Pykara Lake Boating
Pykara Lake Boating things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 Camera: INR 50
Nurul Amin Mondal
10
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: ⸻ 🌊 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. ⸻ 🚤 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. ⸻ 📸 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. ⸻ 🧺 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. ⸻ 🕒 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. ⸻ 😊 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 beautiful scenery.
Sanjith S
00
Pykara Lake, located near the waterfall in Ooty, offers boating facilities for tourists. Visitors can enjoy boating on the serene waters of Pykara Lake amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Nilgiris. Boating is a popular activity here, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area. The best time to enjoy boating at Pykara Lake is during the post-monsoon and winter seasons when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are lush green. The best time to visit Pykara Lake for boating and enjoying the scenic beauty is during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, which typically span from September to February. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like boating. The surrounding landscape is lush and green after the monsoon rains, enhancing the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. It's best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can affect outdoor activities and may lead to temporary closures of the lake for safety reasons. Similarly, the summer months (March to May) can be relatively hot and crowded, so visiting during the cooler months is generally preferred for a more enjoyable experience. Charges Shared boat : 135 per member for 10 persons, you have to manage all members for slow speed boats Second option : Hish speed boats for rs. 1150 for a maximum of three persons. Timing: Last 5:30 pm
Sumeet Raudin
00
Pykara Lake Boating is an amazing vacation spot! The peaceful lake, paired with the excitement of boating, makes it a destination you won't want to miss. The boat riders skillfully tilt the boat to give you a thrilling experience. If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can extend your ride by 5 minutes for even more fun! There are three levels of boating experiences available:1. A short ride on a speed boat for a quick thrill.2. A ride with a group of 8 on an open boat at a good speed.3. A ride with a group of 10 on a closed boat, which is always safe and travels at a normal speed. I visited Pykara Lake in Ooty with my friends in March 2024. The lake is stunning and quite large. There are small shops nearby where you can purchase essential food items. The road to get there was a bit rough at the time, but I'm not sure what the current situation is like. Pykara Boat House is a renowned site in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, located near Pykara Waterfall. It provides tourists with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take a leisurely boat ride on Pykara Lake, which is surrounded by stunning scenery. The boat house offers a variety of boats, including motorboats and rowboats, so tourists can select their favorite means of transportation. The boat journey takes you around the lake's tranquil waters, providing spectacular views of the surrounding hills, forests, and wildlife that may be found along the shoreline.
VARATHARAJ N
20
Situated amidst a lush green shola forest, Pykara Lake is formed as a result of the dam and power plant constructed on the river. The Boat Club (or Boat House, as popularly called) in the vicinity, adds to the charm of this little panoramic tourist complex among the hills. This Pykara Lake Boat House, apart from housing a small cafeteria, has several motorboats ranging from 8-seaters and 10-seaters and 2-seater speed boat. 2 seater speed boat is 10 min ride . 8 and 10 seater boat is 20 min ride. For 20 min ride you will get 15 min ride only. Cost: 2 Seater - ₹ 1100 . 8 Seater - ₹ 1100 . 10 Seater - ₹ 1300 . If you’re looking for a thrilling ride instead, you can take the small speedboats. The greens around, thick forests at the shores and the pines in the backdrop, all create an atmosphere to make you hop on the decks. At Pykara Lake and Falls Ooty, you have everything you need to enjoy a day out with your friends/family or enjoy a solitary nature walk. Sit back, relax and read what all you can do at Pykara Lake, apart from gorging on the scenic natural beauty. Get in there early to avoid rush or waiting time. Boating or hiking in the evening hours will be more comfortable though. Timings: Pykara Lake boating timings are between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM every day, and the boating charges are collected per boat instead of the number of people.
YenYenGeeDeeKay Edits
10
Pykara Lake is a scenic getaway about 20 km from Ooty, known for its crystal-clear water, lush green surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere. The lake is a popular tourist spot, mainly for its boating experiences, which range from speed boats to larger group boats. Boating is the main attraction here, and while the experience is enjoyable, it comes at a premium price. A 10-minute speed boat ride for two to three people costs around ₹1,200, while larger boats accommodate groups at a similar rate. You can enjoy some breathtaking views here. The area is well-maintained and organized, with a dedicated boathouse and small eateries for quick snacks. However, don’t expect much beyond the boating experience—there isn’t a large open lakeside area to relax. If you’re unable to climb down the stairs to the lake, there are benches available where you can sit and enjoy the view. While the boating prices are fixed. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you might consider Ooty Lake instead. However, for those who enjoy adventure and don’t mind spending a bit more, the thrill of gliding across Pykara Lake is worth it. I found it fully paisa vasool!
Rajat Tripathi
00
Nearby Restaurants Of Pykara Lake Boating
Daa'in Restaurant
Tamil Nadu tourism development Corporation Restaurant

Daa'in Restaurant
4.8
(20)
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Tamil Nadu tourism development Corporation Restaurant
3.2
(5)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
FH3W+WXP, Pykara, Tamil Nadu 643237, India
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Phone
+91 1800 4253 1111
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4.4
(5.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
attractions: , restaurants: Daa'in Restaurant, Tamil Nadu tourism development Corporation Restaurant

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