Pykara Lake Boating — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Pykara is a popular getaway that is at a distance of about 20 kilometres from Ooty, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Pykara village, along with a beautiful river by the same name, also houses a dam and a power plant. Because of the construction of the dam, the backwaters have formed an enormous lake, which is now known as the Pykara Lake and has become a significant tourist attraction that is visited by large numbers of people all year round. It has everything that a person on vacation can ask for, right from ambience and comfort to scenic beauty. Nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers should definitely not miss out on this unique and fun-filled place.

The Pykara is the largest river in the district and is revered by the Todas, who consider it to be sacred. The river originates from the Mukurthi peak and then navigates through the hilly terrain to reach the edge of the plateau, where it falls delightfully in a succession of breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls. The last two waterfalls are known as the Pyakara Falls and fall from the heights of 55 metres and 61 metres. The marvellous lake is just 2 kilometres away from these waterfalls.

The area in the vicinity of the Pykara Lake is surrounded by sholas, which is the local name for the forests here. Numerous Kollywood or Tamil Cinema filmmakers have shot movie scenes and songs here, around this picturesque lake. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) also runs a boathouse, rest house and a restaurant in this area. Speedboats and motorboats can be hired to enjoy exciting rides in the lake. The boathouse is a fantastic place to sit back, relax and gorge on some delicious food.

A major attraction for the tourists at the Pykara Lake is the boathouse. The boathouse, along with its restaurant, is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. It comprises of several boats which can be rented by the tourists according to their needs.

The new car boat can accommodate up to 10 people, so do take a boat into the shimmering waters if you are travelling in a group. Motor boats are available for rent for 20 minutes, while speedboats are rented out for 10 minutes.

The scenic views from the centre of the lake will literally leave you spellbound and asking for more. You can click pictures and shoot videos from the bridge that is located here. The restaurant in the boathouse is also famous for the delicious food that it serves.

The Pykara Lake is open on all days from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. People usually spend about two hours here.

The entry fees for Pykara Lake is as follows: Van Tour: INR 150, Students (on permission): INR 75, Jeep Tour: INR 1200 Still Camera: INR 20 Video...

🇮🇳 Swachh Bharat & No Plastics – Pykara Lake 2.0 is a Proud Moment

I’ve visited Pykara Lake years ago — back when it was still a “nice place” but, let’s be honest, not exactly Instagram-worthy. Plastic wrappers on the trail, gutka stains, stalls selling chips and water bottles with no dustbins in sight — classic overrun tourist spot vibes. 🥴

Fast forward to June 2025 — and boy, WHAT. A. TRANSFORMATION. ✨

From the moment we entered, it was like someone had waved a Swachh Bharat magic wand over the entire area. Neatly maintained walkways, zero plastic waste, clean boating dock, and actual working waste segregation bins. I had to pause and ask myself: Is this really the same Pykara I visited a few years ago?

Turns out, the no plastic rule by Nilgiris administration has been implemented seriously and successfully. Not just on paper. And the results are shining — quite literally in the form of pristine waters and an air of calmness that’s hard to find in tourist spots these days.

The boating experience is now better than ever. Speedboats, rowboats — all maintained well with proper queues and courteous staff. Safety jackets provided, charges reasonable (₹500–₹800 depending on boat), and no one trying to sell you overpriced popcorn in the middle of the forest. 😄

Compare this with some “premium” lake experiences abroad — yes, they have the postcard views, but they also have sky-high ticket prices and crowds that don’t care. Here at Pykara, for a fraction of the cost, you get clean air, scenic beauty, good governance, and the warm energy that only Indian hill stations can offer. 🇮🇳

Best part? Even during peak season, the crowd is managed well. And no honking, screaming or plastic flying around — all thanks to the strict plastic ban and cooperation from tourists too. Credit goes to both the Forest Dept and the local tourism board for enforcing this so well.

Back in the day, Pykara was a place you visited once and forgot. Now, it’s a place you’d want to return to — and recommend proudly.

🧹 From once being a cluttered picnic spot to now being a model eco-tourism site, Pykara Lake is proof that when Swachh Bharat meets action, India...

Visiting the Pykara Lake Boat House near Ooty in Tamil Nadu can be a truly peaceful and scenic experience. Here’s a summary of what you can typically expect and enjoy there:

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🌊 Serene Setting

Pykara Lake is nestled amid rolling hills and forests, making the boat house feel like a peaceful retreat. The surroundings are calm, and the lake water is often still, reflecting the lush greenery around it.

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🚤 Boating Experience

The boat house offers various types of boats: • Speed boats (for 2–6 people): Thrilling and fast — perfect if you’re looking for a short but fun ride. • Motorboats (for 8–10 people): Slower but great for families or groups who want to enjoy the scenery. • Pedal boats: Sometimes available, ideal for a more relaxed, hands-on experience.

Rides usually last between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of boat.

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📸 Photography Spots

The entire area is photogenic — think misty hills, mirror-like water, and little docks where you can take stunning pictures. Sunsets are especially magical here.

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🧺 Other Facilities • A small café/snack bar is available — expect tea, coffee, and basic snacks. • There are restrooms and a parking area. • Horse rides and local souvenir shops may be available near the entrance.

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🕒 Best Time to Visit • Morning or late afternoon: Cooler, better light for photos, and usually fewer crowds. • Avoid monsoon (July–September): The lake may be off-limits during heavy rains.

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😊 Overall Vibe

Pykara Boat House is less commercialized than Ooty Lake, making it perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more nature-focused experience. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone wanting a peaceful break with...