Upper Bhavani, Ooty

Much like the previous evening, most of our day 2 morning was spent trying to figure out where we could next go. After getting turned down from officials from a couple of places we headed towards Upper Bhavani. Upper Bhavani is a dam built over the Bhavani Lake. It is located apparently at 7470 feet above MSL. The 20+km ride from Avalanche/Emerald Lake to Upper Bhavani took much longer than usual. I'm more than sure we lost our way somewhere and took a roundabout route. My co-travelers though refuse to buy that theory. Instead of the 20kms I'm pretty sure we travelled at least 40kms. The argument is still unresolved.

So, after much travelling we reached the gates of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board owned Upper Bhavani Dam. After paying Rs.50 to a drunken policeman a.k.a guard we gained access to the Dam premises. With paucity of time we had no choice but to rush to the dam, absorb the sights and head back. I can bet that on a different day of a different season, Upper Bhavani will offer breathtaking views. But this was not the day. With nothing much to do and not wanting to get caught in the wrong side of the Bandipur forests before the gate closes for the night, we headed back to Ooty and subsequently to Bangalore. Thus ended another semi-disappointing Ooty trip.

Getting-there: Upper Bhavani is 60 kms from Ooty.

Must-Do: Ogle at the green sea of tea gardens.

Must-Don't: Visit during summer

My Rating: 4/10