Kodai Lake

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil environment. At the centre of this idyllic town lies Kodai Lake, a stunning artificial reservoir that has become a focal point for visitors and locals alike. Spanning approximately 60 acres, the lake is an enchanting sight, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills 

1. Story of the lake 

2. What is an entry fee and timing? 

3. About boating. 

4. Nearby places to visit. 

5. Location/distance. 

ABOUT THE LAKE: 

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 the lake's primary watershed. Kodai Lake was created in 1863 by the then-collector of Madurai, Sir Vere Henry Levinge. The lake was initially constructed to provide a water supply to the town and to facilitate the growth of agriculture in the surrounding areas. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular tourist attraction, offering recreational activities and a serene atmosphere for all who visit. The British colonial influence is evident in the area’s architecture and layout, with many buildings reflecting Victorian styles. 

An earthen dam was constructed to create the lake in a marsh where three streams flowed. The lake catchment experiences an average annual rainfall of 1650 mm. The climate is salubrious, with summer temperatures of 19.8 °C (max) and 11.3 °C (min) and winter temperatures of 17.3 °C (max) and 8.3 °C (min). The outflow from the Lake forms a waterfall of 60 metres, called the Silver Cascade, 8 km downstream of the lake outlet.  

A unique flower called as neelakurinji (Strobilanthus Ludhiana), known as Kurinji or Neelakurinji in Tamil language and Malayalam and Gurige in Kannada, is a shrub of the bear's breeches family (Acanthaceae) that is found in the shola forests of the Western ghat in  Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The purplish-blue flower blossoms only once in 12 years and gave the Nilgiri mountains range its name as nil (blue) + giri (mountains). Neelakurinji originates from the malayam neela (blue) + kurinji (flower). Of all long interval bloomers, it is the most rigorously demonstrated, with documented bloomings in 1838, 1850, 1862, 1874, 1886, 1898, 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 and 2022, these have no match to Solar cycles. Next, beautiful flowers can be seen in 2030 

The Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu used it as a reference to calculate their age. This plant flowers during September–October. 

Diatom, protozoans and rotifers, which are also associated with macrophytes, are found in the lake. Many aquatic insect larvae, adults, molluscs, cladoceran, and the fish Danio aquepinnatus, Rasbora, one spot barb, daniconius and Gambusia affunis are reported. Rainbow trout and joint corp are the main fish found in the lake. As per records, the fish yield was 5.3 kg/ha/year. Recently, two new species of diatom were found in this lake.  

POLLUTION ISSUES IN THE LAKE:  

A Department of Atomic Energy study confirmed that mercury emissions have contaminated Kodaikanal Lake by the Hindustan Lever Limited thermometer factory. As per microbial analysis, the water is not potable and must be processed before domestic use. Several ecological factors have influenced the plankton's diversity and abundance. Eight aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa have been identified. Tourists and nearby residents are causative factors for lake contamination and water pollution. The encroachment of the banks of the lake by buildings has violated the court order that prohibits construction within 70 metres of the banks of the lake. The impact on water quality is transitory compared to a closed water body. High pollution loads of organic from hotels and other commercial establishments around the lake are causing pollution. 

CONSERVATION PLAN: 

Treatment and eco-restoration work for the Kodaikanal Lake were undertaken by the Government of Tamil Nadu with funds provided by the Govt. of India, under the 70:30 cost-sharing formula, by the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to abate pollution and, thereby benefit the local and floating population. The project envisaged Bioremediation, Sewage Treatment, Low-cost sanitation Facilities, awareness, Weeding, Interception and Diversion Works, Fencing, Horse sheds, Data Collection and Dredging at a total cost of about Rs 10.33 crores (US$2.6 million).  

ENTRY TIME AND FEE: 

• There will be no entry fee for this lake 

• Time: 6 AM to 5 PM 

CHARGES FOR BOATING IN THE LAKE: 

• 70 for half an hour for 2 seater Pedal Boat 

• 140 for half an hour for  a four-seater Pedal Boat 

• 245 for 20 min for six seater Row Boat 

• 415 for half an hour for Shikara Boat 

ABOUT BOATING: 

Over the years, a boat club, boathouse, and boat service (with rowing boats, pedalling boats, and a public ferry) for the public and tourists has become fully functional and is of aesthetic significance for tourism. Boat pageants and flower shows are regular features in the summer season that attract tourists. It gives the best feeling to your partner, family, or loved one. 

NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT: 

1. Pillar Rocks,

2. Devil's Kitchen,

3. Coakers Walk,

4. Fairy Falls,

5. Kukkal Caves,

6. Mannavanur Lake,

7. Kodaikanal Lake,

8. Silver Cascade,

9. Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple

10. Kodai-Palani Trek 

These are some of the top sightseeing places to visit in Kodaikanal. 

HOW TO REACH: 

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 from the town. Madurai (121 km) and Coimbatore (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, Munnar, Erode, Bangalore and Coimbatore.  

This place would be one of the romantic destinations for couples. And the best memorable destination with family, you can even join escape2explore. You will have a safe journey with us with transportation facilities, the best food availability, accommodation, and much more. You will get the best experience and beautiful memories with us. 

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