Ooty to Pykara

If one is in the search for excursions from Ooty, a good choice would be a journey from Ooty to Pykara.

The trip is just a drive of 21 kilometers or 13 miles from Ooty. Pykara gets its name from the River Pykara and the destination lies on the Ooty-Mysore Road.

The sprawling meadows in Pykara are homes to the Todas who are settled here for ages. The beauty of the landscape with scenic backdrops is further accentuated by the gallery of high rising trees that make the region a safe haven for wildlife. Do not worry, as the tourists have well protected areas to roam about away from the wild animals.

Ooty to Pykara is just a 19 km drive through the scenic land. The Pykara river has a dam that helps to generate hydro electricity and the site along with the reservoir attracts thousands of tourists.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) maintains a beautiful boat house at the Pykara Dam and this provides a wonderful view. Two car boats have also been recently introduced with the increasing number of tourists.

The river Pykara is honored as sacred by the Todas. It forms gorgeous cascades, waterfalls and gurgling streams as it flows down from the Mukurthi peak.

The last two of these beautiful falls measure 55 meters and 61 meters in height and are together known as the Pykara Falls. The area surrounding this majestic locale is renowned as a picnic spot. One can opt for long walks, hiking, or simple relaxing amidst the beauty of virgin nature.

Last Updated on 9/20/2011