Udhagamandalam is an extensive valley enclosed on all sides but the West by a lofty range of hills. In its west, an artificial but very scenic Lake had been farmed by throwing a Dam across the narrow outlet of the valley. This lake famously known as "Ooty Boat House". This history of the lake coincides with the history of Ooty.

The lake was made in 1823 - 1825 due to the initiative taken by the then Collector of Coimbatore Mr. John Sullivan. At the Ooty Lake, a Boat house is being maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to assist the tourist and others to hire rowboats, peddle boats or motor boats.

Horse rides near the lake for Children is the major attraction. Another attraction for the Children is the Mini Train. The length of the lake is about 2.75kms and the breadth varies from 100 to 140 meters with an area of over 65 acres.