Adsorption of dye is an alternative technology to remove colour from wastewater. Activated carbon prepared from low cost nilgiri (eucalyptus globulus) leaves has been utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of dye from aqueous solution. In this study the adsorption characteristics of Erichrome Black T dye on to activated nilgiri leaves have been studied. Experiments were conducted at different pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration of dye and different contact time. The physico-chemical characterization and chemical kinetics were examined for the same dye. The results reveals that activated nilgiri leaves could be employed as low cost alternative to commercial activated carbon in wastewater treatment for dye removal.