Kodaikanal Lake

Situated at Kodaikanal city the Kodaikanal Lake is an artificial lake and is also called Kodai Lake by the locals. Vera Levinge is known as the man liable for the inventiveness and assets of this lake amid Kodaikanal town. Kodai Lake is planned at the height of 2285m above ocean level and has a normal depth of 3.0m. The lake is located just 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand, so it is effortless to reach here.  After you reach the bus stand you can board the taxi’s which are easily available at the place and reach the lake. There may be several options like auto-rickshaw you can choose according to your convenience.

Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the lake in 1863, amidst the Kodaikanal town which was developed by the British and the early missionaries from the USA. A marshy lakeside was transformed by him into a spectacular lake by strengthening its banks and by bringing the first boat from Tuticorin. He also stocked this new lake with several species of local fish. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money, he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign residents even used to swim in the lake. The lake is said to be Kodaikanal’s most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Over the years a boat club, boathouse and boat service (with rowing boats, pedaling boats and public ferry) for the public and tourists has become fully functional and is of aesthetic significance for tourism. The Kodaikanal boat club was formed in 1890. Tourists today will find three different Boat Clubs with a variety of boats available for hire. Boat Pageants and Flower Shows are regular features in the summer season which attract tourists. Considered as one of the most popular geographic landmarks and tourist attractions, this lake is located at a distance of 3 KM from the bus stand. Perched at an elevation of 2,285 m above sea level, this lake is star shaped. Enclosing an area of around 60 acres, the lake has an average depth of 3m. 

This star shaped deep blue lake amidst the emerald green wooded slopes sparkles like a jewel in the crown, it is spread over 60 acres with a  circumference of 6 KMS and is rimmed by a lighted and paved promenade and bicycle path around the lake. Kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) a unique bright blue bell- shaped flower marks its presence in the catchment area of the lake. Kurinji is the famous flower which makes the Nilgiri Hills blue. Kurinji blooms once every 12 years. The best time to visit Kodai lake would be in the early morning or just around sunset. It looks magnificent with star shaped glittering water, in the midst of evergreen lush slopes. The hills receive the rainfall during North - East Monsoon months of October, November and December. The famous Carlton Hotel is facing the Lake and the hotel is having their boats for their customers. 

Tourists visiting this artificial lake can take a walk around this lake or can enjoy several activities such as cycle rides and horse rides. In addition, fishing can also be done at this lake, however tourists need to obtain permission from the Inspector of Fisheries. Boating can also be enjoyed on this lake, for which boats are provided by Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation and Kodaikanal Boat & Rowing Club. Pony rides by children and adults walking around the lake are part of Kodai holiday. The lake at Kodai is beautifully landscaped and it appears to be de rigueur for Indian families to get out on a boat. Tourists spend the majority of  the time in and around Kodai lake enjoying boat rides and other water sports. A must do for all visitors is to take an invigorating and refreshing walk along the road which rims the lake. Tourists can rent a paddle or row boat to hit the water themselves or just sit on the edge of the lake and relish the paradisiacal view. Children will be extremely happy to enjoy the pony rides or just play around on the lush banks. Cycling and horse riding are other choices available to tourists. Fishing and swimming are permitted for members of the Kodaikanal Boat Club in the lake, which is commonly not the case in other lakes. If tourists want to take back souvenirs, there are several small shops and restaurants that are located within walking distance from the lake. Visitors can stop by and shop for delicious cheese and homemade chocolates. Also look out for Boat Pageant and Flower Shows which are a regular feature in the summer season to attract tourists.

A dumbfounding milestone of the city, Kodaikanal Lake is an astonishing gateway to unwind and loosen up amid the rich vistas that will fade every one of your burdens and weariness away. This star-shaped lake is the symbol of excellence, its charm still is verdant to cause you to go wow over the scene here. It is additionally captivating that it has been a classic area for sufficient Bollywood motion pictures adding more perfection to them through the exciting landscape of Kodaikanal.Thus, Kodai Lake is an ideal treat to enjoy your end of the week here, and you can pick the extravagance resorts arranged close by to make the most out of your outing here. There are activities which add more enjoyment and significance to this place, and it will keep you occupied. Later, when you get the opportunity and save some time, you can sit by this astonishing artificial Lake and loosen up your day by day focus. It works inconceivably for the individuals who revere nature and the more you value this spot, the more enticed you will be here.