam's water level is low during the summer months, and also the scorching sun makes it a troublesome affair to go boating during those times.

Pykara Dam & Boat House Timings

Monday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Tuesday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Wednesday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Thursday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Friday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Saturday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
Sunday: 8.30 AM - 5. 30 PM & Boating: 10 AM - 5.30 PM

Pykara Dam Entry Fee

Entry: Rs. 10 per Person & Rs. 20 per Person for Battery Car

Boating:

Motor Boat: 770 for 8 Seater, Rs. 890 for 10 Seater & Rs. 1240 for 15 Seater
Speed Boat: Rs. 800 for 2 Seaters

How to Reach Pykara Dam

Pykara Dam is located at a distance of 22 km from Ooty and can reach within an hour via road transfer. Visitors can either opt for their own car / hired taxi or get into a state-run bus to reach Pykara Dam. One can reach the boat house by taking a battery car that is available from the entrance of the dam.