- ~20 kmFrom Ooty, under 40 minutes
- 1932Pykara hydroelectric station
- TodaThe river is sacred to the Toda people
Why visit Pykara
Pykara is where the Nilgiris open out: rolling grassland, pine forest and a river that drops through a series of falls. The river rises near Mukurthi and is sacred to the Toda people.
It is the easiest half-day of real countryside from Ooty, and a lovely place for boating on calm water.
Getting there
About 20 km from Ooty on the Ooty–Mysore road, under 40 minutes. The pine forest and meadows are on the way, so the drive itself is part of the trip.
Seasons in Pykara
- Oct – Jan: after the rains, with full falls and calm boating.
- Feb – mid-Jun: dry and bright, good for walks in the pine forest.
- Mid-Jun – Sep: monsoon. The falls are at their most powerful.
How far
Ooty ~20 km · Mudumalai ~45 km · Mysore ~110 km
Places worth your time
Pine Forest
A tall, quiet stand of pines on a slope above a reservoir. Best enjoyed in the morning.
Shooting Spot, 6th & 9th Mile
Open meadows with long views, used in many films.
Pykara Waterfalls
A series of stepped falls through the rocks. Fullest just after the monsoon.
Pykara Boat House
Motor and speed boats on the lake, run by Tamil Nadu Tourism.
Kamaraj Sagar Dam
A reservoir on the way, seen from the road.
Local tips
- Rocks near the falls are slippery. Stay behind the railings.
- Boating queues are shorter before noon.
- Carry a layer. The grasslands are windy even on sunny days.
Plan your day
Start around 10 AM and wrap up by 6 PM. Add Mudumalai for a longer wildlife day.
See it with a local driver
Matching tours: Pykara Sightseeing · Pykara & Mudumalai
Pairs well with
Timings, fees and forest rules change. We check the current ones for your dates when you enquire.