Upper Bhavani Lake
A breathtaking, often inaccessible gem in the Nilgiris, known for its pristine emerald waters and serene forest surroundings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Highest water levels
Upper Bhavani Lake
Best Time
Highest water levels
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, often inaccessible gem in the Nilgiris, known for its pristine emerald waters and serene forest surroundings.
"One of the best lakes I ever seen, a real visual treat for your eyes."
Check Closure Status
The lake is often closed. Always verify with the Forest Department before your trip.
Forest Vehicle Essential
Only forest department vehicles can access the lake. Book tickets in advance if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Emerald Waters
Upper Bhavani Lake
Mesmerizing emerald waters surrounded by lush green hills, offering a serene and untouched natural beauty.
Scenic Forest Drive
En route to Upper Bhavani Lake
A captivating jeep safari through dense forests, shola patches, and valleys, showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the Nilgiris.
Upper Bhavani Dam Backwaters
Upper Bhavani Dam
The vast backwaters of the dam create a stunning landscape, a visual treat for nature lovers and photographers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Current Status
Getting There & Vehicle Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Closure Status
The lake is often closed. Always verify with the Forest Department before your trip.
Forest Vehicle Essential
Only forest department vehicles can access the lake. Book tickets in advance if possible.
Rough Road Ahead
The last 6-7 km road is very bad. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Pack Snacks & Water
Food options are limited. Carry your own water, fruits, and biscuits.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Closure Status
The lake is often closed. Always verify with the Forest Department before your trip.
Forest Vehicle Essential
Only forest department vehicles can access the lake. Book tickets in advance if possible.
Rough Road Ahead
The last 6-7 km road is very bad. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Pack Snacks & Water
Food options are limited. Carry your own water, fruits, and biscuits.
Go Early for Wildlife
Arrive by 9-10 AM for the first trip and better chances of spotting wildlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Upper Bhavani Lake is described as one of the most beautiful and amazing places in Ooty, offering pristine emerald waters and a serene natural escape. However, it is currently closed to tourists due to safety concerns following a landslide, and access involves a very rough road requiring forest department vehicles.
"🌊 Upper Bhavani Lake – Currently Closed
Upper Bhavani Lake was once considered one of the most breathtaking hidden gems of Ooty, offering a serene jeep safari through dense forests, shola patches, and valleys before opening up to the pristine blue waters of the lake. For many, it was the highlight of an Ooty trip — untouched, less crowded, and incredibly peaceful.
However, since the landslide in 2019, this route and the lake access have been officially closed to tourists by the Forest Department for safety reasons. Sadly, the spot that was once a traveler’s delight is now out of bounds.
👉 So if you are planning your trip to Ooty, don’t include Upper Bhavani Lake in your itinerary for now. While it remains a natural treasure, it is not accessible until further notice. Instead, you can consider Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, or Pykara Lake as safe and scenic alternatives."
Dinesh Ravi
"One of the best lake I ever seen. It's in the national forest area. You can't go there by your own car. You have to book ticket for visiting the lake. Ticket fare for a small bus is ₹150 per person. The colour of water and location of the place is amazing. The road condition from avalanche village to ticket counter is very bad. But you can enjoy heavenly beauty on the way from Ooty."
Subhankar Nandan
"To visit this place you have to first come to "avalanche forest reserve." Google for "Avalanche forest reserve" if you are navigating using Google maps. From here on you have to take forest reserve vehicle to go to Upper Bhavani lake.
Last 6 to 7 kms of road leading to this place is very bad with lot of pot holes and uneven surface. Make sure the tyres and vehicle is in good condition. Don't overload your car otherwise it may become difficult to negotiate a steep climb even in first gear.
The tour is closed on Monday. Forest vehicles run at particular intervals. Didn't find time table. So preferably go early by 9 or 10am so that you can get on first trip and catch some wild life.
Be advised food options are limited so carry water and fruits/biscuits if you may like.
Around September water level is highest. By April, May water level drops to what you can see in the picture (pic taken in April 2018). Honestly in April, May if don't visit this place it is alright, you won't miss out much. Because it takes more than half day to cover this place and the road is extremely rough. With high water level in the lake... This place would be worth visiting"
Sumeet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ooty, you'll drive towards Avalanche Forest Reserve. The journey is about 38 km and takes around 1.5 hours. Beyond the check post, private vehicles are not permitted. You must take a forest department bus or jeep for the remaining rough terrain.
No, private vehicles are not allowed to go all the way to the lake. You need to park at the designated check post and take the forest department's vehicle. The road is extremely rough and challenging.
The last 6-7 kilometers of the road are in very bad condition with numerous potholes and an uneven surface. It's a challenging drive even for the forest department vehicles.
The primary mode of transport from the check post is via government-run shuttle buses or jeeps operated by the forest department.
The drive from Ooty to the check post takes about 1.5 hours. The subsequent journey in the forest vehicle can take an additional 30-45 minutes, depending on road conditions and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, Upper Bhavani Lake is officially closed to tourists due to safety reasons following a landslide. It's essential to check with the Forest Department for any updates on its accessibility.
The cost for the forest department's small bus is approximately ₹150 per person. Prices can vary, so it's best to confirm at the ticket counter.
Tickets for the forest department's vehicle are purchased at the ticket counter located near the Avalanche Forest Reserve check post.
Forest vehicles run at specific intervals, and a timetable is not always readily available. It's advisable to go early, ideally between 9 AM and 10 AM, to catch an early trip.
Yes, the tour is typically closed on Mondays. Always confirm this information locally.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can witness the stunning, pristine emerald waters of the lake, which are the backwaters of the Upper Bhavani Dam. The surrounding landscape of dense forests and shola patches is also a major attraction.
Despite the challenging access and current closure, many consider it one of the most beautiful and amazing places in Ooty, offering a unique visual treat for nature lovers.
The area is home to giant squirrels, jungle cats, wild dogs, jackals, and various other fauna. The drive through the reserve forest offers chances to spot them.
You should ideally spare at least half a day for the visit, considering the travel time, the rough road journey, and time to soak in the scenery.
The primary activities are enjoying the scenic beauty, photography, and potentially hiking or walking in the surrounding areas if permitted.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Food options are very limited at and around Upper Bhavani Lake. It is highly recommended to carry your own snacks and water.
It's best to arrange packed lunches from Ooty before you start your journey, as there are no reliable food vendors near the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire landscape is picturesque. Focus on the emerald waters, the dam's backwaters, the surrounding hills, and the dense forest during the drive. 
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting. Winter mornings with mist can add a dramatic, mysterious element to your shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in forest reserves and protected areas. It's advisable to check with the Forest Department for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If the lake were accessible, the long travel time and limited facilities might also pose challenges. It's better to opt for more accessible and family-friendly attractions in Ooty, such as the Ooty Lake for boating or the Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
However, it's crucial to remember that this is a forest reserve, and safety is paramount. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition and that you are comfortable navigating rough terrain. The reward for this adventurous drive is the unparalleled natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
📸 Photographers
+1Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. Winter mornings, with their characteristic mist and fog, can create incredibly atmospheric and moody shots. The challenging drive itself can also yield unique perspectives if captured safely.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Upper Bhavani
Travelers often recommend going early in the morning, ideally between 9 AM and 10 AM. This not only increases your chances of spotting wildlife like giant squirrels and various birds but also allows you to catch the first trips of the forest vehicles, potentially avoiding longer waits. The experience of traversing this rugged path in a sturdy forest vehicle adds to the overall adventure, making the arrival at the serene lake even more rewarding.
It's crucial to be prepared for this part of the trip. Ensure your vehicle (if you're driving to the check post) is in good condition, and be ready for a bumpy ride. The forest department's vehicles are equipped to handle this terrain, but passenger comfort can vary. The journey is a significant part of the Upper Bhavani experience, blending the thrill of off-roading with the anticipation of reaching a natural wonder.
Understanding the Lake's Status
This current closure is a critical piece of information for anyone planning a trip to Ooty. It's strongly advised not to include Upper Bhavani Lake in your itinerary for now. Instead, the Forest Department and local tourism resources suggest exploring alternative, accessible, and equally beautiful lakes in the region. These include Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pykara Lake, which offer similar natural beauty and tranquility without the access restrictions.
While the natural beauty of Upper Bhavani Lake remains, its inaccessibility means travelers should adjust their expectations and plans. Staying informed about official announcements from the Forest Department is key. The situation highlights the importance of responsible tourism and respecting safety guidelines in natural environments.
Best Times to Visit (When Accessible)
Winter months, particularly mornings, offer a unique experience. The mist and fog that often blanket the Nilgiri hills during this time add an element of mystery and enchantment to the journey and the lake itself. This can create stunning photographic opportunities, though visibility might be reduced.
Conversely, visiting during April and May might be less rewarding as the water levels tend to drop significantly. While still a beautiful area, the impact of the lake's grandeur might be diminished. Therefore, planning your visit around the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, or during the misty winter mornings, is generally recommended for the most impactful experience.
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