Kodaikanal Lake is the heart of the town — a man-made, star-shaped lake ringed by forested hills, and the place most visitors head first. It is about 1.5 km from Hyderspark Kodaikanal on M.M. Street.
A lake made in 1863
The lake was created in 1863 under Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then the Collector of Madurai, who had a stream dammed to form it. Today it covers around 24 hectares, with a road and footpath of roughly 5 km running all the way round.
Things to do
- Take out a pedal boat or rowing boat from the boat clubs on the shore.
- Cycle or ride a horse along the lakeside road.
- Walk the full circuit early in the morning, when mist often sits on the water.
- Stop at Bryant Park, the botanical garden beside the lake.
Good to know
- Go early or late in the day — the lake is busiest from late morning.
- Carry a light jacket; the hills turn cool quickly once the sun drops.
Written byHyderspark Team
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