About Pykara Lake & Boating
Pykara Lake is a serene reservoir formed by the Pykara River, set amidst thick forests and rolling hills on the Ooty–Gudalur road. The official Pykara Boat House offers organised boating on the lake, making it one of the must-do experiences for visitors staying in Ooty.
You first park near the entrance, walk past ticket counters, snack stalls and the approach path, and then reach the jetty area. From here you can choose between row boats, motor boats or speed boats (as available), enjoy a timed ride on the calm waters and click pictures of the surrounding evergreen hills.
Scenic Boating on Calm Lake Forested Hill Backdrop Family-Friendly Activity Key Stop on Pykara Route
Pykara Lake & Boating Photo Gallery
Timings, Entry Fee & Boating Duration
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Boating Timings | Generally operates during daylight hours, typically around 10:00 AM – 05:30 PM (may extend slightly in season and on holidays). |
| Lake Entry / Viewpoint | Visitors usually pay a nominal park / lake entry fee per person to access the boat house and viewpoint area. |
| Boating Tickets | Tickets are sold at the official counter for different boat types and capacities. Rates are revised by authorities from time to time – check the current tariff board at Pykara Boat House on the day of visit. |
| Typical Boating Options | - Row boats – shared or private, suitable for relaxed, slower rides.
- Motor boats – faster, good for families/groups wanting a comfortable ride without rowing.
- Speed boats – short, thrilling rides (subject to availability and weather).
|
| Average Boating Duration | Common patterns are around 15–25 minutes for normal boats and around 8–12 minutes for speed boats, depending on the ticket chosen. |
| Ideal Time to Keep | Plan about 60–90 minutes at Pykara Lake including walking time, ticket queue, waiting for your turn, boating and photos. |
Important: All charges and exact boating durations are controlled by the concerned tourism/boat house authorities and may change. Please follow the latest notice boards and staff instructions at the venue.
How to Reach Pykara Lake from Ooty
- By Cab: Pykara Lake lies on the Ooty–Pykara / Gudalur road, about 45–60 minutes drive from Ooty (depending on traffic and sightseeing halts). Almost all cab drivers know “Pykara Boat House”.
- With Sightseeing Packages: Usually covered in Pykara side full-day tours along with Golf Club outer view, Pine Forest, Tree Park, Wenlock Downs and Pykara Falls.
- By Auto / Taxi: You can hire an auto or taxi, but for convenience and return timing, a private cab package is recommended for the full belt.
- Self-Drive: Follow maps towards Pykara, then look for signboards to the official Pykara Boat House. Drive cautiously; this highway stretch has curves, mist and tourist traffic.
Parking, Walk Distance & Safety Tips
- Parking: There is a parking area near the entrance where cabs and private vehicles are parked. On weekends/holidays it can get busy; follow staff directions.
- Walk Distance: Expect a short to moderate walk from parking and ticket counters down towards the jetty area, including some steps and sloping paths.
- Queuing: During season, there can be queues for tickets and boarding. Keep your group together and follow the line system announced.
- Safety: Life jackets are generally provided; wear them properly and ensure children are seated safely inside the boat. Do not lean too far out or attempt risky poses near the railing.
- Monsoon / Wind: In case of strong winds, heavy rain or poor visibility, boating may be temporarily stopped for safety. Respect such announcements.
Best Time & Tips for Pykara Lake & Boating
- Light & Photos:Late morning or mid-afternoon often gives good light on the water and hills. Closer to sunset you may see more colour in the sky.
- Weekends vs Weekdays:Weekdays are usually calmer with shorter queues; weekends and holidays can be crowded, especially in summer and long weekends.
- What to Wear: Comfortable clothes, non-slippery footwear and a light jacket (it can feel quite cool on windy days near the water).
- Mobile & Cameras: Use a neck/hand strap and be careful when shooting over the edge of the boat to avoid accidental drops.
- Combine with Pykara Falls: Ideally combine your lake boating with a separate stop at Pykara Falls (viewpoint area) and other route attractions like Wenlock Downs and Tree Park.
Weather & Season Guide – Pykara Lake
| Season | Weather | Lake & View | Tip |
|---|
| Dec–Feb | Cold & crisp | Clear air on many days | Carry warm clothing; wind over the lake can make it feel much cooler than in town. |
| Mar–May | Pleasant, busy | Popular holiday season | Expect more crowd and queues; start early from Ooty to manage time comfortably. |
| Jun–Sep | Mist & rain spells | Mystic views, changing moods | Boating may be temporarily stopped during heavy rain or rough conditions; keep a flexible plan. |
| Oct–Nov | Post-monsoon | Fresh greenery | Good time for photos with greener surroundings and moderate climate. |
Always check same-day weather and follow on-ground instructions; safety takes priority over completing a boating ride.
Pykara Lake Highlights (for Visitors)
- Organised Boating: Structured, ticketed boating facility with multiple boat options makes it easy for families and first-time visitors.
- Scenic Surroundings: Surrounded by shola forests and hill slopes, giving a very different feel from town-level lakes.
- Film Connection: The Pykara belt has been used in many movies and songs, adding to the charm of boating here.
- Part of Full-Day Circuit: Naturally clubbed with Golf Club outer view, Pine Forest, Tree Park, Wenlock Downs, Kamaraj Sagar Dam and Pykara Falls.
Accessibility & Walk Effort
- Walking: Expect a combination of level paths and steps between parking, ticket counters and the jetty.
- Elders: Elders who are comfortable with slow walking and some steps can generally manage with support. It is better to avoid rushing or carrying heavy bags.
- Kids: Children usually enjoy the walk and boating, but should be held near railings, steps and water edges for safety.
- Wheelchair Access: Fully step-free access right up to boats may not be available; arrangements depend on current infrastructure and staff support at the time of visit.
Map & Distance
Pykara Lake & Boating is located along the Ooty–Gudalur highway, further down from Wenlock Downs and Kamaraj Sagar Dam, and is usually the last major spot on the Pykara side before returning towards Ooty or continuing to Gudalur.
Pykara Lake & Boating – FAQs
What are the boating timings at Pykara Lake?
Boating at Pykara Lake usually runs during daytime hours, roughly from 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM, with variations based on season, crowd and weather. Final ticket closing and last ride timings are decided by the boat house staff on that day.
How much time should I plan at Pykara Lake?
Plan for about 60–90 minutes including walk from parking, buying tickets, waiting for your turn, boating and taking photos around the jetty and viewpoint area. During peak holiday rush, you may need extra buffer time.
Are life jackets provided for boating at Pykara Lake?
Yes, life jackets are generally provided and are strongly recommended for all passengers, especially kids. Follow staff instructions for wearing and securing jackets properly before the boat leaves the jetty.
Can I club Pykara Lake with Pykara Falls and other Ooty sightseeing spots?
Definitely. Pykara Lake is a core part of the Pykara side circuit and is usually combined with Pykara Falls, Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Wenlock Downs, Tree Park and Pine Forest in a single full-day cab itinerary from Ooty.
Is Pykara Lake safe for families with kids and elders?
Yes, Pykara Lake & Boating is generally family-friendly, as long as you follow basic precautions: hold hands near steps and water edges, wear life jackets properly, avoid leaning out of the boat and listen to all safety instructions from the boat staff.
Private Cab Packages for Pykara Side (1–3 Days)
Doorstep pickup, curated Ooty & Pykara sightseeing (Pykara Lake & Boating, Pykara Falls, Wenlock Downs, Tree Park, Pine Forest, Kamaraj Sagar Dam), trusted local drivers and flexible timings.
