Kodaikanal Lake

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


Top Kodaikanal Lake 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
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
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
Calla Lily By The Brook

Calla Lily By The Brook

2 out of 5
Old Convent Road Kodaikanal, Town and Taluk ,, Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal
Calla Lily By The Brook
Kodai Resort Hotel

Kodai Resort Hotel

3 out of 5
Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal
Kodai Resort Hotel
Sterling Kodai Lake

Sterling Kodai Lake

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

Lazo Eucy Paradise Resort

3 out of 5
Fern Hill Rd, Kodaikanal, TN
Lazo Eucy Paradise Resort
Mist Cottage & Home Stay

Mist Cottage & Home Stay

2.5 out of 5
2nd Cross Street MM St Building Society, Kodaikanal, TN
Mist Cottage & Home Stay
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

Kodaikanal Lake offers a variety of activities for visitors, including serene boating experiences and invigorating hiking trails. Nearby, you can explore charming tourist spots, vibrant shopping areas, and designated campfire sites, perfect for evening gatherings. Don't miss the lively Pongal celebrations and an array of fun activities that enhance the local culture and community spirit, making your visit to Kodaikanal truly memorable.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, head to the bustling commercial hub of Kodaikanal. Visit the Kodaikanal Market for local handicrafts, spices, and homemade chocolates. For a more extensive shopping experience, the nearest mall, Silver Oak Mall, offers a variety of shops and eateries to explore.

Recreation

Experience the serene Kodaikanal Golf Club, located a mere 3.2km from Kodaikanal Lake. Enjoy a round of golf amidst lush greenery, complemented by the invigorating outdoor atmosphere. After your game, unwind in the tranquil surroundings, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Kodaikanal Lake offers thrilling boating experiences, where you can paddle through serene waters surrounded by lush greenery. For the adventurous, cycling around the lake provides a refreshing way to explore the scenic vistas. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a leisurely trek along the picturesque pathways nearby.

Nightlife

In Kodaikanal, the serene lakeside comes alive at night with charming cafés and vibrant street food stalls. The local eateries offer delightful treats, while the tranquil ambiance invites leisurely strolls along the lake, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the cool evening breeze.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kodaikanal Lake

At Kodaikanal Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the hills and waterfalls, alongside the rich cultural heritage showcased in local temples. The area offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including boating on the serene lake, while also providing splendid scenic views perfect for photography enthusiasts. For a truly memorable experience, take time to explore the enchanting surroundings and indulge in the tranquil atmosphere that Kodaikanal has to offer.

  • Sacred Heart College Museum: Located 1.6km from Kodaikanal Lake, this charming museum offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits that showcase art, history, and the educational journey of Sacred Heart College.
  • Bryant Park: Just 805m away, this vibrant urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its well-maintained gardens, walking paths, and children's play areas, Bryant Park provides a delightful setting for relaxation and recreation amidst nature.
  • Silver Cascade Falls: Situated 3.2km from Kodaikanal Lake, this stunning waterfall offers an enchanting outdoor experience. The majestic falls, surrounded by lush greenery, create a romantic atmosphere and provide opportunities for adventure and exploration.

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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March81.5°F (27.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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

For a budget-friendly trip to Kodaikanal Lake, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February to March and August when accommodation prices drop. Saturdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays can be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and desired amenities, and sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Look for package options that combine hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Keep an eye out for discount hotels and flexible booking options to maximise your travel budget.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Kodaikanal Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.