Kodaikanal Lake, which this lookout overlooks, was created in 1863 by the British officer Sir Vere Henry Levinge.
The lake occupies 60 acres and sits at an elevation of approximately 2,133 meters above sea level.
The star-shaped configuration of the lake is entirely artificial, resulting from the damming of a marshy stream.
Upper Lake Road serves as a key connecting route between the observatory area and the main lake basin.
Upper Lake View is a dedicated observation platform situated along the Upper Lake Road in Kodaikanal. It provides a panoramic vantage point overlooking the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake and the surrounding forested hills of the Palani Range. The location serves as a primary stop for tourists navigating the upper circuit of the hill station. The elevation offers a clear line of sight over the water body, which is historically man-made and serves as the town's central landmark. The lookout point is accessible directly from the main arterial road connecting the upper residential and tourist zones. Visibility is highly dependent on cloud cover, which frequently rolls into the valley during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
The central railing of the platform provides the widest unobstructed frame for capturing the star shape of the lake below.
Bring a high-zoom camera lens as the primary view of the lake is distant rather than immediate.
Carry a windbreaker or light jacket as the elevation causes temperatures to drop rapidly when the sun is obscured.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy weekend traffic congestion common on the narrow Upper Lake Road.
Avoid relying on this viewpoint if there is heavy fog, as the visibility of the lake below can be completely obscured.
