Avalanche Lake / Sanctuary

At a distance of 5 km from Emerald Lake, 23 km from Ooty & 33 km from Coonoor, Avalanche Lake is beautiful lake situated at Avalanche village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular eco- tourism spot and also one of the best places to visit in Ooty.

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

The journey from Ooty to Avalanche takes one to a picturesque spot centered on a lake. The Avalanche Dam creates Upper Bhavani Lake beyond Emerald Lake. This lake is mostly visited after monsoons as the high water level offers 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 trekking and camping are also popular among tourists.

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

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

There is also a forest rest house on the way to Forest Check Post which provides basic accommodation.

Entry Timings: 9 AM to 3 PM

Mini Bus Safari: Rs. 150 per head

Jeep Safari: Rs. 1200 for 8 persons