Famous Lakes in Kodaikanal: The Kind of Blue that Makes You Forget Your Emails

If clouds had a home, it would be Kodaikanal. This ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ sits at 2,100 metres in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, wrapped in mist, mystery, and more Instagrammable views than you can shake a selfie stick at. While everyone flocks to the viewpoints, the hidden lakes quietly steal the show, nestled between cliffs and greenery like nature’s sneaky little secrets. With waters that mirror the sky and mist that gives everything a magical glow, Kodaikanal is basically a peaceful playground for the eyes. The most famous lakes in Kodaikanal are Kodai Lake and Berijam Lake. Kodai Lake, the star-shaped heart of the town, is perfect for paddling a boat, taking a leisurely stroll, or pretending you’re a professional photographer (even if your only model is a confused duck). Berijam Lake, on the other hand, is where you escape humans, traffic, and all those unanswered emails, basically, nature’s very own “do not disturb” zone.

Want to see what makes them so special? Let us dive in. And if you want to wake up with a view without leaving your bed, Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels is your HQ, putting you right in the middle of all the fun and serenity, no effort required.

Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal: The Star of the Show

Smack in the middle of town, Kodai Lake, also known as Kodaikanal Lake, has been stealing the spotlight since 1863. This 59-acre man-made, star-shaped beauty features a 5 km promenade lined with eucalyptus and pine trees.
 

• Entry Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Price: Free (no charge to visit the lake)
• Best Time to Visit: October to December (lush, post-monsoon calm) or April to June (clear skies, great visibility)

Lively Activities at Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal

• Go Boating at Kodai Lake: Paddle like a captain on a mission or float lazily while pretending you’re a professional photographer (bonus points for dramatic selfies).
• Stroll Along the Kodai Lake, Kodaikanal: Experience the magic of sunrise with golden waters, low mist, and hills that look hand-painted. Sunset views are just as breathtaking.
• Go Horse Riding: Explore the scenic trails around the lake and hills on horseback, perfect for adventure lovers and photo ops.
• Snap Panoramic Shots from Coaker’s Walk: Get an elevated view of Kodai Lake that ends up in every travel reel.
• Join the Kodai Summer Festival (Kodai Vizha): Every May, Bryant Park transforms into a vibrant flower show, perfect for floraphiles, photographers, and selfie addicts.
• Relax at Lakeside Cafes: Sip something warm while soaking in all the lakeside antics without moving an inch.

Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal: The Lake that Earns Its Serenity

Berijam Lake is where Kodaikanal firmly puts your phone on silent. Hidden deep inside the protected Upper Palani Shola Reserve Forest, this pristine reservoir is wrapped in thick shola forest and comes with the kind of calm that makes even your inner monologue whisper. Its tranquil waters offer one of the most serene Kodaikanal lake views, perfect for anyone seeking peace and reflection. Entry here requires a forest department permit. Even the drive feels like part of the experience, with winding forest roads, drifting mist, and that moment when you realise you have stopped checking your phone and started questioning why you ever rushed through life in the first place.
 

• Entry Timings: Usually 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (last entry strictly enforced)
• Permit: Mandatory, issued by the Forest Department office in Kodaikanal
• Vehicles Allowed: Registered taxis and private cars only; no two-wheelers
• Best Time to Visit: October to December (lush, post-monsoon calm) or April to June (clear skies, great visibility)

Tip: Go early, follow the rules, and let the silence do the talking.

Soothing Experiences Around Berijam Lake

• Take Gentle Walks Around the Lake: Enjoy a calm, cinematic stroll where every turn feels like a nature montage.
• Spot Wildlife Surprises: Keep an eye out for spotted deer, Indian bison, and other critters making surprise appearances.
• Birdwatching and Photography: Birds seem to have rehearsed their soundtrack just for you, making photography a rewarding exercise in patience.
• Try Fishing: Cast a line and enjoy the quiet thrill of catching (or just watching) fish in the serene waters.
• Soak in Peaceful Vibes: Sit quietly, hum an Ilaiyaraaja tune, or dive into deep thoughts; the lake’s tranquillity makes doing nothing feel like an art.

After the Trails: Because Even Adventurers Need a Bed

Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels is a quiet, nature-soaked escape for travellers who like their sightseeing energetic and their evenings blissfully calm. Perfectly positioned for exploring Kodaikanal’s most loved lakes, we let you explore by day and return to birdsong, fresh air, and the underrated joy of doing absolutely nothing by night.
 

Who Should Stay Here?

Executives visiting industrial units or chemical and salt factories, engineers and consultants working on complex projects, business partners involved in diamond and pearl shipping in Tuticorin, and entrepreneurs scouting opportunities will all find Regency Tuticorin a perfectly strategic and welcoming base.

We combine business convenience with warm hospitality, ensuring that guests stay productive during the day and relaxed in the evening. Think of it as a seamless blend of comfort, efficiency, and thoughtful service, all without the usual corporate hotel stiffness that makes you wonder if smiling is allowed.

Let us take you inside and show you what we have inside:

Our property offers 36 cosy rooms with warm wooden flooring and a hill-cabin feel, comfortable enough to make checking out feel almost unfair.

After a day outdoors, Whistler Cafe welcomes you with hearty, satisfying meals that invite a quiet pause and an appreciative nod halfway through. When it’s time to unwind, Bryant’s Lounge becomes a well-earned recovery spot for muddy shoes and tired legs, serving the kind of refreshments that restore the body and lift the spirit, with an atmosphere that truly understands the effort of trekking.

Guests can also enjoy on-property experiences such as guided nature walks and the Sky Walk, a glass bridge that adds just the right hint of thrill to an evening stroll.

For deeper relaxation, Bodhi Prana Spa offers Ayurvedic treatments designed to ease away the strain the hills leave behind. With pet-friendly stays, EV buggy access for senior guests, and a dedicated kids’ play area, everyone finds their own version of a good holiday here.

Lakes in Kodaikanal: Come for the Views, Stay for the Stillness

Kodaikanal isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a mood that gently snatches you up somewhere between the mist and your third cup of tea. And honestly, the lakes deserve most of the credit. From the star-shaped charm of Kodai Lake, quietly sitting at the centre like it owns the town, to the calm, forest-hugged stillness of Berijam Lake, everything here moves at a speed best described as politely unhurried. These lakes don’t demand adventure or effort; they simply invite you to slow down, stare into the water, and wonder why life is usually so loud. No queues, no chaos, just misty air, gentle ripples, and the comforting feeling that doing absolutely nothing is not only allowed, but highly recommended.

Great Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels fits neatly into this rhythm. Think rooms that open straight into the forest, a spa that fixes whatever the hills started, food that people talk about long after checkout, and a location that keeps all the must-see spots comfortably close. Whether you came for the lake, the mist, the rocks, or just an excuse to wear a jumper, this is where the day ends exactly as it should.