Wednesday 2 May 2012

Pykara, Tamil Nadu (Travelogue)


Pykara is a small remote village located 19 km from Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is named after the sacred River Pykara which rises from the Murkurti peak and flows through Pykara and Glen Morgan Dams, the two  important  hydro-electric power project in these hills.
The catchment at the Pykara dam forms a beautiful lake and offers a scenic spot for the tourists. The mist lifting like a curtain over the lake during the wee hours of the morning leaves one dumbstruck at the marvels caused by nature. This blue lake shimmering under the rays of the mountain sun lies 21 km from Ooty on the Ooty Mysore highway.
Kayaking at Pykara
The main attraction at Pykara lake is undoubtedly boating. One can enjoy the beauty of this lake by strolling through the dense trees around the lake and  trekking through the muddy tracks to the falls.
Pykara Falls is the last leg of the river. The falls is approximately 6 km from the bridge on the main road. The more adventurous nature lovers can spend a night at the Forest rest house or the Defence Guest house at Pykara Lake on prior requests.
Ride By The Motor Boat - The View Of The Defence Guest House At The Back 
The boat house on the Pykara reservoir is another added attraction for tourists.
Enroute to Pykara lake lies a vast expanse of grassy meadows, the Wenlock Downs. It is an ideal place to  walk and relax a mist the soothing greenery and is a  favorite spot for picnickers and movie makers.
This remote area of Pykara set in the Nilgiri hills, boasts of  everything a tourist would look for - a well protected fenced Sholas, Toda settlements, large grassy meadows and a touch of wildlife everywhere and is  an ideal get away from the crowded town of Ooty during the vacation  and seasonal months.