Overview
- Features: Lake at the centre of Kodaikanal town
- Opening Times: All day, every day
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Duration: 1 hour
- Travelled By: Foot
- Cost: Free
- Address: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India
- Type: Lake
Author Reviews[display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”2″ rating_entry_ids=”1″ show_category_filter=”false” show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”false” ]
Total Rating: [display_rating_result rating_form_id=”2″ show_count=”false” show_rich_snippets=true] [accordions load=”1″] [accordion title=”User Reviews” last] [display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”5″ show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”true” show_rich_snippets=true] [/accordion] [accordion title=”Add Review”][display_rating_form show_email_input=”true” show_comment_textarea=”true” show_name_input=”true” rating_form_id=”5″] [/accordion] [/accordions]
Summary
The primary attraction around which the town of Kodaikanal is built is Kodaikanal Lake. The walk around the lake takes about one hour and is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Kodaikanal Lake forms the heart of the town and is hard to miss. It’s easy to see why it’s the primary attraction in Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal Lake
The primary attraction around which the town of Kodaikanal is built is Kodaikanal Lake. This man-made, star-shaped lake was created by the dam built by Sir Vere Henry Levigne in 1863.
Kodaikanal Lake covers 24 hectares in a star shape surrounded by wooden slopes. The 3-km (2-mile) long trail around the lake makes for a pleasant walk anytime of the day. The best time to take in the lake is in the morning before the fog sets in and clouds the scenery around the lake.
[singlepic id=1294 w=720 h=560 float=center]
The walk around the lake takes about one hour and is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. In the morning, you can see power walkers take their early morning walk around the lake circuit. Try to spot a kingfisher or two if you can as they tend to haunt the gum trees around the lake.
[singlepic id=1295 w=720 h=560 float=center]
As you walk around, note the pretty houses built along the hills. These fortunate people get to wake up every morning and witness these spectacular views from the comfort of their living rooms.
[singlepic id=1291 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Kodaikanal Lake should also be seen in the evening as the sun set and the fog envelopes the lake which gives it a mysterious aura and magical charm of its own.
[singlepic id=1290 w=720 h=560 float=center]
On the shore is a Boat House built in 1910. Boating is popular on the lake; you can opt to jump into a boat and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Alternatively, you can watch the boats sail slowing past as you take in the vistas from dry land. Whatever your preference, the views are stunning from both locations.
Fishing is also permitted at Kodaikanal Lake; you need to seek permission from the local authorities. Bear in mind that the water is polluted, so recreational fishing would be advisable in these circumstances.
Kodaikanal Lake forms the heart of the town and is hard to miss. It’s easy to see why it’s the primary attraction in Kodaikanal.
