Kodaikanal has become a hotspot for tourists in the last decade and every tourist attraction hardly stays devoid of tourists during the peak season or not. But, there are still some spots which have stayed away from the sight of the crowd and have managed to stay untouched by the heavy crowd. Mannavanur Lake is one such hidden gem resting in Kodaikanal that may not be a familiar name for many. Guarded by the peaks of Nilgiri Mountain is a small hamlet, Mannavanur where the lake is located. The name of the lake came from the small village it is located in. The serene backdrop of untouched and unharmed nature makes it worth a visit.
About Mannavanur Lake
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Located at Mannavanur Village, this lake is only 35 km away from the main city of Kodaikanal. If you drive down to the village, the picturesque beauty of this lake will mesmerise you. Nestled amidst the slopes of the Nilgiri Mountains and surrounded by stunning meadows, this lake will take you to a different world. The pine and eucalyptus trees cover both sides of the road and form a beautiful canopy over the driveway. Once you cross the canopy, you will be greeted by the lush green flora and fauna of Mannavanur Lake.
The lake is also a heaven for birdwatchers as it is home to avian species and a halt for migratory birds. Along with a rich bird species, it also provides shelter to various wildlife and you may witness wild boars, deer, monkeys, etc. here. Mannavanur Lake is located inside a sheep farm, and you will witness a flock of sheep roaming here and there. If you are a nature lover, visiting Mannavanur Lake is one of the most ideal activities you can enjoy here. Benches are lined up on the side of the lake, where you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Another interesting fact about Mannavanur Lake’s viewpoint is that it is a farm that cultivates vegetables. You will find fresh produce like broccoli, French beans, cabbage, peas, carrots, cauliflower, etc. Mannavanur Lake’s depth is around 30 to 40 feet. However, the calm water and the scenic beauty around give you a peaceful time to spend here, away from the city bustle.
Must Read: Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal
Mannavanur Lake History
Image Credit: Ankush Dey for Wikimedia Commons
Mannavanur Lake is a natural lake, and its history dates back to ancient times. This lake was formed due to geographical changes and processes. The lake was believed to be formed due to the accumulation of rainwater in the natural basin. With time, the lake got bigger and now has become a large source of fresh drinking water.
Best Time To Visit
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Soak into the beauty of Mannavanur Lake if you visit it at the best time of the year. Let’s find out the weather conditions throughout the year and which one will suit you to visit the lake.
December to February
This is the peak season to visit Mannavanur Lake, as the temperature remains between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The humidity is quite low, and the weather is soothing during these months.
March to April
If you want to soak in the bright sunny days, March to April are the best times to visit Mannavanur Lake. The weather is not too hot to burn you. So you can roam around freely.
October to March
March to October is the best time to visit Mannavanur Lake and sightseeing places in and around the hill station. The weather remains pleasant and less chilly than in the winter months. Most of the places stay open, and it is also an ideal time to indulge in different water activities.
Suggested Read: Resorts Near Kodaikanal
Things To Do Near Mannavanur Lake
Image Credit: Ankush Dey for Wikimedia Commons
You can plan a trip to Mannavanur Lake throughout the year. Apart from visiting the beauty of the lake, there are several other things to do. Let’s find out how you can make your trip more eventful. Read on to know more-
Coracle Ride
This is one of the best activities you can indulge in at Mannavanur Lake. The forest department has arranged this ride for the tourists at quite nominal fees. So, you can enjoy watching the lake while having this ride.
Picnic
How about arranging a picnic on the banks of Mannavanur Lake? The lush greenery around the colourful flowers will set your mood just right. You can spend a couple of hours with your friends and family while picnicking here.
Kayaking
If you are into water sports and want to add some adventure to your life, kayaking is your thing. Go ahead and enjoy kayaking in the water of Mannavanur Lake.
Horse Riding
This is another activity that tourists can do at Mannavanur Lake. You can get back on the horse and stroll around. Enjoy the beauty while having the ride.
Places To Visit Near Mannavanur Lake
If you are charmed by the beauty of the lake enough, you can plan a trip to the nearby places for sightseeing. There are a few places where you can stop by once you are done exploring Mannavanur Lake.
1. Kookal
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Kookal is a quaint, small village that still retains the charm of village life, away from the chaos of the city and fast-paced life. With natural rock and hill formations, it is a paradise for trekkers. Besides, it boasts a healthy flora and fauna and is also a home for migratory birds like the Nilgiri pipit, wood pigeon, and 15 types of dabchicks. In addition, you can also witness rare species of butterflies here.
Distance from Mannavanur Lake:15.1 Km
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2. Kurinji Andavar Temple
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Kurinji Andavar Temple was named after the Kurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, and the pressing form of the deity is Sri Kurinhi Easware. The temple uses traditional Dravidian architecture and nature surrounding the area making it a blissful temple to seek blessing.
Distance from Mannavanur Lake: 35.6 Km
3. Poombarai Village View Point
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Surrounded by Nilgiri Mountain from every side, Poombarai Village is a small and quaint village in Western Ghats. The idyllic nature of the village will enchant you, while the forest of eucalyptus and the meadows will give you the vibe of a faraway land of any fairytale.
Distance from Mannavanur Lake: 14.0 Km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kodaikanal In June
How To Reach
As Kodaikanal is a hill station, it doesn’t share the same level of connectivity by all means of transportation. If you are looking for a way to reach here, we have shared the convenient ways.
By Air
Madurai is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 120 Km. Once you reach the airport, you can take a bus or direct cab to reach Kodaikanal. You can also choose Coimbatore Airport, which is located at a distance of 175 Km, and Trichy Airport, with a distance of 150 Km.
By Train
You can reach the lake by train, too, as two rail junctions, the Naidupuram and Dindigul Junctions, are the nearest, but not every station has a train running directly to Kodaikanal. However, you can reach the nearest railway station, Madurai at a distance of 120 Km and Trichy railway station at a distance of 150 Km.
By Road
Road is one of the best options for reaching Kodaikanal, as several bus services are available from all major cities of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and others. You can also travel via cab if you are visiting from nearby cities.
Further Read: Kodaikanal In Summer
Mannavanur Lake is a hidden gem in Kodaikanal that has not been exploited by the crowd. The lake’s beauty is enhanced further by lush greenery and tall trees. Rich in flora, fauna, and avian species, this lake has a lot to offer tourists of different interest areas. When taking a trip to Kodaikanal and visiting Kodaikanal is in your itinerary, make sure to pay a visit to Mannavanur Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mannavanur Lake
What is the best time to visit Mannavanur Lake?
You can visit Mannavanur Lake any time of the year, but to have the best experience here, visit from October to March.
What are the activities you can have here?
Besides sitting and gazing at nature's splendour, you can enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking here.
What is the time to visit Mannavanur Lake?
The lake is open for tourists from 9.30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Is there any entry fee to enter Mannavanur Lake?
You need to pay a nominal amount of INR 30 per person to visit the lake.
How far is Mannavanur Lake from the main city of Kodaikanal?
The lake is located at a distance of 35 Km from the main city of Kodaikanal.
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