- Average depth
- About 3 m
- Best time
- October to June
- Nearest railway station
- Kodai Road
- Nearest airport
- Madurai
Things to do
The lake is shallow, only about three metres deep on average, and several boat clubs rent rowing boats and pedal boats. For something more leisurely, covered boats in the style of a Kashmiri shikara are also available.
- Boating on rowing, pedal or shikara-style boats
- Cycling on the road around the lake (bikes on hire)
- Horse riding along the shore
- Walks to nearby parks and gardens
- Fishing, with permission from the fisheries inspector
Seasonal highlights
The hills around Kodaikanal are known for kurinji, a shrub that flowers once in twelve years and colours the slopes blue. Between blooms you can still see other wildflowers along the lakeside paths after the rains. Fruit stalls near the lake sell local plums and other hill fruit in season, along with homemade chocolates, a Kodaikanal speciality.
Best time to visit
October to June is the most pleasant period, with dry days that suit boating and walks. April and May are the busiest months, when families from the plains come to escape the heat. Mornings are quieter, and the light over the water is lovely just after sunrise.
Getting there and tips
The lake is a short ride from the Kodaikanal bus stand, and taxis and autos are easy to find. The nearest railhead is Kodai Road, and the closest airport is Madurai. Carry a light jacket even in summer, as evenings turn cool. Weekends and school holidays bring long queues at the boat clubs, so go early or on a weekday if you can. The walk around the full shore is about five kilometres and takes a little over an hour at an easy pace. We run Kodaikanal tours and can arrange a car for the full circuit of viewpoints.
Also nearby
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