AVELANCHE

Avalanche Lake (Avalanchi lake) is located 28 kilometers from Ooty in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. The lake is surrounded by a rolling landscape with blooming flowers like magnolias, orchids and rhododendrons .The lake derived the name avalanche because of a huge land slide (avalanche) that occurred in the region in the early 1800s.

Travelled through Mannarkkad,Mukkali,Thavalam,Chavadiyur,Mulli,Manjoor,Erkkad  we,visited Emerald Lake surrounded by undisturbed forest and then we  reached 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 views  from the top of the hill at Avalanche give a magnificent sight of the Avalanche Valley and reservoir  In many places here, the shoals are so thick that even sunlight cannot penetrate. We  travelled beside the lake through winding paths around the lake.  I had a memorable bath in the frozen water.The nearby hilly regions like Upper Bhavani where there are thick forests and untouched wild habitats.

Friends  Wish to visit …Avelanche…Then First get Mannarkkad(Palakkad Dt,Kerala) .Through Silent Vally route  catch Thavalam..then take the left road and cross Bhavani river.This road leads you Mulli..via Chavadiyur .After Mulli you have to head towards Geddeh (also known as Geddai) which is quite easy but then you have only 7km upto Manjoor but this is a serious bit of climbing.Here  the right side Geddai Power Station is situated.Water Penstock pipes are coming from the Kundha dam . I think the Churam road  goes up almost 1400m in altitude over just 7km with 43 hair pin bends! If you are lucky…You can see Elephants,Monkeys,peacocks,defferent Butterflies and Orchids.After Manjoor ,You can see Kundha Dam(Feed from Emerald & Avelanche Lakes).Toda tribal villages,Kurinji flowers,Bhavaniyamman kovil,are other experiences...

 There is only the Forest Department guest house at Avalanche which you will need to book from the DFO office at Ooty. You will also need permission to visit Avalanche, you can go upto the Forest check post but not beyond without a permit.  

Road distances:  Ooty-via Lake/Fern Hill-Edakkadu 20 kms-Lawrence 3-Avalanchi 7-Upper Bhavani
27-Korakunda 10-Thaiasola 11-Manjoor 10-Kunda Dam 3-Conoor 31-Ooty 20

more information Visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nilgiri_Ghat_Roads              

                                                http://wikimapia.org/1450308/Geddai-Dam

                                                http://www.ootytrips.com/avalanchedam.html