Kodaikanal Lake is the centre of Kodaikanal in every sense. The town’s hotels, churches, school and bazaar are arranged around it, and almost every visitor spends at least a morning here – rowing on the water, cycling around the edge or simply walking in the cool air under the pines and eucalyptus of the Palani Hills.
It is a man-made lake with a distinctive star shape, surrounded by wooded slopes that feed it with streams. Kodaikanal is about 398 km from Pondicherry, around 8 to 9 hours by road, which makes it a classic two- or three-night hill break.
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History of the lake
Kodaikanal grew as a summer retreat for British officials and American missionaries escaping the heat of the plains in the 19th century. In 1863 Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then Collector of Madurai, had an earthen dam built across a marshy valley where three streams met, creating the lake. It is shallow – about 3 metres deep according to Tamil Nadu Tourism.
The water flows out of the lake and drops as the Silver Cascade, a waterfall of about 60 metres beside the ghat road, some 8 km downhill. The lake has been part of national lake-conservation work to reduce pollution and keep its banks free of new construction.
Things to do at Kodaikanal Lake
- Boating: rowing boats, pedal boats and larger boats with a boatman are available from the boat houses on the shore, including the old Kodaikanal Boat Club.
- Cycling: bicycles can be hired by the hour near the lake for a ride along the lakeside road – easy and mostly flat.
- Horse rides: ponies wait along the banks for short rides, popular with children.
- Walking: a lakeside path runs right round the lake; early morning, before traffic and crowds, is best.
- Bryant Park: the botanical garden next to the lake, famous for its summer flower show.
- Eating out: homemade chocolates, hot corn and snack stalls near the boat houses, and cafés on the roads above.
Timings and best time to visit
At the time of writing, Tamil Nadu Tourism lists the lake as open for visitors from about 6 AM to 5 PM, with no entry fee for the lakeside. Boating and hire charges are paid at the counters. Boating can be suspended in bad weather, so check locally before you go.
April to June is the main summer season, when the flower show and a boat pageant are held and the town is at its busiest. September–October and the winter months are quieter and pleasant, though nights get cold. Heavy rain in the monsoon can limit boating. On any day, the first hour after sunrise, when mist drifts off the water, is the most beautiful.
Tips
- Weekends: boating queues get long on weekends and holidays; go early.
- Warm clothes: carry a jacket; mornings and evenings are chilly for most of the year.
- Parking: roadside parking around the lake is limited in peak season. Our driver drops you at the boat house and waits nearby.
- Keep it clean: avoid taking plastic onto the boats and don’t feed the fish or horses.
Nearby places
Coaker’s Walk, a short cliff-side promenade with views down to the plains, is a few minutes from the lake. Further out are Pillar Rocks, the pine forest, Guna Caves viewpoint and waterfalls along the ghat road. See our waterfalls page for more falls in the region.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Our Kodaikanal hill holiday includes the lake and the main viewpoints, with a car and driver from Pondicherry. You can also break the long drive with a night in Trichy or Madurai. For more cool-weather ideas, see our hill stations page.
Official information: Tamil Nadu Tourism
Frequently asked questions
What are Kodaikanal Lake boating timings?
At the time of writing, the lake and boating are open from about 6 AM to 5 PM. Boating may stop in bad weather, so check locally.
Who built Kodaikanal Lake?
The lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then Collector of Madurai, by damming a marshy valley where three streams met.
Is there an entry fee for Kodaikanal Lake?
No, the lakeside is free. Boating, cycle hire and horse rides are paid separately.
How far is Kodaikanal Lake from Pondicherry?
Kodaikanal is about 398 km from Pondicherry by road, around 8 to 9 hours by car. The lake is in the centre of town.