Buried deep in the high-altitude forests of the Nilgiris is Avalanche Lake, located some 28 km southwest of Ooty town. The creation of this expansive lake dates back to 1823, when a great landslide changed the landscape of the valley. Today, it acts as a safe haven and is an important catchment area for the Upper Bhavani Hydro Project. Being wholly managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, this location is strictly controlled to protect the unique Shola ecosystem and mountain wildlife of the Western Ghats.
Unlike the commercialised Ooty Lake or the tourist-frequented Pykara, Avalanche Lake gives guests a feel of untainted nature without any concrete stores, music or private boat jetties. The surrounding hills have some very rare Cauliflower Sholas; these are dense and evergreen jungles that look like heads of cauliflower when seen from the ridge tops.
The flora and fauna of the jungle consist of endemic species to the Western Ghats such as Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langurs, Sambar Deer, Asian Elephant, and occasionally Bengal Tiger. The banks have blooming rhododendrons and magnolias during springtime.
The lake is named after a geological event that occurred more than two centuries ago. In 1823, rainfall caused a landslide that cleared out the valley, forming a natural reservoir in which water accumulated to form the lake we know today.
In the latter part of the 19th century, when Britain administered the region, rainbow trout were imported to the area due to the presence of cold streams, resulting in a trout hatchery being established on the shores of the lake.
Private cars and bikes have to come to a halt at the Avalanche check-post to preserve the core forest from any form of pollution and traffic. Visitors need to switch to official Forest Department vehicles for movement in the sanctuary zone.
Bookings can be done directly at the check-post ticket counter, and online bookings are not possible. The safari route involves travelling through the natural forest on a bumpy off-road route covering three main points:
Time management becomes important here, as forest entry times are strictly regulated.
Cash payments are recommended for ticket purchases. Mobile network coverage becomes very poor past Emerald village, which makes payments through UPI difficult.
Water sports and jet skiing are banned to keep the water clean and protect the wildlife, but there are a number of natural activities that take place:
The Nilgiris' weather varies significantly throughout the year, altering the outlook of the lake and its accessibility.
The journey to Emerald Valley begins by moving southwest from central Ooty through countryside roads.
Near Avalanche Lake, a handful of quiet stays sit well away from Ooty’s crowded centre, high in the Nilgiri hills where mist drifts through the pines most mornings. Tea estates roll down the slopes around them, and patches of old Shola forest hold the cold, damp air close to the ground. Mornings here begin with sharp, cool air and a view of the lake lying still below the hills. Short walking trails start close to the doorstep. The lake is known for trout, and anglers often head out early with a permit and a rod. Off-road jeep rides cover the rougher tracks through the forest for those who prefer to see the area on wheels.