kodaikanal lake | Overview, History, Activities, How to reach, Other Attraction

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake Overview

Are you planning a trip to Kodaikanal? It is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. When we think about Kodaikanal, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the Kodaikanal Lake. The city’s name is derived from this lake, a man-made lake famous for activities like boating, horse riding, cycling, and shopping.

In this article, we will cover all the below details:

• Kodaikanal Lake
• History
• Activities
• Shopping options
• Natural views
• How to reach the Kodai Lake

Kodai Lake is not only a place of great natural beauty but is also an important center for various entertainment activities.

• Boating
• Cycling
• Horse riding
• Shopping

History of Kodaikanal Lake

The history of Kodai Lake dates back to the year 1863 when it was constructed. The former Collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge, had a wish to live in Kodaikanal after his retirement. In 1863, he joined with American missionaries to construct the Kodai Lake. Additionally, he bought a boat from Tuticorin to add to the boating experience at the lake.

In the entrance of the Lake, There is a small park where a monument is placed for Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Today, the lake serves as a major tourist attraction in Kodaikanal and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Top Activities at Kodaikanal Lake

One of the most attractive things about Kodai Lake is its star-shaped design, which makes it unique and distinct from other lakes. This design is not only visually attractive but also serves as a great spot for boating and other water activities.

Visitors can rent boats and enjoy a relax ride around the lake, taking photos of the beautiful scenery and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. During this season, The Kodaikanal Tourism Management has set up a water fountain in the lake. It adds to the beauty of the lake, and tourists can enjoy it while boating.

Another popular activity is Horse riding. Visitors can rent horses and go for a relax ride around the lake, taking in the scenic beauty of the place. The lush green forests, the calm and serene waters, and the fresh mountain air make it an ideal place for horse riding.

Kodai Lake is also a great place for cycling. Visitors can rent bicycles and go for a relax ride around the lake, admiring the scenic beauty of the place. The well-maintained cycling track around the lake is perfect for those who want to get some exercise while admiring the natural beauty of the place.

Cycling & Boating Charges at Kodaikanal Lake

Cycling and Boating are two popular entertainment activities in this Lake. Visitors to the lake can choose from a variety of cycling options.

• Single Cycles
• Double Cycles

Which can be rented for a fee:

• 50 Rupees per 30 minutes
• 100 Rupees per 30 minutes

At Kodai Lake, Boating is also a popular activity, with various boats available for hire. Options are

• Pedal boats
• Row boats
• Honeymoon boat

Charges for Boating range:

• 180 Rupees per 30 minutes for a Four seater pedal boat
• 990 Rupees per 40 minutes for a Two seater honeymoon boat.
• Children under five years of age are able to go boating for free.  

Boating at Kodaikanal Lake is available from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. To know the latest Kodai lake boating charges, visit the Kodaikanal lake boating charges 2023 page.

Horse Riding Charges at Kodai Lake

Horse riding is a popular activity near the beautiful Kodai Lake. With various options to choose from, you can pick the one that suits you best. Here are the available plans for horse riding in Kodaikanal lake:

To know the latest Horse Riding charges in Lake, visit the Horse Riding in Kodaikanal page.

Nature

The lake is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a peaceful place to visit. The forests are home to a variety of animals and birds. Visitors can go for a nature walk around the lake and admire the natural beauty of the place.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kodaikanal Lake is also an important place for various entertainment activities like boating, cycling, and horse riding. Visitors can enjoy these activities in the scenic surroundings of the lake and take in the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the place.

Shopping

The lake is surrounded by a variety of food stalls and shops selling best items that are kept reminder of a lake, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy some food and shopping. Visitors can try local delicacies foods and purchase some good ornaments to take back home as memories of their trip to Kodaikanal.

How to reach

Kodaikanal can be reached through various modes of transportation. Currently, the closest rail station to the lake are the Kodai Road Railway Station at 80 km and the Palani Railway Station at 64 km distance from the town. The nearest airports to the lake are Madurai (121 km) and Coimbatore (135 km) airports. The town is also easily accessible by road with regular bus services connecting to major cities such as Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirapalli, Kumili, Munnar, Erode, Bangalore and Coimbatore.

Once you reach the Kodaikanal bus stand, the lake is within walking distance. From the bus stand, take a left and walk for some distance until you see a road near Bharat Petroleum. Continue straight on that road, and it will lead you directly to the lake. Boating, Cycling and Horse Riding all these activities are near when you travel in this route.

Other Attraction near the Lake

There are lots of other places to see near Kodaikanal Lake that you can explore while you are in Kodaikanal.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is another nearby attraction to Kodaikanal Lake. It’s a great spot for picnics and spending time with family and friends. To learn more about Bryant Park, visit the Bryant Part page.

Coaker’s Walk

Coaker’s walk is another nearby attraction to Kodaikanal Lake.It’s a great spot for walking, beautiful view of valley, spend some time with your family member and friends. To learn more about the Coaker’s walk, visit this Coaker’s walk page.

La Saleth Church

La Saleth Church is 2.2 km away from the Kodai Lake. This church looks special because it was built a long time ago, in 1866. It has a special style inspired by two different cultures, Tamil and French. To learn more about La Saleth Church, visit the La Saleth Church page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Kodaikanal Lake is an important tourist destination in Kodaikanal and a must-visit place for those looking for a peaceful environment. With its scenic beauty, entertainment activities, and lush green forests, Kodai Lake is a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in a unique and memorable experience. So, plan a trip to Kodaikanal and enjoy the natural beauty of the Kodaikanal and its Lake.

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If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I’ll do my best to provide you with a helpful answer.

Have a great journey

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