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 Henry Levinge,[1] 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.[2][3] The lake is said to be Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Boating in Kodaikanal Lake. 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.[4] Bryant Park is situated adjacent to the lake.[5]

Located about 23 km away from the Kodai bus stand, Berijam Lake is one the most popular tourist spots in Kodaikanal. The lake with its refreshing setting and lush greenery around makes for an amazing picnic spot. Reaching the lake is not a difficult task as it is connected by a well-tarred road. However, one requires a forest pass for entering the area. You can easily get the passes from District Forest Office which provides free passes to the tourists. If interested in fishing, one can indulge in the activity after seeking fishing permission from the Fisheries Department. Apart from all this, if interested, one can go for boat trip and experience the beaut around in a much better way. There is also a 100 year old -story brick building in Berijam which also makes for interesting sightseeing. The Breijam Lake is the product of dam with sluice outlets which is a part of a micro-watershed development project. Its pure and excellent quality water is the main source of water for the town named Periyakulam. Periyakulam is located below the Kodaikanal hill station. The lake is rich in flora and fauna. One can spot fauna like bison, leopard around the lake. The area around lake which is Upper Palni Shola forest reserve is consisted of wide variety of avian creatures such as Crested Serpent Eagles, Pariah Kites, pale-rumped Swallows and the Edible-nest Swiftlets. One can also spot migratory birds like the Common Rosefinch, the Blue Chat, Leaf-warblers and Blyth's Reed-warbler. One can also spot free floating insectivorous bladderwort plant called utricularia australis.

While on a scenic drive along the village roads of Poombarai, you will be excused for thinking a piece of blue sky has fallen down on to the slops of the Kodaikanal. The pristine crystal blue waters of Mannavanur Lake and its serene surroundings are an ideal picnic spot for families and holiday-makers. Guarded by the mighty peaks of the Nilgiris on all sides, the quaint village of Poombarai is nestled away in the midst of the thickets of the Western Ghats, far away from the clamour of urban life. Poombarai, an idyllic hamlet with a calm, lazy atmosphere scented by eucalyptus trees and fertile farm lands, will remind you of a scene straight out of a fairy tale. 35 km away from the Kodai valley, Poombarai, should be on your travel itinerary if you are in search of a perfect destination to escape the monotony of everyday life and embark on a rejuvenating journey into the wilderness where you can appreciate nature's raw beauty. Winding through the thick forests encircling the village of Poombarai is a trekking trail that will take you to the underexplored parts of the Nilgiris. Exploring the wilderness through a long walk along the trail while listening to the chirping of the birds and calls of the wild animals will be a refreshing experience for the trekkers. At the end of the trails is the beautiful lake of Mannavur. This pristine freshwater lake, placed perfectly on the lap of the rolling hills of the Nilgiris, make a picturesque view for the trekkers to set a picnic and enjoy their time out in nature. The shores of Munnavur lake are home to a wide variety of fish and birds, making them a prime spot to pick if you are into birdwatching. As you sit on the park benches set on the shores of the lake and watch the waterfowl playing in the blue waters and listen to the songs of the birds in the woods, you won’t notice hours passing by.

The 400-feet towering granite rock formations are a natural beauty to explore. From the vantage point of the Pillar Rock, you can enjoy the serene beauty of Kodaikanal. These three rocks stand shoulder to shoulder. The gap between the two rocks is called the 'Devil's kitchen’. If you go on a trek, there will be guides to lead the way. There are also waterfalls near the rocks. The tourist destination with its natural setting and lighting, is any photographer's paradise. Photographers can come here early in the morning to get a breathtaking view of the sunrise. The lush greenery and the garden with a wide variety of flowers at the base of the rock formations, is an ideal picnic spot for families. Families can savour their tea and snacks from nearby shops. You can also go on a group hiking trip to the scenic summit of Pillar Rocks. Once, there existed a 'white cross' on these rocks representing the eternal love of a man called David Gelli for his wife Irine Gelli. While on their honeymoon, Irine Gelli is said to have slipped into the pillar rocks. David, in her memory, placed a white cross on top of the rock, after which he is believed to have committed suicide to be united with his wife. But the cross withered with time, despite several efforts to maintain it. The entry timing to the Pillar rocks is between 9 am and 4 pm, including Sundays. The fee per person is Rs 5, and you need to pay Rs 20 for a still camera shot. If you take your kids along, be extra careful to keep them away from the edge of the rocks. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Also note that liquor consumption is prohibited at the place.

The hill station of Kodaikanal located in the Palani hill range of Tamil Nadu presents its tourists with refreshing break from the monotony and pressure of day to day life. There are many tourist spots in Kodaikanal. One of the best examples for the same is Dolphin's Nose. Dolphin’s Nose is a flat rock located at the edge of the cliff and at a distance of 8 km from the town of Kodaikanal. Located at an altitude of 6,600 ft, it is protruding flat rock which resembles to the nose of a dolphin. Thus this natural formation of the rock is called as Dolphin’s Nose. One can reach Dolphin’s Nose through a one kilometre trekking from Vattakkanal hamlet. To reach the viewpoint, one has to go via an old road after crossing Pambar Bridge. Later a curve rounds the hill side take you to the spot which offers you not just with amazing view but also a soothing atmosphere. It is located about eight km from the lake, and presents you with a breath taking view of the chasm that is 6,600 metres (21,700 ft) deep. This is a flat projecting rock that is quite secluded and undisturbed and can be reached through a steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. It presents tourists with captivating view of the valley and the areas around. The view of the Periyakulam town and Vaigai Lake is also quite enchanting, especially in summers. The best time to visit the viewpoint is between the months of October and March.