Summer Events

The summer festival celebrated every year fetch a large number of tourists to witness and to take part in the competition. The events are conducted by the municipality of Kodaikanal. Various competitions are held to encourage the tourist and the local public of the town.

Boat Race:

Boat race is conducted at the famous Kodai Lake every year during the month of May. The race is conducted by the T.T.D.C and the Kodai Boat Club during summer festival.  

Flower Show:

Flower shows are conducted by the Department of Horticulture at the end of May every year. Thousands of tourists used to witness the show every year. A beautiful collection of flowers and fruits are displayed in the park from the neighboring villages.  Prizes are given to the beat flowers and fruits.

Dog Show:

Every year dog show is conducted at Bryant’s Park in Kodaikanal. There is a separate category for Pet dogs and Police dogs. People from many parts of the country used to bring their dogs to participate in this show. The most attractive dog will get the prize.

Catch a fish competition:

Fishing competition is conducted in the month of May. As a part of the summer festival, fishing competition is conducted in the Kodai Lake. Local public and tourist are allowed for the competition.

La Sallete Church:

In the year 1866, Thanks giving offering was fulfilled when brother Lamothy build the body of the church. From the day onwards every last Sunday of May is celebrated for Mother Sallete. This is said to be the first Pilgrim place for Mother Sallete in India. Apart from this a nine day festival is celebrated every year in the month of August which brings a conclusion with a grand carnival on 14^th and 15^th of August.  Special services and processions take place during this time.

Fly Baba Tournament:

Fly Baba tournament is conducted for school children by Kodai International School. Students from many states participate in this competition. It is more fun filled and energetic. A 7 member team with 5 boys and 2 girls are required to play this game.

Apart from this, games like horse riding, football, Volley ball, hockey and mini marathon for boys and girls are conducted at Moonjikkal ground every year during the summer festival at the end of May. 

Kodai Lake

Kodaikanal Lake is the most popular tourist attraction in kodai. It is also known as Kodai Lake. It is a manmade lake and it is star-shaped when seen from a height. The Lake covers an area of almost 60 acres and surrounded by a pretty road and platforms for about 5 km long. The lake has an annual average rainfall of 1650mm in its catchment area.  The surrounding woods have a variety of tree species including pine and eucalyptus. The excess water outflows from the lake for 8 kilometers and falls as a waterfall of 18o feet, which is called as Silver Cascade Falls.

The lake was built by Sir Vere Hentry Levinge, Collector of Madurai, during the British rule in the year 1863. He settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement and with his own money, he converted the marshy land into a lake. He stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin.

There are many activities around the lake which attracts the tourist. The tourist can enjoy these activities and admire the beauty of the lake.

Boating:

In 1890 a boat club was formed. In 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. The boating facility was provided only to a few public and tourist in 1929. Later in 1932 boating services was made available to everyone. Over the years the Boat club and TTDC provides boat service with Rowing Boats and Pedaling boat and a public ferry for the public and tourists has become fully functional. Since then Kodaikanal has been the most popular hill station of South India.

Timing:

The Kodai Boat Club and TTDC boats are available to the tourists from 9 AM to 5.30 PM

Rates:

Both the Kodai boat club and TTDC cost Rs 20 to 40 for pedaling boats, Rs 50-70 for row boats and Rs 125- 150 for Kashmiri Shikari boats for 30 minutes. A boat man can availed for row boats and Shikari boats.

Horse riding:

A large number of horses are available for horse riding to the tourist on the banks of the lake. Full round cost Rs 80 -100 and a half round cost Rs 40-50.

Cycling:

Tourist can enjoy the beauty of the lake by cycling individually or with their family. Bicycles are available for rent for 30 minutes or 1 hour. There are separate cycles for kids too. Cycles can be hired from Rs. 30 for 30 minutes. 

Fishing:

Fishing is allowed to the tourist after prior permission from the Fisheries Department. Tourist can spend their time fishing in the lake and admiring the beauty of the lake.