Avalanche Lake

Travel for 33 km from Coonoor to reach the beautiful Avalanche Lake tucked in the Avalanche village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The place makes an excellent eco-tourism spot.

Avalanche Lake has formed naturally in the year 1823 AD due to a massive landslide (Avalanche). The lake is a heaven for nature lovers surrounded by a rolling landscape with blooming flowers and rhododendrons, also the small waterfalls falling down from encircling mountains create a picture-perfect ambiance. This lake also serves as the major source of water supply for the Kundah Hydro Power stations.

This lake is mostly visited after monsoons as the high water level offers a great opportunity for trout fishing. It is considered as one of the star attractions of Ooty tourism. Fishing rods and other equipment can be taken from a trout hatchery located near the lake. Other activities like camping and trekking are also popular among tourists.

The surroundings of the dam are considered as a sanctuary with a variety of wildlife and offer beautiful experiences to visitors in the lap of nature. Avalanche is a habitat of Wild animals like Tiger, Nilgiri Thar, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, and Nilgiri Langur. Trekking enthusiasts keep flocking here to try various trekking trails, the popular one being the trek along Bhavani River. One can also trek up to the eagle’s eye view of Ooty.

Visitors should take prior permission from the forest office in Ooty as the lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Private vehicles are not allowed into the Sanctuary and visitors have to take Only Forest Department mini bus for a 2 hours ride into the Sanctuary, covering Lake, Bhavani Temple, and Hydropower plant. One can start the journey from Forest Department Check Post 3 km before the Avalanche Lake. The available buses run between 9 AM to 3 PM (2 hours ride) at specific intervals. Taking the 9 AM bus gives better chances of wildlife sighting. Jeeps are also available for a group of 8 people.

There is also a forest rest house before Forest Check Post which provides basic accommodation.

Mini Bus Safari: Rs. 150 per head

Jeep Safari: Rs. 1200 for 8 persons