Suggested time
1-2 hours
Distance from town
0 km
Best time of day
evening
Entry fee
Free (boating extra)
Timings
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Best season
all year
Rating
A star-shaped manmade lake created in 1863 by damming three hill streams, Kodai Lake sits at the heart of town and is the easiest first stop for most visitors. The 5 km perimeter path is popular for walking and cycling, and the boat house (run by TTDC) offers row boats, pedal boats, and shikaras.
Read the full published guide →
Safety precautions
- Life jackets are mandatory on every boat and provided free at the boat house
- Swimming or jumping into the lake is strictly prohibited
- Boating is paused without much notice during heavy rain, strong wind, or rough water
Know before you go
- Boating runs 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, shorter than the lake path's 6 AM – 8 PM hours
- Boat tickets require an advance payment; part of it is refunded after the ride
Local warnings
- The lakeside path gets slippery in shaded stretches during monsoon (Jun–Sep) and fog
- Food, drinks, and littering are banned on boats and lakeside; fines are enforced
Practical tips
- Visit 6–9 AM to skip the 4–7 PM crowd peak, especially on weekends and summer holidays
- Walk the quieter southern and western stretch, away from the boat house
