Emerald Lake is a freshwater lake situated near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded lakes in Ooty, and a popular destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers. It is located in a region called the Silent Valley, about 25 kilometers from the Ooty town. It is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, rolling hills and dense forests. It has a calm and serene atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and unwind. Visit during One day Trip Ooty local sightseeing package
Location of Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is about 25 km from Ooty, the nearest town and a famous hill station in South India. Ooty is about 200 km from Coimbatore, the nearest city and airport. Ooty is also well connected by road and rail to other major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Lake can be reached by a narrow road that branches off from the main road near Emerald village. The road passes through scenic tea estates and offers stunning views of the lake and the hills.
Timing / Entry Fees Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the Lake. However, visitors have to pay a nominal fee for parking their vehicles near the lake. Visitors can also hire bicycles or scooters from nearby shops to explore the lake and its surroundings.
How to Reach Emerald Lake from City Centre
Emerald Lake can be reached from different cities by various modes of transport, such as:
- By Air: The nearest airport to the Lake is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 200 km away. The airport has flights from major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Ooty, and then another taxi or a bus to Emerald Lake.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to the Lake is Ooty railway station, which is about 25 km away. The station is connected to Mettupalayam railway station by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Ooty Toy Train), a heritage train that runs on a meter gauge track and offers a scenic ride through the hills. From Ooty railway station, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Emerald Lake.
- By Road: The Lake can be reached by road from various cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. There are regular buses that ply between the Lake and Ooty, Coimbatore, Mysore, Bangalore etc. Visitors can also drive their own car or rent a car to reach Emerald Lake via the Ooty-Mettupalayam road.
Things to Do / Must See Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the things to do and see at Emerald Lake are:
- Boating: One of the most popular activities at Emerald Lake is boating on its crystal clear water. Visitors can rent pedal boats or row boats from the boathouse near the lake and enjoy a leisurely ride on the lake. Boating offers a chance to admire the beauty of the lake and its surroundings, as well as spot some birds and fish in the water.
- Picnicking: Another popular activity at Emerald Lake is picnicking on its grassy banks or under its shady trees. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks or buy them from nearby shops and stalls. Picnicking offers a chance to relax and spend some quality time with family and friends in a serene setting.
- Hiking: For those who love hiking, there are several trails that lead from Emerald Lake to various points of interest such as Avalanche Lake, Red Hill Nature Resort, Doddabetta Peak etc. Hiking offers a chance to explore the natural beauty and diversity of the Silent Valley region, as well as witness some amazing views of the lake and the hills.
- Birdwatching: For those who are interested in birdwatching, Emerald Lake is home to more than 200 species of birds such as flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, pipits etc. Birdwatching offers a chance to observe and photograph these colourful and melodious creatures in their natural habitat.
- Photography: For those who are passionate about photography, Emerald Lake is a dream destination. The lake offers stunning views of its emerald green water, its verdant surroundings, its misty hills and its changing colours during sunrise and sunset. Photography offers a chance to capture these breathtaking scenes and create lasting memories.
Significance of Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a significant place for Indians, as it is one of the most beautiful and secluded lakes in Ooty, and a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is also a significant place for eco-tourists, as it offers various eco-friendly activities such as boating, hiking, birdwatching and photography. It is also a significant place for locals, as it provides them with livelihood opportunities such as boating, fishing, farming and selling handicrafts.
According to history, Emerald Lake was discovered by the British in the 19th century, who used it as a hunting ground and a summer retreat. The lake was named after its emerald green colour, which is attributed to its high altitude and the presence of algae in the water. The lake was later developed as a tourist attraction by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, who built a boathouse and a resort near the lake.
FAQ’s
Q: When was Emerald Lake discovered?
A: Emerald Lake was discovered by the British in the 19th century.
Q: Why is Emerald Lake called Emerald Lake?
A: Emerald Lake is called Emerald Lake because of its emerald green colour, which is caused by the reflection of light from the fine rock flour deposited by the glaciers that feed the lake.
Conclusion
Emerald Lake is a freshwater lake situated near Emerald village in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded lakes in Ooty, and a popular destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers. It is located in a region called the Silent Valley, about 25 kilometers from the Ooty town. It is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, rolling hills and dense forests.
It has a calm and serene atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and unwind. It offers various activities such as boating, picnicking, hiking, birdwatching and photography. It is also a significant place for Indians, as it is one of the most beautiful and secluded lakes in Ooty, and a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
It is also a significant place for eco-tourists, as it offers various eco-friendly activities such as boating, hiking, birdwatching and photography. It is also a significant place for locals, as it provides them with livelihood opportunities such as boating, fishing, farming and selling handicrafts.
