Kodaikanal Lake

The Lake

  The lake and the circling road around it are central to all activities in Kodaikanal. The first-time tourist’s love of Kodai begins with a quick walk to the lake. It is one of the most beautiful man-made lakes up in mountain slopes. A swamp of rainwater bound by the valley was landscaped into the present form in 1863.  It is the creation of Sir. Levinge. It is spread over an area of 60 acres and surrounded by a circular road of 5 km length. Here boats can be hired from the Boat Club for a charge ranging from Rs.50 to 100 for an hour. To avoid the weekend rush, tourists are advised to go for boating on weekdays. Though it has lost its original luster, its appeal for tourists endures. Walking round the lake on foot is best, but riding a hired bicycle will offer the additional pleasure of enjoying the breeze. Sitting on the bunds one can enjoy watching both people and boats moving against a delightful natural background. While circling round the lake in a boat one can see a different perspective of Kodaikanal: the white clouds and mist slowly gliding down to touch the green trees in the slopes and the distant buildings. The Upper Lake view is a scenic spot from where you see the whole beauty of the Lake from above.