Mannavanur Lake and Eco Park, located near Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most serene and naturally rich destinations in the Palani Hills. Known for its untouched beauty, clear lake waters, and lush meadows, this place is often called the “Mini Switzerland of South India.” It’s an eco-conservation zone that combines scenic landscapes, agriculture, and eco-friendly tourism, making it a perfect getaway for families, photographers, and nature lovers.
About 34 km from Kodaikanal, Mannavanur is famous for its calm lake surrounded by rolling hills, sheep farms managed by the Institute of Animal Husbandry, and the Mannavanur Eco Park maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This place offers a complete nature experience, boating, bird watching, trekking, and even local village life exploration.
🏞️ Top Attractions at Mannavanur Lake and Eco Park
1. Mannavanur Lake
A calm, glass-like lake surrounded by lush greenery and pine forests. It’s the main attraction where visitors can enjoy coracle rides and boating while admiring the surrounding hills. The silence here is broken only by birdsong and wind.
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Boating Fee: ₹50–₹100 per person (depending on boat type)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Activities: Boating, nature photography, birdwatching
Best Time to Visit: 9 AM – 11 AM and 3 PM – 5 PM (for calm weather & lighting)
Hidden Tip: Carry binoculars, you might spot rare migratory birds and wild rabbits along the lakeside.
2. Mannavanur Eco Park
This eco-friendly park beside the lake promotes sustainable tourism. It’s home to a small butterfly garden, bamboo groves, and organic vegetable fields. The park has wooden benches, children’s play areas, and walking trails through the grasslands.
Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult, ₹10 for children
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Attractions: Butterfly garden, herbal plantations, kids’ play area, and picnic zone
Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, and shaded gazebos available
Hidden Tip: Visit early morning to enjoy the mist-covered meadows before tourist groups arrive.
3. Mannavanur Sheep & Rabbit Farm
Operated by the Sheep Research Station (under TANUVAS), this government-managed farm is just 2 km from the lake. Visitors can see large herds of sheep, rabbits, and Angora goats, a favorite for children.
Entry Fee: Free (Permission at gate required)
Timing: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Specialty: Educational experience for kids on animal breeding
Hidden Tip: Don’t forget to visit the rabbit shed, children can even feed them with the help of caretakers.
4. Mannavanur Boating & Adventure Activities
Eco-tourism initiatives include coracle rides, horse riding, and short treks. The coracle boats offer a calm and silent floating experience unlike motorboats in other hill stations.
Coracle Ride Cost: ₹100 per person
Horse Ride: ₹200 for 10–15 mins
Trekking Trails: Short meadow treks guided by eco-staff (₹150 per person)
Hidden Tip: Hire local guides for offbeat viewpoints, they know hidden cliffs with panoramic lake views.
🧒 Fun Activities for Kids & Families
Mini play park with swings and slides inside the eco-park
Rabbit and sheep petting at the research farm
Butterfly garden and duck pond area
Family-friendly picnic zones under pine trees
Safe shallow areas near the lake for nature walks
Hidden Tip: Bring snacks and mats for a picnic, but avoid littering, as it’s a protected eco zone.
🍽️ Food & Refreshments
There are a few small local food stalls near the eco park selling:
Hot tea, coffee, and homemade snacks (₹20–₹40)
Bread omelet, Maggi, and pakoras
Fresh carrots and greens from nearby farms
Hidden Tip: For a proper meal, visit Poombarai or Kodaikanal town (30–40 mins drive) where you’ll find more restaurant options.
🚗 Mannavanur Lake and Eco Park Parking & Facilities
Parking Fee: ₹20 for cars, ₹10 for bikes
Restrooms: Available near the park entrance (clean and maintained by Eco Department)
Drinking Water: Available inside the eco park
Wheelchair Access: Not available (terrain is hilly and uneven)
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Mannavanur Lake
| 🍃 Season | 🌡️ Weather / Temperature | 🧭 What to Expect & Highlights | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 8°C – 18°C · crisp & cool | Golden light, mist dancing on the lake, crystal-clear views of rolling meadows. Best for photography & quiet walks. | Carry warm layers; arrive 9–11 AM or 3–5 PM for reflections. |
| Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 10°C – 20°C · clear skies | Lush green carpets after rains, fewer crowds, superb visibility; ideal for boating & family picnics. | Peak window for lake colors; book homestays in advance (weekends). |
| Summer (Mar–May) | 15°C – 25°C · pleasant | Best for easy treks, coracle rides, butterfly sightings & kids’ activities at the eco park. | Midday sun can be harsh on open meadows; carry caps & water. |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | 12°C – 20°C · rainy & misty | Emerald landscapes & dramatic clouds; great for moody photos and birdlife after showers. | Roads can be slippery; check bus timings & carry rain gear. |
The overall best season is October–February for clear skies, cool weather and golden light.
🚌 How to Reach Mannavanur Lake
Distance from Kodaikanal: 34 km (1 hour 15 mins)
Nearest Town: Poombarai (9 km)
By Bus:
Kodaikanal → Poombarai (Government bus available every 1 hour)
Poombarai → Mannavanur (Shared jeep or local bus)
First Bus: 7:00 AM | Last Bus: 5:30 PM
By Car/Jeep: Private cabs from Kodaikanal charge ₹1,200–₹1,800 for round trip.
Hidden Tip: Roads are narrow and curvy, avoid night travel.
💰 Mannavanur Lake & Eco Park Ticket Price
| 📍 Ticket Type | 💰 Fee / Charges | 🕒 Timings | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco Park Entry | ₹20 (Adult) · ₹10 (Child) | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | TN Forest Dept. managed |
| Lake Area Entry | ₹10 per person | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Access to lakeside trails |
| Boating (rowboat) | ₹50–₹100 per person | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Weather & water-level dependent |
| Coracle Ride | ₹100 per person | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Life jackets provided |
| Horse Ride (optional) | ₹200 / 10–15 mins | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Private operators; negotiate politely |
| Sheep & Rabbit Farm Visit | Free | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Entry with on-spot permission |
| Camera / Mobile | Free (handheld) | During visit | Drone use requires prior permit |
| Parking | Car ₹20 · Bike ₹10 · Van/Bus ₹50 | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | On-site, near entrance gate |
| Weekly Holiday | Open Daily | Timings may vary during heavy rain |
Carry cash; card payments are rarely available at the lake.
🕒 Mannavanur Lake Government Bus Timings
| 🚌 Route | ⏰ First Bus | 🕔 Last Bus | 💰 Fare | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodaikanal → Poombarai | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM | ₹25 | Every hour · TNSTC Bus Stand, Kodaikanal |
| Poombarai → Mannavanur | 8:00 AM | 5:30 PM | ₹15 | Local bus or shared jeep available |
| Kodaikanal → Mannavanur (via Poombarai) | 8:00 AM | 4:30 PM | ₹35 | Direct route only twice daily |
| Mannavanur → Kodaikanal (return) | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM | ₹35 | Shared jeeps available after 5 PM |
| Poombarai → Kodaikanal | 7:30 AM | 6:00 PM | ₹25 | Frequent mini-buses available every hour |
For late travel, shared jeeps (₹100–₹150 per person) operate up to Kodaikanal town.
🐾 Mannavanur Lake & Eco Park Traveller Reviews
🌞 The Good
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “A peaceful and scenic paradise.”
The lake is calm, clean, and beautifully surrounded by green meadows and hills. It’s one of the quietest and most refreshing places near Kodaikanal, perfect for families, couples, and photographers.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Eco Park is well maintained.”
The Forest Department has done a great job keeping the area clean. Benches, rest areas, and dustbins are placed throughout. Kids loved the play area and feeding the rabbits at the nearby farm.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Boating was peaceful and safe.”
The coracle rides are slow and quiet, no motors, just the sound of water and wind. The staff provide life jackets and guide beginners patiently.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Great for a family picnic.”
The grasslands near the lake are wide open and perfect for children to play. There are shaded gazebos, tea stalls, and safe walking paths, ideal for a relaxed day outing.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Unreal views like a mini Switzerland!”
The meadows look magical, especially after rain or during early morning mist. Photographers will love the reflections in the lake and the peaceful environment.
⚠️ The Bad
⭐ “Bumpy road from Kodaikanal.”
The last stretch of road is narrow and uneven. Driving requires patience, especially in fog. Best to hire a local jeep or experienced driver for safety.
⭐ ⭐ “Very few food options.”
There are no restaurants near the park, only a couple of small tea stalls. Carry packed lunch or snacks if you plan to spend the whole day.
⭐ ⭐ “No mobile signal.”
Mobile coverage (especially Jio and Airtel) is poor around the lake. BSNL works in patches, so it’s better to inform someone before visiting.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Limited facilities for elderly.”
Some parts of the park and lakeside involve uneven ground. Wheelchair access is minimal, so elderly visitors should avoid steep trails.
⭐ ⭐ “Can get crowded on weekends.”
Though not as commercial as Kodaikanal Lake, weekends bring small crowds and fewer parking spots. Weekdays are much quieter and more peaceful.
Mannavanur Lake and Eco Park are among the most beautiful offbeat destinations near Kodaikanal. It’s a perfect combination of scenic beauty, eco-friendly tourism, and peaceful village life. Whether you’re boating on the calm lake, feeding rabbits at the farm, or watching clouds roll over green hills, Mannavanur promises a soul-refreshing experience.
