The Carlton Blog
A quaint and charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of India's most popular tourist destinations. Fondly called the "Princess of Hill Stations", its breathtaking landscapes comprise misty hills, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and lush green grasslands, which create the most picturesque setting for a memorable vacation.
While Kodaikanal has several beautiful sightseeing spots for you to explore, the Kodaikanal Lake happens to be the hill station's central landmark. Hence, you will also find the presence of a number of reputed luxury resorts near Kodaikanal Lake, such as The Carlton, among others. Whether you take a walk along the lakeside or engage in boating, horse riding, or cycling, it is the prime hub of activity in Kodaikanal.
Besides, some of the hill station's key attractions are either in the lake's immediate vicinity or just a short drive away from it. If you don't want a hectic itinerary and would prefer a relaxed picnic instead, these scenic spots are absolutely perfect for a day out with your loved ones. Here, you can spend quality time with your family while basking in the pleasantly cool weather and the serene surroundings.
Read on to know the best picnic spots in Kodaikanal near the lake that you must visit during your holiday!
Kodaikanal is a wonderful place for all kinds of travellers, be they couples who seek a romantic escape, families who want a relaxed vacation, a group of friends on a staycation, or solo travellers on a weekend getaway. If you are staying at one of the hotels near Kodaikanal Lake, you will discover plenty of opportunities close by for a nice little picnic in the midst of nature. There's nothing more relaxing than such a peaceful outing in the hill station's beautiful environs with your favourite people in the world, so grab a few delicious snacks and beverages and head out!
The following are the top five spots near Kodaikanal Lake that you should definitely consider for your picnic plans:
When you think about the best picnic areas near Kodaikanal Lake, don't forget that the lake itself is an amazing destination for the purpose! Not a lot of people are aware that this stunning star-shaped water body is actually a man-made creation, but it is spectacular nevertheless.
The lakeside appears especially magical early in the mornings, when the mist cloaks the water's surface. This is also why a Kodaikanal lake view resort like The Carlton is a highly preferred choice of accommodation for most tourists. Sprawling grassy patches, walking trails, and the magnificent vistas of the Palani Hills surround the shores of the lake, which makes it a suitable spot for a casual picnic.
During your picnic by the lake, you can either just relax on the grass taking in the scenic views, or indulge in various leisure and recreational activities if you wish. You can go boating on the water or take slow strolls, horseback rides, and bicycle rides on the 5-kilometre paved path that circles the lake's perimeter. Full of scenic beauty and exciting things to do, Kodaikanal Lake is the finest spot for a picnic!
One of the major Kodaikanal tourist spots, Bryant Park is a beautiful botanical garden situated right next to Kodaikanal Lake, along its eastern edge. It is very well-maintained and features a huge selection of exotic flowers and rare species of trees, cacti, and shrubs.
With its perfectly manicured lawns and diverse collection of flora, this colourful paradise is a great place for tourists who want to have a picnic amidst the verdant greenery and vibrant hues of nature. After you have strolled through the garden and browsed its numerous points of attraction, you can simply sit back on the lawn and spend the day appreciating the scenery around you.
April to June is generally the best time period to visit Bryant Park. If you are a nature enthusiast or a flower lover, you shouldn't miss the annual summer flower show held here in May every year!
Though technically not a picnic spot itself, Coaker's Walk is a fantastic tourist attraction that you can explore when you are picnicking near Kodaikanal Lake. It is a 1-kilometre paved walkway specially designed for pedestrians, located on the Kodaikanal town's steep southern side. This cliffside path is located around 1 km away from the lake, so you can easily reach there on foot with a quick walk or via a short drive from your Kodaikanal lake view resort. It runs along the edge of scenic mountain slopes that look over panoramic vistas of the plains below. Coaker's Walk is dotted with telescopes to give visitors a closer and better view of the valleys. Ardent photographers can capture lots of amazing shots here, including the stunning cloud sea effect that you get to observe here typically during early mornings.
Chettiar Park isn't one of the conventionally famous Kodaikanal tourist spots, yet it is a great destination for a laidback family picnic. It is nestled in a tranquil corner of the hill station, about 2.5 kilometres from Kodaikanal Lake. Although it is smaller in size than Bryant Park, it is just as beautifully maintained and houses various exotic plants and colourful blooms. Chettiar Park's serene atmosphere and picturesque beauty make it an oasis of peace and relaxation as opposed to some of the more crowded tourist places in the hill station.
Situated around 6 to 7 kilometres away, the Pine Forest is not at a walking distance from the lake; however it is still one of the best picnic spots in Kodaikanal. It will take just a 15 to 20-minute drive to reach there if you are staying at a resort near Kodaikanal Lake. Featuring hundreds of towering pine trees, this forest will offer blissful moments of solitude as you take a walk through it or lie down on a blanket underneath the canopy for a quiet picnic.
Breathe in the pine-scented air and enjoy the warm company of your loved ones while picnicking at this exquisite destination! Avoid visiting the Pine Forest during the rainy season as the grounds get muddy and slippery. The months of October to May are the best time for a picnic here.
Since Kodaikanal Lake is in proximity to many awesome picnic spots and tourist attractions, it makes sense to book your stay at a hotel near the lake. The Carlton is one of the renowned 5-star resorts near Kodaikanal Lake, a charming heritage retreat that exudes a rustic charm with its colonial vibes. It provides luxurious rooms along with world-class facilities, high-end dining spaces, event venues, and premium services. Offering mesmerising views of the lakefront and the surrounding hills, this hotel is an excellent accommodation option for your holiday in Kodaikanal.
You should surely try these scenic picnic experiences near the lake whenever you visit Kodaikanal. Connect with The Carlton now for enquiries about room bookings, event spaces, or any other information!
A. Kodaikanal Lake itself is one of the best picnic locations because of boating, cycling, horse riding and beautiful lake views.
A. Yes. Bryant Park, Chettiar Park and Pine Forest are excellent family picnic destinations.
A. Approximately 6–7 km.
A. The Carlton enjoys one of the closest lakefront locations and offers direct access to many nearby attractions.
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