| Kodaikanal Lake |
| About:Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. Sir Vere Hentry 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 early missionaries from USA. 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 and Pedalling boats and a public ferry) for the public and tourists has become fully functional and is of aesthetic significance for tourism. Boat Pageant and Flower Shows are a regular feature in the summer season which attracts tourists.The lake is star-shaped, centrally located in the town of Kodaikanal and is surrounded by lush green hills of the northwestern Palani Hills range, which is the main watershed for the lake.A railway line extended from Chennai to Tirunelveli with an intermediate station at Ammaianayakkanur (later renamed Kodai Road) was built in 1875, to provide a gateway to Kodaikanal town and there on to the lake through a foot trek of 18 km from the railhead. The nearest railheads to the lake presently are the Kodai Road railway Station at 80 km and the Palani Railway station at 64 km distance, from the town. Madurai (at 121 km) and Coimbatore (at 135 km) airports are the closest to the Lake. Kodai Lake is well connected by road with regular bus services operating to Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirapalli, Kumili, Erode, Bangalore and Coimbatore. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Kodaikanal,Dindigul, Tamil Nadu,,India |
| District: Dindigul |
| Nearest City:Madurai 121 km |
| Best time to visit: April to June, and September to October, but can be visited throughout the year. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Summer – 19.80�C Winter – 17.30�C |
| History: |
There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.
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| Interesting places to Visit: |
Silver falls:This is the first attraction that unfolds in front of a tourist on the Madurai – Kodaikanal road. The excess water in the Kodai Lake comes down as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. It is like a pit stop for vehicles and tourists as there are shops selling fruits and other forest products.Kodaikanal – Lake:One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. 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 resident’s even used to swim in the lake.
Docters Delight (3 kms): Beyond the Pillar rocks is an old bluff on the way to Berijam Lake which commands a fine view.
Silver Cascade : The water falls may be seen as the tourist approaches Kodaikanal by the main Ghat road, it lies 8 kms away from the town.
Fishers Seat : (2 kms from Shenbaganur) is a curiously conical now in runis, erched on a precipice. From there one can see clouds raising above the jungle 3000 ft. below.
Dolphins Nose : (8 kms) From where one needs a good nerve to look at the yawning chasm below. |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Kodai Road. |
| Nearest Airport:Madurai (120) |
| Road Transport:Kodaikanal is well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state. |
| Nearest Visiting places:. Kulkkal Cave : It is a favourite camping site ideal for trekking. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal.Berijam Lake (21 kms): This lake supplies drinking water to Periakulam Town. It is of special attraction to anglers. The scenery around here is beautiful.Madurai:Madurai or is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva’s locks gave the city its name – ‘Madhurapuri’, now known as “Madurai”.Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s biggest Temples which is dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. Exquisite sculptures, hall of thousand pillars, icons, photographs & illustrations make this Temple a famous tourist spot. The Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient. |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| Petrol Pump Kodaikanal ,Tamilnadu,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:misty holidays
seven road junction, 14, bender lock road, kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101- 09943942996Kodai Resort
Coaker’s walk, Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu -04542 240632
Kodai International Hotel
Post Box 33 17/328 Laws Ghat Road Kodaikanal |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:Police Station Madurai Police Station Dindigul |
| Nearest Hospital:Madurai,Dindigul |
