What to expect
Upper Bhavani Reservoir
A high reservoir at around 2,100 metres inside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, marking the source region of the Bhavani river. The approach road passes through undisturbed Silent Valley shola forest, and the wildlife-rich area requires forest permits. It is one of the highest and most pristine dam sites in the Nilgiris.
Practical guide
Plan Upper Bhavani Reservoir
Typeheritage
Nearest baseKundah
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryForest-department permit required
Nearest town/baseKundah
DistrictThe Nilgiris
Place typeheritage
Time neededAbout an hour.
A high reservoir at around 2,100 metres inside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, marking the source region of the Bhavani river. The approach road passes through undisturbed Silent Valley shola forest, and the wildlife-rich area requires forest permits. It is one of the highest and most pristine dam sites in the Nilgiris.
Upper Bhavani Reservoir is planned from Kundah, one of the travel bases in The Nilgiris district. Use Kundah for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Upper Bhavani Reservoir — at a glance
TimingsDaylight hours, with permits
Best timeMarch to May and September to November
Entry: Forest-department permit required
Getting here
How to reach Upper Bhavani Reservoir
In the Kundah hills within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; nearest railway Udhagamandalam (Ooty) NMR terminus then long drive; nearest airport Coimbatore (CJB) ~105 km.
Access restricted; forest-department permit required to enter the reserve.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Kundah or nearby in The Nilgiris, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Upper Bhavani ReservoirSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Upper Bhavani Reservoir is
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Upper Bhavani Reservoir — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Upper Bhavani Reservoir?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Upper Bhavani Reservoir?
Entry: Forest-department permit required. Timings: Daylight hours, with permits. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Upper Bhavani Reservoir?
Base yourself in Kundah or nearby in The Nilgiris, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Upper Bhavani Reservoir?
About an hour.
What else is near Upper Bhavani Reservoir?
Nearby you can pair Parsons Valley Reservoir (620 m), Emerald Lake (8.5 km), Bangitappal (11.2 km), Mukurthi National Park (12.0 km).
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Image credits
- Upper Bhavani Reservoir:Michael varun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0