Emerald Lake, located in the pristine Emerald Village in Nilgiris district, is one of the most peaceful and unexplored places in Ooty. Unlike the bustling Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake Ooty offers a raw and tranquil environment, surrounded by tea plantations, forested slopes, and a reflection of the Nilgiri hills in still waters. If you’re looking for offbeat places in Ooty, this spot is your dream come true.

📍 Emerald Lake Ooty Map and Location

Emerald Lake is situated about 21 km from Ooty town, in the Silent Valley region of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It lies beyond the popular tourist circuit, making it ideal for peaceful nature experiences.

🕑 Emerald Lake Ooty Timings

  • Open: Daily
  • Best Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Ideal Photo Time: 7:00 AM (misty light) or 5:00 PM (sunset hour)

💳 Emerald Lake Entry Fee & Permission

  • Entry Fee: FREE (as of now)
  • Emerald Lake Ooty Permission: No permit required for tourists
  • Drone & Photo Shoots: Permission from nearby estate managers required for commercial usage

🚌 How to Reach Emerald Lake Ooty

  • From Ooty: 21 km (approx. 45 mins drive)
  • Route: Ooty → Fernhill → Manjoor Road → Emerald Village
  • Public Transport: Limited; prefer cab or private vehicle
  • Nearest Rail: Ooty Station (Udhagamandalam)
  • Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (100 km)

🚗 Emerald Lake Ooty Distance from Ooty

  • Exact Distance: 21 km
  • Drive Time: ~45 minutes by car

🌟 Things to Do in Emerald Lake Ooty

  • Nature Walks in Tea Estates
  • Birdwatching (especially hornbills, mynas, thrushes)
  • Quiet Photography Sessions
  • Picnics on the Lakeside (self-catering recommended)
  • Visit Emerald Dam (short trek away)

❌ No boating currently allowed at Emerald Lake (for ecological preservation)

🌍 Places to Visit Near Emerald Lake Ooty

💧 1. Emerald Dam Ooty

Located just a short walk (~1 km) from Emerald Lake, this peaceful reservoir is part of the Upper Bhavani hydroelectric system. It’s surrounded by misty hills and tea estates, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~1 km (walkable)

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM

  • Best For: Quiet picnics, birdwatching, sunrise photography

  • Hidden Tip: Visit early morning to capture fog over the still waters, amazing for reflections.

🏞️ 2. Avalanche Lake & Forest

A breathtaking natural lake enclosed by dense forest and blooming wildflowers (especially post-monsoon). Forest entry is controlled and requires a jeep safari arranged by the forest department.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~8 km

  • Entry Fee: ₹150–₹200 (jeep safari)

  • Forest Safari Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM (last entry)

  • Permit: Required, available at Avalanche Forest Check Post

  • Best For: Jeep rides, nature photography, birdwatching

  • Hidden Tip: Book safari early (only limited jeeps allowed per day)

🌊 3. Upper Bhavani Lake

One of the most beautiful, untouched lakes in Tamil Nadu. Accessible only via the Avalanche Forest Department’s jeep safari, this is a must-see if you love remote wilderness and crystal-clear waters.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~15 km (via Avalanche route)

  • Permit: Required (via forest office)

  • Safari Cost: ₹1,200–₹1,500 per jeep (shared)

  • Best For: Landscape photography, solitude, offbeat travel

  • Hidden Tip: Carry ID and reach early, the number of jeeps is limited per day.

🌄 4. Silent Valley Viewpoint

Offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills, forests, and tea estates. It’s less frequented by tourists and provides an excellent viewpoint for sunset or golden-hour photography.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~12 km

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Best Time: Sunrise or sunset

  • Access: Reachable by road (partly narrow hill road)

  • Hidden Tip: Wear good shoes, some steep trail climbing may be required for the best views.

🌳 5. Parsons Valley (Restricted, Offbeat)

A pristine and heavily forested area that’s off-limits to most tourists without forest permission. It’s home to wildlife, natural water sources, and untouched greenery.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~18 km

  • Permit Required: Yes (very limited, from forest office in Ooty)

  • Best For: Hardcore nature lovers, wildlife researchers

  • Hidden Tip: Combine this with a day trek if you’re part of a guided eco-tour. Local guides can help arrange it in advance.

🥾 6. Red Hills Trek Point

This trail begins near Red Hills Nature Resort and offers panoramic views of both Emerald Lake and Avalanche region. Great for sunrise treks and early morning birdwatching.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~5 km

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM

  • Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Hidden Tip: Stay overnight at Red Hills Resort and start the trek at dawn for stunning valley views.

✅ Pro Travel Tip:
If you’re planning a 2-day trip, combine Emerald Lake, Emerald Dam, and Avalanche Forest on Day 1. On Day 2, explore Upper Bhavani, Red Hills Trek, and Silent Valley Viewpoint for a balanced nature itinerary.

🛍️ Best Shopping Spots Near Emerald Lake Ooty

  • Emerald Village Market: Tea, eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates
  • Ooty Town Bazaar: Spices, shawls, woodcraft

🌍 Hidden Places in Ooty Around Emerald Lake

🏞️ 1. Parsons Valley – Offbeat Forest Trek (Restricted Access)

Parsons Valley is a hidden gem deep within the forest zone between Ooty and Avalanche. Known for its rich biodiversity, silent forest cover, and pristine ecosystem, this area is protected and requires prior permission.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~18 km

  • How to Reach: Via Ooty–Mullimalai–Parsons Valley road

  • Entry/Permit: Required from Tamil Nadu Forest Department (apply in Ooty office)

  • Trek Type: Offbeat forest trek (usually guided)

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (not for casual walkers)

  • Highlights: Forest silence, rare bird sightings, streams, wild herbs

  • Hidden Tip: Go with a registered eco-guide, unpermitted entry is not allowed.

📝 How to Get Permission to Visit Parsons Valley (Ooty Forest Division)

✅ Step-by-Step Process:

      1. Visit the Forest Department Office in Ooty

        • 📍 Location:
          District Forest Office, Near Botanical Garden Gate, Udhagamandalam (Ooty)
          Tamil Nadu Forest Department

        • 📞 Phone (for pre-enquiry): +91-423-244 4098 / 244 4099

      2. Carry Valid Documents

        • Government-issued ID (Aadhar, Passport, Driving License)

        • Details of number of persons in your group

        • Purpose of visit (Ecotourism/Trekking/Photography)

        • Date and time of proposed visit

      3. Submit an Application

        • You may need to fill out a simple form at the counter

        • Include:

          • Names and IDs of all group members

          • Vehicle details (if using your own)

          • Duration of visit

      4. Pay the Required Fees

        • Entry Permit: ₹100–₹150 per person (approx.)

        • Vehicle Entry: ₹100–₹200 if using a private vehicle

        • Camera Fee: ₹100–₹200 (if applicable)

        • Guide Fee: ₹500–₹1,000 (mandatory for certain areas)

      5. Follow Instructions from Officials

        • You may be assigned a forest guard or local guide

        • Entry allowed only between 9 AM – 3 PM

        • No overnight camping unless explicitly permitted

      6. Check Weather and Accessibility

        • During monsoon or post-heavy rain, entry may be denied

        • Call and confirm one day before your planned visit

⚠️ Important Notes:

      • Walk-ins are accepted, but permits are subject to availability and weather.

      • Only limited visitors are allowed per day to preserve biodiversity.

      • Forest staff reserve the right to cancel permits if rules are violated or weather is unsafe.

✅ Local Tip: Reach the forest office by 9:30 AM on weekdays for best chances of securing same-day permits. Always be respectful and cooperative with forest guards, they can also guide you to hidden view spots in Parsons Valley.

🌊 2. Upper Bhavani – Wild Forest Drive

This secluded lake surrounded by dense green cover and rugged terrain is accessible only through official forest-operated jeeps from Avalanche. It is one of the most stunning yet protected parts of the Nilgiris.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~15 km

  • How to Reach: Forest safari jeep via Avalanche Check Post

  • Entry Fee: Safari charges ₹1,200–₹1,500 per jeep (4–6 persons)

  • Permit: Mandatory (issued on the spot; reach early)

  • Best Time: October to March (cool and clear)

  • Highlights: Crystal-clear water, untouched wilderness, rare orchids

  • Hidden Tip: Carry warm clothes even in summer, the elevation brings chilly wind.

🌊 3. Vinnayagapuram Waterfall Trail – Secret Local Trail

A truly hidden waterfall known only among locals in the Emerald–Manjoor belt. The trail starts near a tea field and winds down to a small stream-fed cascade. There’s no signage or commercial activity here.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: ~7–8 km (exact access varies)

  • How to Reach: Ask local tea estate workers near Manjoor or Red Hills area

  • Permit: Not required, but informal access only

  • Trail Difficulty: Easy–moderate, but slippery in monsoon

  • Highlights: Wildflower-filled trail, butterfly spotting, peaceful stream views

  • Hidden Tip: Go with a local or ask your homestay host to guide you, there are no signboards.

🌿 4. Emerald Tea Estate Trail – Short Hike with Lake View

An easy walking trail that starts near Emerald Village and loops through tea estates overlooking the lake. Ideal for early morning or golden-hour walks. Very few tourists know this even exists.

  • Distance from Emerald Lake: Starts ~500 meters from the lake

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Best Time: 7:00–10:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM

  • Trail Duration: 30–45 minutes loop

  • Highlights: Tea pluckers in action, panoramic views of the lake, sunrise photography

  • Hidden Tip: Ask the estate caretaker for permission to walk inside the boundary, many are happy to allow with courtesy.

🖊️Emerald Lake Ooty Visitor Reviews

🌟 Positive Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Peaceful lake tucked in tea estates.” Visited early morning and the view was picture-perfect. No tourist crowd, just mist, birds, and tea gardens. A must-visit if you love quiet places.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Hidden gem near Ooty!” We came across this by chance while visiting Avalanche. The place was silent and clean. No boating or activities but ideal for sitting and soaking in nature.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  “Ideal for photographers.” The reflections on the lake at sunrise are unbelievable. Wide-angle and drone shots came out stunning. I’d rate this better than Ooty Lake!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Peaceful and untouched.” Offbeat location that feels like a secret spot. It’s so calm and beautiful. Perfect for couples and solo travelers. Carry your own food and water though.

🚫 Critical Reviews

⭐⭐ “No amenities or stalls.” Not suitable for kids or seniors. No benches, shops or toilets. Just a natural lake. Better for a short visit with your own picnic.

⭐⭐⭐ “Road is bumpy towards the end.” The last stretch to Emerald Lake is a bit rough. If you’re not in an SUV, drive carefully. Totally worth it though.

⭐⭐ “Too remote for families.” My kids were bored. There’s nothing much to do. It’s only for nature lovers who enjoy silence and greenery.

⭐⭐ “No boating or food stalls.” Expected boating, but there’s none. No refreshments either. Just manage your expectations before you go.

📊 Emerald Lake Ooty Visitor Reviews

AspectRatingHighlights
Scenic Views⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Misty reflections, serene lake, lush estates
Peace & Solitude⭐⭐⭐⭐Ideal for quiet time, uncrowded location
Accessibility⭐⭐Bumpy last stretch, private transport needed
Facilities⭐⭐No shops, restrooms, or seating
Photography⭐⭐⭐⭐Excellent sunrise/lake shots
Family-Friendliness⭐⭐Not ideal for small kids or elderly visitors

🤔 Emerald Lake Ooty FAQs

Q1: Is Emerald Lake Ooty worth visiting?

Yes. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and uncrowded. Great for nature walks and photography.

Q2: Can I do boating at Emerald Lake?

No. Boating is not allowed to protect the lake ecosystem.

Q3: Do I need permission to visit Emerald Lake?

Not for regular visits. But commercial shoots or trekking inside estates may need local permission.

Q4: What is the best time to visit Emerald Lake Ooty?

October to March (cool, misty mornings, and clear sunsets)

Q5: Is Emerald Lake safe for families or kids?

Yes, but there are no food stalls or restrooms. Carry essentials.

🌿 Hidden Tip: Pack a picnic and reach before 8 AM for magical foggy reflections. You’ll have the place to yourself till at least 10 AM.

Recent Posts