About Ooty Lake & Tamil Nadu Boat House
Ooty Lake is a man-made lake spread across the lower part of town, and the Tamil Nadu Boat House on its shore is one of the most visited attractions in Ooty. Managed by Tamil Nadu Tourism, it is a classic stop for families, couples and student groups who want to enjoy lake views and boating.
Here you will find pedal boats, row boats and motor boats that take you around a section of the lake, along with kids play area, mini train, horse rides, photo spots and small food outlets. Many visitors combine boating at Ooty Lake with nearby attractions like Thunder World, deer park and city sightseeing for a half-day plan.
Scenic Lake Views Pedal & Motor Boats Kids Park & Mini Train Horse Rides & Lakeside Fun
Ooty Lake & Boat House Photo Gallery
Timings, Entry Fee & Boating Duration
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Lake & Boat House Timings | Generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days.
Boating runs in 30-minute slots and may close a little early if it is too dark or rainy. |
| Entry Fee (Lake & Boat House) | ₹20 per person for Indian visitors as per latest tariff board.
Separate tariff is applicable for foreign tourists & groups as displayed at the counter. |
| Pedal Boat Charges (30 min) | 2-seater pedal boat: ₹350 for 30 minutes
4-seater pedal boat: ₹450 for 30 minutes
A refundable security deposit equal to the ticket amount is collected per boat and returned if there is no damage and the boat is returned on time. |
| Motor Boat Charges (30 min) | 6-seater motor boat: ₹800 for 30 minutes
8-seater motor boat: ₹950 for 30 minutes
10-seater motor boat: ₹1,150 for 30 minutes
15-seater motor boat: ₹1,650 for 30 minutes
All motor-boat tariffs are inclusive of driver charges as per current board. |
| Camera (Approx.) | Recent tourism info shows camera fees around ₹30 for still camera and ₹150 for video camera. Exact amount may vary slightly; please confirm at the counter. |
| Boating Duration | Standard ride time is about 30 minutes per trip (for both pedal and motor boats).
Last boating slots are usually taken before 6:00 PM, depending on season and light. |
| Average Visit Time | Plan for around 2 – 3 hours including entry, boating, lakeside activities, snacks and photos. |
Rates above are based on the latest publicly available tariff information for Ooty Lake Boat House (checked October 2025) and can change during peak season, weekends or festivals. Always re-check the displayed board at the entrance for exact current prices.
Note: Ticket structure, timings and boating options may change; always check the latest information at the Tamil Nadu Boat House ticket counter.
How to Reach Ooty Lake & Tamil Nadu Boat House
- By Cab: Ask for “Ooty Lake / Boat House”. It is a standard point on all Ooty city sightseeing routes.
- By Auto / Taxi: Autos from Ooty Bus Stand, Railway Station and Charring Cross regularly come to the lake; it is a short ride.
- On Foot: If you are staying near lower Ooty, you can walk to the lake along the main road, but traffic is busy in season – use footpaths where available.
- With Sightseeing Package: Almost all Ooty cab packages include Lake & Boat House as an important stop along with gardens and viewpoints.
Parking & Facilities
- Parking: There is a large paid parking area designated for cars, tempo travellers and two-wheelers near the Boat House gate.
- Inside the campus you will find ticket counters, snack stalls, tea & coffee outlets, basic seating and restrooms.
- Queues for boating can be long during weekends and holidays, so factor in some waiting time.
- Life jackets are usually provided for boating; ensure everyone wears them properly, especially children and non-swimmers.
Best Time & Tips for Visiting
- Best time of day:Morning and late afternoon offer pleasant light for photos. Midday sun can be harsh in summer.
- Peak crowd: Weekends, school vacations and public holidays see heavier crowd & longer queues for boating.
- During monsoon or drizzly weather, boating may be temporarily stopped for safety – check with staff before buying tickets.
- Keep mobiles and cameras safe during boating; avoid leaning too far over the edge of the boat while taking selfies.
- Plan your visit so you finish boating and photos in one go to avoid rejoining the queue again.
Weather & Season Guide for Ooty Lake
| Season | Weather | Best For | Tip |
|---|
| Dec–Feb | Cool to cold | Clear views & winter holidays | Carry warm clothing for evening boating; water breeze can feel colder. |
| Mar–May | Pleasant | Summer family trips | Peak season with high crowd; plan boating in morning or early evening to avoid rush. |
| Jun–Sep | Mist & light rain | Misty lake views | Some spells of rain; carry umbrella / raincoat and check if boating is operating. |
| Oct–Nov | Post-monsoon | Balanced weather | Good time to combine lake, gardens and nearby attractions in one full-day plan. |
Ooty Lake & Boat House remain a popular stop through most of the year; operations may be affected temporarily in very heavy rain or strong wind.
Ooty Lake & Boat House Highlights
- Scenic Boating: Enjoy pedal, row or motor boat rides on the lake with views of surrounding hills and eucalyptus trees.
- Family Activities: Kids playground, mini toy train, horse rides and photo spots keep the whole family engaged.
- Lakeside Walk: Short lakeside paths with benches where you can relax and take pictures.
- Evening Atmosphere: Lights around the campus and reflections on the water create a pleasant evening vibe in season.
Exact rides, games and stalls may change over time; check the latest list and tariffs inside the Boat House campus.
Tickets, Camera & Safety Information (Reference)
| Item | Approx. Details |
|---|
| Entry Tickets | Small per-person entry fee to access the lake & Boat House campus (separate from boating charges). |
| Boating Charges | Boats are charged per boat and duration – pedal, row and motor boats have different rates as per current TN Tourism tariff board. |
| Camera Use | Mobile photography is usually allowed; confirm any charges or restrictions for professional cameras if applicable. |
| Safety | Always follow staff instructions, wear life jackets, avoid standing in small boats and keep children seated during the ride. |
Information above is indicative; always follow the latest rules, safety boards and announcements at the lake & Boat House.
Accessibility & Walk Effort
- The campus involves short walks from parking to ticket counter and jetty, along mostly level paths.
- There are some steps and ramps near boat boarding points; elders may need a bit of support while getting in and out of boats.
- Benches and seating areas are available for those who want to rest while others go boating.
- Overall walk effort is light to moderate and manageable for most visitors with basic mobility.
Map & Distance
Ooty Lake & Tamil Nadu Boat House — located a short distance from the town centre, easily reachable by cab or auto from Ooty Bus Stand.
Ooty Lake & Tamil Nadu Boat House – FAQs
What is special about Ooty Lake & Tamil Nadu Boat House?
Ooty Lake is one of the most famous landmarks in Ooty, and the Tamil Nadu Boat House on its shore offers pedal, row and motor boating along with kids rides, horse rides and lakeside snacks, making it a must-visit for most Ooty itineraries.
What are the boating timings and ticket options?
The lake and Boat House are generally open from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Boating tickets are available for different boat types and durations (pedal, row, motor boats), with rates clearly displayed at the ticket counter. Separate entry fee applies to enter the campus.
How long should I plan for Ooty Lake & Boat House?
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2.5 hours at Ooty Lake & Boat House, including waiting time for boats, a boating round, photos and small activities like kids rides or snacks. If you want a relaxed experience, plan a little extra time.
Is Ooty Lake boating suitable for kids and elders?
Yes, boating at Ooty Lake is generally family-friendly. Life jackets are usually provided. Kids should always sit in the middle of the boat with jackets on, and elders may need a bit of help while boarding and getting down. Avoid boating during very bad weather or if you are uncomfortable with water.
Private Cab Packages (1–5 Days)
Doorstep pickup, curated Ooty sightseeing (Ooty Lake, Boat House, Thunder World, Gardens, Tea Factory, Doddabetta), trusted local drivers, GST bill & flexible timings.
