Upper Bhavani Reservoir
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Upper Bhavani Reservoir

Discover the pristine beauty of Upper Bhavani Reservoir, a secluded haven in the Nilgiris Hills, offering crystal-clear waters, lush shola forests

⭐ 4.6 Dam & Reservoir ⛰️ 2,277 m (7,470 ft) 📍 Area: Nilgiris Hills 🏙️ Nilgiris 📍 Tamilnadu
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Best Time October to March
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Category Dam & Reservoir
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Area / Region Nilgiris Hills
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Elevation 2,277 m (7,470 ft)
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Entry Fee

No direct entry fee to view the lake.

Bus safari ticket costs ₹150 per person, or a jeep can be hired for ₹1200 for eight people.

Two-wheeler fee: INR 10.

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Open Hours

Forest department office opens at 10:30 AM.

Tours available 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Daily).

🗺️ Get directions to Upper Bhavani Reservoir (Google Maps)

About this Place

Upper Bhavani Reservoir is a pristine, artificial lake with crystal-clear greenish-blue waters, surrounded by lush shola forests, rolling grasslands, and mist-shrouded mountains. It is situated within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.

The area offers breathtaking panoramic vistas, opportunities for wildlife observation (including deer, peacocks, and monkeys), and a serene highland reservoir experience. It is the birthplace of the Bhavani River and a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

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

Ideal For & Recommended Visitors

👥 Nature Lovers
👥 Adventure Seekers
👥 Peace Seekers
👥 Photographers
👥 Wildlife Enthusiasts
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☀️ Optimal Season to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from October to March, during the winter months, when the weather is pleasant, favorable for exploration, and soothing. A touch of fog and mist during these months adds to the magic of the place.

Visiting immediately after the rains (June, July, August) is also recommended when the water level is full and greenery is abundant, though monsoon season can bring muddy trails and intermittent rains. It is advised to avoid visiting during summer when water levels recede and greenery is less.

How to Reach

Access to Upper Bhavani Reservoir requires prior permission from the Forest Department, and private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain checkpost. Visitors must use official minibuses or jeeps from this checkpost. The distances provided are to the Upper Bhavani Lake check post, which serves as the primary access point.

  • Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is approximately 116 km away.

  • Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station is approximately 87 km away.

  • Nearest Major Bus Stand/City Center: Ooty Bus Stand is approximately 46 km away.

Upper Bhavani Reservoir – FAQs

What are the timings of Upper Bhavani Reservoir?

Forest department office opens at 10:30 AM. Tours available 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Daily).

What is the entry fee for Upper Bhavani Reservoir?

No direct entry fee to view the lake. Bus safari ticket costs ₹150 per person, or a jeep can be hired for ₹1200 for eight people. Two-wheeler fee: INR 10.

What is the best time to visit Upper Bhavani Reservoir?

October to March

How to reach Upper Bhavani Reservoir?

Access to Upper Bhavani Reservoir requires prior permission from the Forest Department, and private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain checkpost. Visitors must use official minibuses or jeeps from this checkpost. The distances provided are to the Upper Bhavani Lake check post, which serves as the primary access point. Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is approximately 116 km away. Nearest Railway Station: Mettupalayam Railway Station is approximately 87 km away. Nearest Major Bus Stand/City Center: Ooty Bus Stand is approximately 46 km away.

Where is Upper Bhavani Reservoir located?

Upper Bhavani Reservoir is in Nilgiris Hills, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu (GPS: 11.22976, 76.52356).

📜 Historical Context

The Upper Bhavani Dam, a gravity and masonry structure, was completed in 1965 as part of Phase V of the Kundah hydroelectric power scheme. It was commissioned by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (now TANGEDCO) and plays a vital role in Tamil Nadu's hydroelectric power generation, contributing 40 MW of power, and water storage for downstream supply and diversion within the Cauvery River basin.

The reservoir is formed by impounding the Bhavani River at its origin. The area is also home to the Bhavani Amman Temple, which can be visited en route to the lake.

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🏷️ Related Tags & Topics

Click any tag to search related destinations:

# Nature # Trekking Tamil Nadu # Reservoir # Wildlife # Dam # Photography

📍 GPS Accurate Map

GPS Coordinates: 11.22976383, 76.52356094

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