Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty
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Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty

Discover the serene beauty and historical engineering marvel of Pykara Dam & Power House, nestled in Ooty's Nilgiri Hills, offering tranquil lakes, cascading fa

⭐ 4.3 Dam & Reservoir ⛰️ 2,047 m (6,716 ft) 📍 Area: Pykara 🏙️ Nilgiris 📍 Tamilnadu
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Best Time October to March
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Category Dam & Reservoir
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Area / Region Pykara
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Elevation 2,047 m (6,716 ft)
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Entry Fee

No entry fee for the dam. Pykara Lake: ₹5-₹10 per person (boating extra). Pykara Falls: ₹5-₹30 per person (battery car & camera extra).

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Open Hours

Dam: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Lake/Boat House: 8:30 AM/9:00 AM – 5:00 PM/5:30 PM.

Falls: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM/5:30 PM (Daily).

🗺️ Get directions to Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty (Google Maps)

About this Place

Pykara Dam & Power House is part of a larger scenic complex that includes the Pykara River, Pykara Lake, and Pykara Falls, nestled amidst the serene Nilgiri Hills near Ooty, Tamil Nadu. This popular tourist destination offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical engineering marvel.

The dam, an early 20th-century engineering feat commissioned in 1932 as Tamil Nadu's first water power station, harnesses the river's flow for hydroelectric power. The resulting Pykara Lake is a tranquil reservoir surrounded by dense shola forests, pine trees, and rolling hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, with options for speed boats and motor boats.

A short distance away, the Pykara Falls cascade down in two main sections (55 meters and 61 meters), creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle, especially vibrant during and after the monsoon. The entire area is known for its pristine natural beauty, making it a popular spot for photography, picnics, and leisurely walks amidst a refreshing environment. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

🛡️ Verified Travel Resource 📅 Last Updated: July 19, 2026 09:01 PM (Local Time)

Ideal For & Recommended Visitors

👥 Nature Lovers
👥 Adventure Seekers
👥 Photographers
👥 Families
👥 Couples
👥 Picnickers
👥 Peace Seekers
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☀️ Optimal Season to Visit

The period from October to March offers pleasant weather and strong waterfall flow post-monsoon. While accessible year-round, summer (April-June) may have lower water levels, and monsoon (July-August) can make paths slippery, though the falls are most vibrant then.

How to Reach

Pykara Dam & Power House is well-connected by road from Ooty and other major cities.

  • Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is approximately 108 km away.

  • Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station is about 23 km away. The nearest broad gauge station is Mettupalayam, approximately 72 km away.

  • Nearest Bus Stand: Ooty Bus Stand is around 23 km away.

Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty – FAQs

What are the timings of Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty?

Dam: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lake/Boat House: 8:30 AM/9:00 AM – 5:00 PM/5:30 PM. Falls: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM/5:30 PM (Daily).

What is the entry fee for Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty?

No entry fee for the dam. Pykara Lake: ₹5-₹10 per person (boating extra). Pykara Falls: ₹5-₹30 per person (battery car & camera extra).

What is the best time to visit Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty?

October to March

How to reach Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty?

Pykara Dam & Power House is well-connected by road from Ooty and other major cities. Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is approximately 108 km away. Nearest Railway Station: Ooty Railway Station is about 23 km away. The nearest broad gauge station is Mettupalayam, approximately 72 km away. Nearest Bus Stand: Ooty Bus Stand is around 23 km away.

Where is Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty located?

Pykara Dam & Power House, Ooty is in Pykara, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu (GPS: 11.46243, 76.6032).

📜 Historical Context

The Pykara River is sacred to the Toda community. The Pykara Hydro Electric Plant, commissioned in October 1932, was Tamil Nadu's first water power station and one of South India's oldest, declared a heritage plant in 1997. It originally had a 70 MW capacity and formed Pykara Lake. The area has also been a backdrop for many films.

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📍 GPS Accurate Map

GPS Coordinates: 11.46242506, 76.60319617

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