Kamarajar Sagar Dam, Tamilnadu

About Kamarajar Sagar Dam

The Kamraj Sagar Dam is also known as the Sandynallah Reservoir and it has always been a favorite picnic spot with the tourists and the local people .

The Kamraj Sagar Dam near Ooty is located in Kandal. The old towering trees, the Kamraj Sagar Dam and the serene location makes it a heavenly place. The magnificent site is located at a distance of ten Kilometers from the main bus stand of Ooty, This is not only a mere picnic spot but it has emerged as the favorite haunt for the nature lovers and environmentalists. Students and nature study groups often visit the place for excursions. Bird watchers also frequent the area to observe never before seen species that come down to build their nests near the reservoir. The Sandynallah Reservoir is a angler’s paradise. The reservoir is the home to different kinds of fish, especially the Trout fish. The Kamraj Sagar Dam carries the quintessential natural beauty of Ooty and has emerged as a must visit site.

Climate/Weather

Winter Max 21ºC, Min 5ºC
Summer Max 25ºC, Min 10ºC

History

The most important thing that makes Ooty always a best place to visit is the climate, Eventhough the season is believed to be from April to June. It was first discovered during the British rule, by the collector of coimbatore called john Sullivan in the year 1817. The name udagamandalam is derived from the word “ottakkalmandu” which means “A village of a single stone” in Tamil language. But, afterwards people used to call this place as ooty in short form. This Region was entirely under the control of tribals called “Todas”. But, fortunately no measures were taken by any ruler to seize this region and hence it remains in its original Nature yet.

Interesting places to Visit

Avalanche :Avalanche A break in the words at Cairn Hill presents an Avalanche of views, Strangely enough of a Country about 25 km from Ooty known as the Avalanche. It is on the way to Upper-Bhavani from Ooty via Emerald Camp. The gorgeous scenery at every turn is an experience of wonder and delight. The rivers from the top of the hill at Avalanche give a magnificent sight of the Avalanche Valley and reservoir.

OOty Botanical Garden:Mr.Mc.Ivor completed the layout of Govt. Botanical Garden during the year 1857-1867. It covers an area of 22 hectares, ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2400-2500 meters above MSL. It is a treasure house of temperate flora, consisting of flowering trees, beautiful shrubs colorful lilies bulbous planets enchanting orchids, curious cacti and succulents, pleasing pteridophytes, breath taking glass house plans and charming annuals with bright colours.

Ooty Cairn Hill It is situated about 3 km on the road to Avalanche Cairn hill. It is one of the few surviving original walks. The entrance road to the bill is flanked by dense cypress trees. It is a very good picnic spot.

Ooty Children’s Park A lovely Children’s park is in the Eastern end of the lake. The lawn and the budding flowers over looking the lake water and grass filled ground will tempt every child to enjoy the atmosphere and make them play joyfully. The view of St.Thomas Church, the moving mountain railway from the railway station, the boating and rowing, the rare horse race etc. are the unique scenes in this garden.

Dodda Betta The eminent range of heights which runs North-South in the middle of the plateau, reaches its highest point at Doddabetta at about 8km East-Southeast from Ooty. Its height is 2636 meters. Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nilgiris District. The Snow down hill (2530m), the Club hill (2448m) and the Elk hill (2466m) along with the Doddabetta, form among themselves the impressive Udhagamandalam Valley.

Glenmorgen It is about 17 km from Ooty bus stand and an ecologically rich forestry spot. There is an Electricity Board winch which carries staff from Glenmorgan view point to power house at Singara. All the 4 km of the winch travel passes through undisturbed sholas and wildlife habitat.

Ooty Horse Racing The Race Course is situated in the heart of the city. Running area about 2.4 km long and is one of the famous race courses in India. It is a very popular sport during the summer months of April, May and June.

Kathatty Water Falls It is about 13 km from Ooty on the Ooty road via the Kalhatty Ghats. Best time to visit this falls is September to November. The fall is about 40 m high. This is among the Best Places for Trekking.

Ketti Valley View Located on the road to Coonoor, which is considered to he the second largest Valley in the World. This idyllic spot is a cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and Mysore plateau.

Ooty Lake -Boat House This lake known famously as “Ooty Lake”. The lake was constructed in 1823 - 1825 by Mr. John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. A wide ran 01 Boats like Pedal Boat Row Boat Aqua Bike etc are available and dancing Cars, Mini Train are added attractions here.

Tiger Hill East of Ooty town on the lower lap of Doddabetta peak lies the picturesque spot of Tiger Hill. A trek of about 3 km leads to the spot where also situated one of the drinking Water reservoirs in the town. An almost closed cave in the vicinity is associated with religious legends.

Upper Bhavani It is about 60 km from Ooty, 10 km from Korakundah and about 20 km from Avalanche. This is Naturalist’s paradise. The area is rich with undisturbed wild habitat. From Bhangithappal via Sispera one can trek to Silent Valley.

Wenlock Downs A vast expanse of understanding landscape offering Gymkhana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and Hindustan Photo Films Company besides pleasure of long stroll on quiet road.

Western Catchment It is about 20 Km 12 Mile from Parsons Valley. It consists of, Rolling Grassy downs interspersed with temperature sholas occupying depression and valleys. The landscape is extremely picturesque.

Nearest Visiting places

Kotagiri which is about 30 km. east of Udhagamandalam, 23 km. from Coonoor and 33 km. from Mettupalayam is one of the oldest and the largest of the hill stations. It is situated at a height of 6511’ above the mean sea level and it possesses an agreeable climate among the hill stations of the district. It is protected by the Doddabetta range from the violent southwest monsoon and is not affected by mists which are so common at Coonoor. The lower elevation of the place makes it warmer than Udhagamandalam. These advantages in the climate make the station a fine health resort. Kotagiri stands at the head of a fine ravine running down towards Mettupalayam.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Kamarajar Sagar Dam, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Armed Reserve Police Camp
, Pudumund, Ooty (Ootacamund) (Udhagamandalam), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2617258

Nearest Hospital:

Ganga Hospital
313, Mettupalayam Road, Alagesan Rd No. 2, Saibaba Koil, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 043- 0422 2485000

KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2212121

Sheela Hospitals
46, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu? - 0422 2498381

Vikram Hospital And Ent Research Institute
Venkatasamy Rd, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 0422 2550633

Location info

**Address:**Ooty, Ooty District Tamil Nadu,,India
**District:**Nilgiri District
**Nearest City:**Coimbatore
**Best time to visit:**Through the year

How to reach Kamarajar Sagar Dam

Nearest Railway Station: Ooty
**Nearest Airport:**Coimbatore, 100 km

**Road Transport:**Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani)

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump : Ooty

Best time to visit Kamarajar Sagar Dam

November to March when the weather is pleasant. Early morning (6–8 AM) offers beautiful reflections on the water surface. Late afternoon (3–5 PM) is good for walks and photography. Migratory birds visit during winter (November–February).

Timings & opening hours

Accessible during daylight hours. Best visited between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Some lakes managed by forest departments have specific visiting hours. Boating, if available, operates between 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free. Nominal parking fee of INR 10–30 may apply. Boating charges: INR 50–200 per person depending on boat type. Some maintained lake parks may charge INR 10–20 entry.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a relaxed visit including a walk along the banks. If boating is available, allow an additional 30–45 minutes. A picnic visit may extend to 3–4 hours.

Safety tips

Swimming is generally not permitted in most lakes — observe warning signs. Keep away from sluice gates and deep areas. Supervise children at all times near the water. Avoid visiting alone after dark. Do not litter — help keep the lake clean.

Things to carry

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
Camera: Capture memorable moments.
Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) for lakes near Chennai, or the nearest regional airport for lakes in other regions.

Nearest railway station: the nearest station in the closest town.

By road: accessible via local roads from the nearest town or city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Kamarajar Sagar Dam, small eateries and food stalls serve local Tamil Nadu snacks. Visitors can enjoy fresh coconut water, sundal, bhajji, and roasted corn. For proper meals, nearby towns have restaurants offering vegetarian South Indian thali meals including rice, sambar, rasam, and curd.

Things to do at Kamarajar Sagar Dam

Take a peaceful walk along the lake embankment and enjoy the serene water views. Watch for birds — many lakes attract herons, egrets, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl during winter. If boating is available, enjoy a ride on the placid waters.

Things to visit & highlights

The lake with its expansive water surface reflecting the sky. The surrounding green banks and vegetation. Birdlife along the shores — particularly during winter when migratory birds arrive. The sunset view over the lake is especially beautiful.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Kamarajar Sagar Dam? Early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) between November and March for pleasant weather and good bird watching.

Can I go boating at Kamarajar Sagar Dam? Boating facilities vary by lake. Check with the local tourism office or visit early to confirm availability.

Are there food options near Kamarajar Sagar Dam? Food stalls and small eateries may be available near the lake. The nearest town offers more comprehensive dining options.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.