Pykara Boat House
Pykara Lake and Boat House Details: The Pykara Lake is a large reservoir formed by the construction of a dam and power plant on the Pykara River, which is considered sacred by the indigenous Toda tribe. The Pykara Boat House, managed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), is the c entral attraction, offering various boating facilities like motorboats and speedboats on the serene waters, surrounded by lush Shola forests and rolling hills. The journey to the lake is scenic, passing through dense pine forests and open grasslands. The complex includes a restaurant and seating areas, making it an excellent picnic spot. The lake's water, originating from the Mukurthi Peak, is pristine and calm, offering a stark contrast to the thrilling boat rides available. The boat house is well-maintained and provides a unique experience of high-altitude lake recreation, serving as a peaceful retreat from the hustle of Ooty town. It is one of the most popular attractions in the Nilgiris for both adventure and relaxation.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours (Excluding travel time to and from Ooty).Place Type:
Recreational Water Body / BoatingEntry Fees:
Main Entry Fee A nominal entry fee of Rs.INR 10-20 per person is charged to enter the lake/boathouse complex. Boating Ticket Cost The main cost is for the boat rides: Motorboats (Rs.INR 1,000-1,500 for 8-15 seater for 20 minutes) and Speed Boats (Rs.INR 1,000 for 2-seater for 10 minutes), with rates su...Main Entry Fee A nominal entry fee of Rs.INR 10-20 per person is charged to enter the lake/boathouse complex. Boating Ticket Cost The main cost is for the boat rides: Motorboats (Rs.INR 1,000-1,500 for 8-15 seater for 20 minutes) and Speed Boats (Rs.INR 1,000 for 2-seater for 10 minutes), with rates subject to frequent change by TTDC.
Camera Fee and Parking: Nominal charges may apply for carrying a camera or video recorder and separate fees for vehicle parking at the site.Timing:
Regular Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Open Daily).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (Rs.8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) for calm, less crowded waters and clearer photography, or Late Afternoon (Rs.4:00 PM to 5:00 PM) to catch the soft sunset light over the ...Regular Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Open Daily).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (Rs.8:30 AM to 10:00 AM) for calm, less crowded waters and clearer photography, or Late Afternoon (Rs.4:00 PM to 5:00 PM) to catch the soft sunset light over the lake. Weekdays are generally much less crowded.Special Events:
Annual Ooty Summer Festival Boat Race: Although the main race is at Ooty Lake, the Pykara Boat House often sees increased activities, small local events, or special package deals during the larger May / June summer festival period in the Nilgiris.
Read MoreAnnual Ooty Summer Festival Boat Race: Although the main race is at Ooty Lake, the Pykara Boat House often sees increased activities, small local events, or special package deals during the larger May / June summer festival period in the Nilgiris.
New Year's Eve/Christmas: Special extended evening hours or small celebratory gatherings are occasionally held by the TTDC management to cater to holiday crowds.Best Photo Spots:
Boathouse Jetty and Docked Boats: The colorful motorboats and speedboats against the deep blue water and lush green backdrop, best captured when the light is soft.
The Pine Forest Walkway: The scenic path lined with tall, uniform pine trees ...Boathouse Jetty and Docked Boats: The colorful motorboats and speedboats against the deep blue water and lush green backdrop, best captured when the light is soft.
The Pine Forest Walkway: The scenic path lined with tall, uniform pine trees leading to the main boat house area, creating a natural, framed perspective.
Water Reflections and Hills: Capturing the clear reflections of the surrounding hills and sky on the calm surface of the lake, particularly early in the morning before the boating starts.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Speed Boating Thrill: Indulging in a thrilling speed boat ride on the lake for an adrenaline rush, a unique attraction of the boathouse.
Motor Boating for Scenic Views: Taking a leisurely ride on a multi-seater motorboat to appreciate the panoramic views of the Shola forests and the vast expanse of the reservoir.
Relaxing at the TTDC Restaurant: Enjoying a meal or hot beverage at the boat house café while overlooking the calm waters and the surrounding greenery, a perfect relaxed activity.
Photography from the Jetty: Capturing the long stretches of the lake with the signature Nilgiri backdrop and the colorful boats docked at the jetty.
Accessing Pykara Waterfalls: Using the boat house complex as the starting point to hike or tak...Speed Boating Thrill: Indulging in a thrilling speed boat ride on the lake for an adrenaline rush, a unique attraction of the boathouse.
Motor Boating for Scenic Views: Taking a leisurely ride on a multi-seater motorboat to appreciate the panoramic views of the Shola forests and the vast expanse of the reservoir.
Relaxing at the TTDC Restaurant: Enjoying a meal or hot beverage at the boat house café while overlooking the calm waters and the surrounding greenery, a perfect relaxed activity.
Photography from the Jetty: Capturing the long stretches of the lake with the signature Nilgiri backdrop and the colorful boats docked at the jetty.
Accessing Pykara Waterfalls: Using the boat house complex as the starting point to hike or take a battery car to the cascading falls located Rs.2 KMS away.
Souvenir Shopping and Snacks: Buying local chocolates, tea, or small handcrafted souvenirs from the shops near the entrance.
Family Picnic Spot: Finding a quiet, scenic bench or designated spot to enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the pine trees and lake breeze.
Information
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Why Famous:
Recreational Boating Options: It is one of the few places in the Nilgiris that offers organized speed boating and motor boating on a high-altitude reservoir.
Scenic Location and Accessibility: The combination of the tranquil lake, the surrou...Recreational Boating Options: It is one of the few places in the Nilgiris that offers organized speed boating and motor boating on a high-altitude reservoir.
Scenic Location and Accessibility: The combination of the tranquil lake, the surrounding pine forests, and easy accessibility from Ooty town makes it a favorite family and tourist destination.
Proximity to Pykara Falls: Its location serves as the entry point and main facility for visiting the nearby magnificent Pykara Waterfalls. -
Architecture:
Boathouse and Jetty Structure: The boathouse facility is a modern, functional tourist infrastructure (not colonial architecture) built by TTDC, featuring a ticket counter, cafe, and secure floating jetty.
Dimension Summary: The surrounding P...Boathouse and Jetty Structure: The boathouse facility is a modern, functional tourist infrastructure (not colonial architecture) built by TTDC, featuring a ticket counter, cafe, and secure floating jetty.
Dimension Summary: The surrounding Pykara Lake is a reservoir of the Pykara River, with boating conducted in a controlled area of the large water body. The structural design is straightforward and practical to safely launch and manage tourist boats on the large lake. The architecture is primarily focused on visitor flow, safety, and providing sheltered viewing/dining areas. The jetty is the main, publicly accessible structural element, designed for high-traffic load and quick boarding/de-boarding of diverse boat types. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB). From there, take a cab to Ooty and then to Pykara.
By Train: Nearest major station is Mettupalayam, connected by the NMR to Ooty. From Ooty Railway Station or Bus Stand, hi...By Air: Nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB). From there, take a cab to Ooty and then to Pykara.
By Train: Nearest major station is Mettupalayam, connected by the NMR to Ooty. From Ooty Railway Station or Bus Stand, hire a direct cab.
By Road: It is easily accessible on the well-maintained Ooty-Mysore Road. Regular government and private buses run on this route, or hire a cab/taxi.
By Local Transport: A local cab is the most convenient option, as it offers direct service and waiting time. Tourist buses/shared jeeps from Ooty also frequent this route due to its popularity. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Season-Wise Headings: Summer (March to May) is popular but busy; Monsoon (June to September) offers lush greenery and full waterfalls, but boating can be affected; Winter (October to February) is Ideal with pleasant, clear, and cool weather for boating and sightseeing.Season-Wise Headings: Summer (March to May) is popular but busy; Monsoon (June to September) offers lush greenery and full waterfalls, but boating can be affected; Winter (October to February) is Ideal with pleasant, clear, and cool weather for boating and sightseeing.
Part of the Day Heading: Late Morning is often preferred by most tourists; choose Early Morning to experience the quietest and most tranquil atmosphere on the lake. -
Near Tourist Places:
Pykara Waterfalls (Rs.2 KMS), Pine Forest (Rs.1 KM), Wenlock Downs (Rs.10 KMS), Needle Rock Viewpoint (Rs.25 KMS), Doddabetta Peak (Rs.30 KMS), Mudumalai National Park (Rs.40 KMS), Ooty Lake (Rs.21 KMS), Emerald Lake (Rs.25 KMS), Gudalur (Rs.35 KMS), Glenmorgan (Rs.30 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety Life jackets are mandatory for boating; follow the instructions of the boat operator; be cautious on the wet jetties and slippery walking paths. Packing Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for the boat ride, and cash for ticketing and parking are recommended essentials....Health & Safety Life jackets are mandatory for boating; follow the instructions of the boat operator; be cautious on the wet jetties and slippery walking paths. Packing Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for the boat ride, and cash for ticketing and parking are recommended essentials. Accommodation TTDC runs a rest house nearby, but most tourists stay in Ooty town or the Masinagudi area for wildlife access.
Other Different Topics Heading: Combine the visit with Pykara Waterfalls; be prepared for queues, especially on weekends and public holidays; keep the area clean and avoid feeding monkeys.
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