Pykara Lake - a must see picturesque Lake. Review on Pykara Lake, Ooty

It was a good decision to visit Ooty in the summer heat during Mid May away from the unusually hot Bangalore this May. Have visited Ooty earlier too,  however hadn't visited Pykara. Located about 20 kms from Ooty city, driving through beautiful forest stretch, the Pykara lake emerges as a picturesque and beautiful lake as was read about in several writeups.

A boat house by the Tamil Nadu tourism attracts a steady stream of tourists wanting to venture into the lake in  motorized boats and speed boats. The approach to the lake is at quite a height requiring to walk down a large number of steps. The ride  booking counter and refreshments are located just as you begin the descent. Speed boats accommodate 4.

The slower and gentle motorized boat rides require about 8 people,  so you will see total strangers,  families / couples doing permutations and combinations to partake the ride. It was amazingly peaceful as we drifted on a 20 minute ride away from the hustle bustle that we were part of awaiting the ride. Being summer water level was a bit low but the scenes were beautiful and perfect for some picture moments. The return saw another closely located boat house with lots of boats. Enquiries with the boatman revealed that it was a training Centre of the Indian Navy.

Getting back to the entrance requires ascending quite many steps. Refreshments enroute is decently varied in form of beverages, juices,  puffs, Biryani, pakodas, curd rice, noodles etc.

The downside is that the steps to and fro to the boat house can be challenging for our elders and very difficult for disabled members. Probably they can consider building an elevator which will be extremely useful. The toilet is perched on a height and poorly maintained. Cars parked at a distance may struggle to move out considering the steep gradient of the road.

Overall a must see lake, and a wonderful and better alternative to the busy Ooty boat house.

Went as a family of 3

Best time - Summers(monsoon and winter can get very cold to venture out)

Time at location -  1.5 hours