Kodaikanal, located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most popular tourist destinations to visit with family and friends. “Kodai” means forest, and “kanal” means gift–and with its hills, valleys, and waterfalls, this place is a true heaven for nature lovers. It has a man-made gem known as Kodaikanal Lake, surrounded by the lush greenery of Palani Hills.
Who Created Kodaikanal Lake?
The artificial and star-shaped lake in Kodaikanal was built in 1863 by a Britisher named Sir Vere Henry Levinge. He was the collector of Madurai at that time. To create the lake, he built three strong walls across small streams to collect the water, and then decided to give it a star shape to make it look mesmerising.
This lake is around 5 km long, covers an area of around 60 acres, and is 3 metres deep. Located 2,285 metres above sea level, this lake offers a serene and relaxing retreat.
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Things To Enjoy At Kodaikanal Lake
Along with enjoying the lush greenery, tourists can also enjoy activities like boating and horse riding. Sir Vere Henry Levinge was the first one to bring a boat to Kodaikanal Lake; he bought it from Tuticorin. Horse riding is available along the lake, where local vendors offer the service with prices starting from ₹100.
This place is perfect for all the nature lovers. And do you know what makes it more special? At Kodaikanal Lake, you can witness a variety of flowers and plants—some of which are rare to the region. Among them is the elusive Kunji flower, which blooms near the lake once every 12 years. If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in South India, you simply can’t miss Kodaikanal Lake. It’s a slice of heaven—perfect for making your trip truly memorable.
Best Time To Visit & How To Reach
Kodaikanal Lake can be visited any time of the year, but the best time to enjoy its cool and pleasant weather is from October to March.
To reach this lake, there are various modes of transportation. You can take a bus that will drop you just 3 km away from the lake, and if you’re taking a flight, then the nearest airport is Madurai International Airport. If you prefer to travel by train, then you can get off at Kodai Road Station. From the bus stand, airport or railway station, you can easily book a cab or taxi to reach the Kodaikanal lake.
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Have you been to this lake already? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
Cover Image Courtesy: Devasahayam Chandra Das