A stunning place in Kodaikanal on the way to Green Valley View, Upper Lake View is a majestic location at such a height that it offers a panoramic view of scenic green valleys and the famous star-shaped lake, Kodai Lake. Located in Kodaikanal, this place is ideal for photographers and nature lovers. In this blog, we will discuss Upper Lake View in detail, providing you with all the essential information about where to plan a visit. So, make sure you read the article till the end to make the most out of your visit to the serene place in kodaikanal.
About Upper Lake View
Image Credit: KARTY JazZ for Wikimedia Commons
If you will see Green Valley View, take a little detour to Upper Lake View, and we are sure you won’t regret it. You will be surprised to see this magical place. This place is also located near yet another hotspot destination in Kodaikanal, Coaker’ walk (about 3 km), and thus, it attracts many tourists who stop here on their way to another great viewpoint, Green Valley.
Upper Lake View in Kodaikanal offers an excellent view of lush green valleys and a unique star-shaped lake, Kodai Lake, all thanks to its height. If the weather is clear, you can also spot Hotel Carlton, which is right in the lake’s background.
Must Read: Pillar Rocks Viewpoint
What To Do At Upper Lake View
The view from Upper Lake is so unique and spectacular that words might not be enough to describe it. When you reach this place, you see an amazing panoramic view of the city of Kodaikanal and the valleys surrounding it. Sadly, there are no hotels near Upper Lake View, so you cannot spend the night here. However, you will find some food stalls around this place from where you can buy drinks and refreshments.
You can also shop for some handicraft items that locals make as souvenirs for your family and friends. It is also quite popular among photographers as it offers an excellent opportunity to click some stunning pictures of the Lake nestled amidst the lovely backdrops of the green valleys.
Places To Visit Nearby
If you are planning to travel to Upper Lake View then here are some other places to visit near Upper Lake View :
1. Pine Forest
Image Credit: KARTY JazZ for Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting the Viewpoint in Kodaikanal, do not miss out on exploring the enhancing woodland of Kodaikanal, Pine Forest. Centrally located in the heart of Kodaikanal city, this place feels like a peaceful retreat into nature’s lap. Pine Forest in Kodaikanal attracts many tourists thanks to its towering pine trees and serene ambience. This forest is well-preserved by the government of Tamil Nadu and is considered the most popular tourist spot in Kodaikanal. Whether you are a nature lover, photographer, or walker, you can visit this place, and it will not disappoint you. You will find wild growth of magic mushrooms in the forest, along with pine and eucalyptus trees.
Location: 6 km away from Upper Lake View
Timings: Open for visitors throughout the day
Suggested Read: Chettiar Park
2. Berijam Lake
Image Credit: DRUID1962 for Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful lakes in Kodaikanal you cannot miss is Berijam Lake, located in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. Nestled amidst the most beautiful landscapes of the Western Ghats, this lake is close to Kodaikanal city and surrounded by the lush green Upper Palani Hill range. Apart from natural beauty, this place is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including Nilgiri langur, wild boars, and some migratory birds like leaf warblers and blue chat. To visit this lake, you need permission from the Forest Department, which is located in Moonjikal. The permission passes are given from 8:30 am to 9:30 am only, and the Forest Department Office remains closed on Tuesdays, so make sure you do not visit the lake on that day.
Location: 19 km away from Upper Lake View
Timings: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
3. Pambar Falls
Image Credit: Marcus334 for Wikimedia Commons
Pambar Falls feels like a paradise on earth with countless butterflies dancing, soothing music of crashing waters, and chirping birds. Pambar Falls, located just 4 km from Kodaikanal city, is an ideal tourist destination in Tamil Nadu for those who love to spend time in nature. This is where you can witness the undisturbed natural scenery of Kodaikanal. Once you reach Pambar Falls, you will fall in love with the lush green landscapes surrounding the place. This place is also ideal for trekking enthusiasts as trekking in Pambar Falls is one of the most thrilling activities that takes only 2 hours to complete.
Location: 2 km away from Upper Lake View
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Suggested Read: Mannavanur Lake
Best Time To Visit Upper Lake View
Though Kodaikanal attracts tourists in large numbers throughout the year, the ideal time to visit the city and enjoy it fully would be in winter, especially between October and March. During this time, the temperature remains between 8°C and 28°C with a perfect blend of chilly and comfortable weather. What else? You are also welcomed with clouds of fog every morning at this time. Apart from this, the best time to visit Kodaikanal is summer and monsoon season from April to September, when the weather remains mild with soft blue skies, blooming flowers, and soothing sunshine.
Tips Before You Visit
Image Credit: Hareey3 for Wikimedia Commons
We do not want you to have any surprises, so here are some tips that can help you before you go to Upper Lake View
- There is no entry fee to visit Upper Lake View
- The Upper Lake View remains open for visitors from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Washroom facilities are available at the viewpoint.
- Parking facilities for two-wheelers and four-wheelers are available
- There are photographers at the location to take your photos
- The place gets crowded over the weekends
- Small shops are available at the location, selling refreshments and quick bites.
- No hotels are available there, so you can’t spend the night here.
Further Read: Waterfalls Near Kodaikanal
When approaching Upper Lake View, expect to get lost in the lush greenery. A paradise for photographers and a retreat for nature lovers, this place promises to fulfil the expectations of every traveller. After exploring Upper Lake View, you can also head out for Coaker’s Walk and Green Valley View, the two most popular tourist destinations in Kodaikanal. So, if you are still confused about your trip to Tamil Nadu, we hope this article has made you aware.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Thangaraj Kumaravel for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Lake View
Why is Upper Lake so important?
Earlier, Upper Lake used to be the source of potable water for the Kodaikanal city. However, now, this place has become one of the most popular spots in Kodaikanal for leisure and recreation.
What are some popular tourist destinations near Upper Lake View?
Upper Lake View is situated just 3.2 km away from the Coaker’s Walk which is a must-visit place in Kodaikanal. Other than this, you can also visit Green Valley viewpoint while visiting Upper Lake View as these two tourist spots are close to each other.
Are there any hotels at Upper Lake View?
No, there are no hotels at Upper Lake View. Visitors generally visit this place for a short time as there are no hotels to stay here.
Why is Kodaikanal popular among tourists?
Kodaikanal, also popular as the ‘Princes of Hill Stations’, is quite a popular tourist destination in South India. It attracts visitors from around the world throughout the year for its scenic beauty of the hills, cool and misty weather, and the wooded forests.
Which is the nearest airport to Upper Lake View?
The nearest airport to Upper Lake View is Madurai International Airport which is about 136 km away from it. Depending on the traffic and road conditions, it will take around 3 hours to reach Upper Lake View from Madurai International Airport.
People Also Read:
