Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, who converted a marshy land into a lake by constructing a bund and bringing water from three streams. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills of the Palani range and has a star-shaped appearance. The lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal and offers various activities such as boating, cycling, horse riding, fishing etc. Visit during Kodaikanal Local Sightseeing by cab
Location of Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is located at Lake Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 629101, India. It is about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city center and 80 km (50 miles) from the nearest railway station at Kodai Road. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away. The lake is well connected by road with regular bus services operating to and from Kodaikanal and nearby towns.
Timing/Entry Fees Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 06:00 am and 05:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the lake, but visitors have to pay for the activities they want to indulge in. The charges for boating, cycling, horse riding etc vary depending on the type and duration of the activity. Visitors are requested to follow the rules and regulations of the lake authorities and respect the environment and wildlife.
How to Reach Kodaikanal Lake
There are many ways to reach Kodaikanal Lake from different parts of Kodaikanal and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Kodaikanal Lake is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from the lake. The lake road, also known as Beach Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to the lake.
- By Rail: Kodaikanal Lake can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kodaikanal and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is about 80 km (50 miles) away from the lake. Other nearby railway stations are Palani, Dindigul and Madurai. From these stations, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the lake.
- By Air: Kodaikanal Lake can also be reached by air from various airports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away from the lake. Other nearby airports are Coimbatore, Trichy and Kochi. From these airports, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the lake.
Things to Do/Must See Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the lake and its surroundings. Some of the things to do and see at the lake are:
- Boating: Boating is one of the most popular activities at Kodaikanal Lake. Visitors can choose from different types of boats such as row boats, pedal boats, Kashmiri shikaras etc. The boating charges vary depending on the type and duration of the boat ride. The boating timings are from 09:00 am to 05:30 pm.
- Cycling: Cycling is another fun activity at Kodaikanal Lake. Visitors can rent bicycles from various shops near the lake and cycle around the 5 km (3.1 miles) long path that encircles the lake. The cycling charges vary depending on the type and duration of the bicycle ride. The cycling timings are from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm.
- Horse Riding: Horse riding is also an enjoyable activity at Kodaikanal Lake. Visitors can hire horses from various stalls near the lake and ride along the path that surrounds the lake. The horse riding charges vary depending on the type and duration of the ride. The horse riding timings are from 09:00 am to 05:30 pm.
- Fishing: Fishing is also an option at Kodaikanal Lake for those who love angling. Visitors can buy fishing rods from various shops near the lake and try their luck at catching some fish. The fishing charges vary depending on the type and duration of the fishing. The fishing timings are from 09:00 am to 05:30 pm.
- Visiting the other attractions: Kodaikanal Lake also has some other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of them are:
- Bryant Park: Bryant Park is a botanical garden that is situated adjacent to the lake. The park has a variety of flowers, plants, trees, shrubs etc. The park also has a glasshouse, a rose garden, a fernery, an orchidarium etc. The park is open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm and charges Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 15 for children as entry fee.
- Coakers Walk: Coakers Walk is a scenic walking path that is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the lake. The walk offers a panoramic view of the lake, the hills, the valleys and the plains. The walk is open from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm and charges Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children as entry fee.
- Silver Cascade Falls: Silver Cascade Falls is a waterfall that is located about 8 km (5 miles) from the lake. The waterfall is formed by the outflow of the lake and has a height of about 55 m (180 feet). The waterfall is a popular spot for picnics and photography.
Significance of Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kodaikanal and Tamil Nadu. Some of the reasons why Kodaikanal Lake is important are:
- It is an artificial lake that showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of Sir Vere Henry Levinge, who converted a marshy land into a lake by constructing a bund and bringing water from three streams in 1863.
- It is a natural lake that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature in Kodaikanal. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills of the Palani range and has a star-shaped appearance. The lake also has various flora and fauna such as kurinji flowers, eucalyptus trees, fish etc.
- It is a cultural lake that showcases the influence and integration of different cultures and communities in Kodaikanal. The lake attracts visitors from different parts of India and the world, who come to enjoy the various activities and attractions at the lake. The lake also celebrates various festivals and events, such as boat pageant, flower show, summer festival etc.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Kodaikanal Lake?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Kodaikanal Lake for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Kodaikanal Lake?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Kodaikanal Lake, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There are also some shops and stalls near the lake that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs etc.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Kodaikanal Lake?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Kodaikanal Lake, such as Bryant Park, Coakers Walk, Silver Cascade Falls etc.
Conclusion
Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake, is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, who converted a marshy land into a lake by constructing a bund and bringing water from three streams. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills of the Palani range and has a star-shaped appearance. The lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodaikanal and offers various activities such as boating, cycling, horse riding, fishing etc. Kodaikanal Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of the lake and its surroundings in Kodaikanal.
