Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal which includes a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Kodaikanal which includes a lake or waterhole
Kodaikanal showing a lake or waterhole and water sports as well as a small group of people
Kodaikanal Lake which includes a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole
Kodaikanal which includes kayaking or canoeing and a lake or waterhole

Rent a boat and explore the calm water of this manmade lake, tour its perimeter on foot or by bike and visit religious landmarks. 

Join hordes of locals and tourists in enjoying the peaceful environment of Kodaikanal Lake. Admire the lake’s picturesque setting while biking, boating or walking. Sit on the lake’s shore with a picnic and visit temples. Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade body of water that covers an area of 59 acres (24 hectares). Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the founder of the Kodaikanal hill station, commissioned the lake in 1863.

A popular way to discover this star-shaped lake is by renting a boat from one of the boathouses. Choose between Thondaiman Boat House at the northern tip, the Kodaikanal Boat and Rowing Club on the eastern bank and the TTDC Boat House in the southeastern corner. Have fun aboard self-driven paddleboats and rowboats or relax while an oarsman rows for you. Gaze at the tree-lined lakeshore and the backdrop of the Palani Hills.

See the lake from a different perspective by biking and walking along its shoreline. Find bars and food stands selling snacks or bring your own food and have a picnic on the grassy spaces. Allow about an hour to walk the entire circumference. Bikes and tandem bicycles are available at the Thondaiman Boat House.

Include a visit to the Lakeside Ganesh Temple on the eastern side, and the Sai Shruti Ashram, set in the hills above the western shore. Children can have fun playing on slides and swings and by taking pony rides.

Be sure to spend some time in Bryant Park, which features ornamental gardens and over 325 species of cacti, shrubs and trees. Spot colourful flower displays in the glasshouse and a eucalyptus tree that dates back to 1857. Coaker’s Walk leads from the park to the 19th-century St. Peters Church and a lookout point with wonderful lake views.

The lake is just a short walk from Kodaikanal’s city centre and the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. Catch a taxi if you prefer not to walk. This is one of the few Indian cities where auto-rickshaws don’t operate. Kodaikanal Lake is a great place to visit year-round. In May it hosts a boat pageant and flower festival.

Popular places to visit

Kurinji Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

Kurinji Temple

Visit this peaceful temple to see a fine example of Dravidian-style architecture and enjoy sweeping views of Kodaikanal’s rolling green countryside.

Kurinji Temple
Silver Cascade showing a cascade

Silver Cascade Falls

Gaze in wonder at the rushing water of this attractive waterfall and spot troops of monkeys playing on the rocks.

Silver Cascade Falls
Pillar Rocks

Pillar Rocks

Explore the great outdoors at Pillar Rocks, a lovely green space in Kodaikanal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Pillar Rocks

Lutheran Church

You can find out about the history of Kodaikanal when you stop by Lutheran Church. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Lutheran Church

Bryant Park

Explore the great outdoors at Bryant Park, a lovely green space in Kodaikanal. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Bryant Park

Coaker's Walk

Find out about the history of Kodaikanal when you take a trip to Coaker's Walk. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Coaker's Walk

Top Hotel Deals

The Tamara Kodai

The Tamara Kodai

5 out of 5
#22, La Providence, St. Mary’s Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The Tamara Kodai
Villa Retreat - Boutique Hotel and Cottages

Villa Retreat - Boutique Hotel and Cottages

3 out of 5
Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Villa Retreat - Boutique Hotel and Cottages
Yagappa Heritage Resort

Yagappa Heritage Resort

3.5 out of 5
Noyce Rd Hallowdene Bungalow, Kodaikanal, TN
Yagappa Heritage Resort
The Carlton

The Carlton

5 out of 5
Lake Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The Carlton
Lazo Eucy Paradise Resort

Lazo Eucy Paradise Resort

3 out of 5
Fern Hill Rd, Kodaikanal, TN
Lazo Eucy Paradise Resort
Sterling Kodai Lake

Sterling Kodai Lake

4 out of 5
44, Gymkhana Road, Lake View, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Sterling Kodai Lake
Kodai Resort Hotel

Kodai Resort Hotel

3 out of 5
Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal
Kodai Resort Hotel
THE KODAI HAVEN

THE KODAI HAVEN

2 out of 5
Dolphin Nose Road,Vattakanal, No 6, Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
THE KODAI HAVEN
The Hamuse Hotel Kodaikanal - Luxury Redefined

The Hamuse Hotel Kodaikanal - Luxury Redefined

3.5 out of 5
Bazaar Road, 1 Anna Salai, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The Hamuse Hotel Kodaikanal - Luxury Redefined
See all 397 properties in Kodaikanal Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kodaikanal Lake

At Kodaikanal Lake, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic boat rides and hiking along picturesque trails. Don't miss the Kodaikanal Winter Festival for a touch of local culture. For the best experience, consider renting a boat to explore the lake, and seek out local tips to enhance your visit to this charming destination in Tamil Nadu.

Shopping

Kodaikanal offers charming local markets like the Kodaikanal Market, perfect for handicrafts and spices. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Kodai International Business Centre for a variety of shops, including clothing and souvenirs that highlight the region's rich culture.

Recreation

The Kodaikanal Golf Club, situated 1.2km from Kodaikanal Lake, offers a refreshing outdoor experience with its lush greens and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a round of golf amidst nature, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of exploring the picturesque surroundings.

Adventure

At Kodaikanal Lake, enjoy pedal boating or row boating for a unique view of the serene waters. Adventure seekers can indulge in trekking around the lake's lush landscape, while the nearby hills offer exhilarating opportunities for cycling and nature walks amidst breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at the Kodaikanal Lake area. Visit the Hilltop Inn for a cosy atmosphere and enjoy their selection of local wines. For a lively evening, The Royal Palace Restaurant offers delightful dining with occasional live performances, perfect for soaking up the local culture.

Find the best attractions near Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake, a stunning destination in Tamil Nadu, offers a variety of attractions including waterfalls, urban parks, and churches. Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and picturesque scenery, the lake stretches for several kilometres. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the 6-mile perimeter, read reviews to enhance their visit, and explore the serene surroundings, making it a perfect getaway for tourists from the United Kingdom.

  • Pillar Rocks: Located 1.2km from Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks features stunning vertical rock formations that tower majestically against the backdrop of lush greenery. The area offers breathtaking views and is perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic photography.
  • Palani Hills: At a distance of 1.9km from Kodaikanal Lake, Palani Hills boasts picturesque landscapes and is ideal for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. The panoramic vistas from the hilltop present an enchanting view of the valleys and hills surrounding Kodaikanal.
  • Bryant Park: Just 311m away from Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park is a charming urban park featuring beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a wonderful spot for families to enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and vibrant flower displays, all while soaking in the fresh air of the city.

Best time to go to Kodaikanal Lake

The best time to visit Kodaikanal Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kodaikanal Lake falls in April, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kodaikanal Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.0°F (22.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March81.5°F (27.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November74.7°F (23.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kodaikanal Lake

To save money on your trip to Kodaikanal Lake, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February to March or August for lower accommodation rates. Saturdays offer the best deals, while Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and refine your search for eco-certified options. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Opt for walking to explore the area, as it’s compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to enjoy free activities while keeping costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kodaikanal Lake are February to March and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kodaikanal Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Kodaikanal Lake is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Kodaikanal Lake with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.