Mannavanur Lake and Sheep Farm

If Kodaikanal feels too busy, Mannavanur is where you go instead. About 34 kilometres west of Kodaikanal town, this quiet farming village holds two of the most genuinely rewarding experiences in the Palani Hills: a serene natural lake surrounded by open grassland and terraced farms, and a government research farm where Merino sheep, Avikalin sheep and several breeds of rabbit have been raised since 1965.

This is not a theme park or a resort. It is a real working farm and a real lake, both open to visitors at very modest fees. The pace here is unhurried, the air is clear and cool, and most visitors leave wishing they had stayed longer.

Quick Reference — Entry Fees and Timings:

• Mannavanur Lake entry: ₹30 per person

• Sheep Farm entry: ₹20 per adult, free for children

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (both sites)

• Ideal visit duration: 4 to 6 hours

• Distance from Kodaikanal: 34 km (approx. 1 to 1.5 hours by road)

• Important: Outside food is NOT permitted inside the lake premises. Carry snacks and water but be aware that outside meals are not allowed on site.

Things to Do at Mannavanur Lake

The lake sits inside the sheep farm boundary, which means your visit naturally combines both experiences. The water is calm, the surrounding hills give a panoramic backdrop, and on clear mornings the reflections on the lake surface make it one of the most photographed spots in the Kodaikanal area.

Coracle (Parisal) Boating

The traditional coracle — known locally as a Parisal — is the signature water experience at Mannavanur Lake. These round, basket-like boats are managed by the Forest Department at modest charges. The ride lasts around 20 minutes and gives you a close-up view of the lake and its grassy banks from the water.

• Fee: ₹100 per person for a coracle ride

• On busy days you may wait; arrive early to board without a queue

Kayaking

Single and double kayaks are available on the lake for those who want a more active water experience. The calm water and compact lake size make it accessible even for first-time kayakers.

• Single kayak: ₹250 | Double kayak: ₹400

• Life jackets are provided

Zip-lining

A zip-line runs across part of the lake, offering a brief but exhilarating view from above the water and grasslands. It is one of the more unusual activities available at a lake of this kind in the Palani Hills.

• Fee: ₹500 per person

Horse Riding

Horses are available for short rides across the meadows and along the ridgeline paths within the farm. Even a 20-minute ride covers enough ground to give you a different perspective on the lake and surrounding hills.

• Fee: ₹100 per round

• Wear closed shoes; inform the handler of your experience level

Birdwatching

The lake margin, the surrounding grasslands and the tree lines around the sheep farm support a variety of highland bird species. Tits, flycatchers, bulbuls, warblers and raptors are regularly seen. The lake also attracts waterbirds and is a stopover for seasonal migratory species. Early morning — before 9:30 AM

— gives the best sightings when birds are most active.

• Bring binoculars and a field guide app

• Keep voices low along the lake edge for best results

Walking the Grasslands

The sheep farm covers approximately 150 acres of open grassland. You can walk freely through the meadows (staying on paths), watch the flocks graze, take photographs against the rolling hills, and simply absorb the quiet. Short ridge walks behind the lake take 30 to 45 minutes and open up views across the valley and terraced farmland below.

Photography

Mannavanur has served as a backdrop for several Tamil film productions, including the films "I" (starring Vikram) and "Peranbu" (starring Mammootty). The combination of the lake, grassland, sheep, mist and surrounding hills makes it one of the most naturally photogenic locations in Tamil Nadu. Early morning gives soft light and mist on the water; late afternoon gives warm golden tones across the meadows.

About the ICAR Sheep Research Farm

The Mannavanur Sheep Farm is not a tourist attraction that was built around a lake. It is the other way around — the farm came first. Established on 16 November 1965, the Southern Regional Research Centre (SRRC) of the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) has been operating continuously for over five decades. It functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and serves as the primary animal science research centre for both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

What this means for visitors is that you are walking through an active scientific and agricultural facility, not a replica. The sheep you see are research animals. The staff are scientists and agricultural officers. And the knowledge available here — if you ask the right questions — goes well beyond what any tourist brochure provides.

The farm holds ICAR's official designation as an Agri Eco-Tourism site, one of very few in the state.

Sheep Breeds at Mannavanur

Two main breeds are kept and studied at the farm:

Merino — Originally from Spain and developed for fine wool production, the Merino is one of the world's most studied sheep breeds. At Mannavanur, Merino sheep are assessed for their adaptability to the cool highland climate of the Palani Hills and for wool quality under South Indian conditions.

Avikalin — A breed developed specifically by ICAR's Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute for dual-purpose production (both wool and meat) under Indian conditions. The Avikalin has better heat tolerance than pure European breeds and is a subject of active research at Mannavanur.

Visitors who arrive before the flocks leave for the day's grazing — before roughly 9:00 AM — have the best chance to see the sheep in the sheds and speak with farm staff about the breeds.

Rabbit Breeds at the Farm

The farm also maintains a rabbit section with multiple breeds, including:

• Angora — prized for its long, fine wool-like fur

• Chinchilla — a popular meat and fur breed with distinctive grey colouring

• White Giant — a large breed kept for meat production research

The rabbit enclosures are accessible during visiting hours and are particularly popular with families and younger visitors.

Visiting the Farm

• Entry fee: ₹20 for adults, free for children

• Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, seven days a week

• First-time visitors should report to the main office building on arrival

• Educational groups and institutions can arrange overnight camping with permission from the officer-in-charge

• Horse riding is available within the farm at ₹100 per round

Where to Stay Near Mannavanur

Mannavanur is small and accommodation options are limited. This is part of its appeal, the village has not been overtaken by the hotel industry that crowds other hill stations. Plan your stay carefully and book ahead during the October to January peak period. Learn more.

Getting to Mannavanur from Kodaikanal

By Private Car or Taxi

The most practical option for most visitors. The route follows the Poombarai Road westward from Kodaikanal, passing through pine and eucalyptus forest before descending to the farming villages. The road is narrow and winding in sections but well-maintained. Allow 60 to 75 minutes for the 34-kilometre journey.

• Use a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance after heavy rain

• Park early — space near the lake entrance is limited

• Shared taxis from Kodaikanal taxi stand can be hired by negotiation; a return fare with waiting time is the most convenient arrangement

• Carry cash — digital payments are not reliably accepted for fares

By Local Bus

Buses run from Kodaikanal bus stand toward Mannavanur and Poombarai, but frequency is limited. Check departure times at the bus stand on the morning of your visit. The journey takes longer than by car due to multiple stops. This is the most economical option but least flexible for timing farm and lake activities around opening hours.

Road Route Tips

• The Poombarai Road passes through Poombarai village, which has a roadside viewpoint over the terraced valley — worth a 10-minute stop on the way

• Download offline maps before you leave Kodaikanal — phone signal is patchy along much of the route

• Key landmarks to note: Poombarai viewpoint, Relax Corner (small tea shop), Sheep Farm gate on the left, Mannavanur Lake entrance ahead

• Avoid driving back after dark if you are unfamiliar with mountain roads

When to Visit Mannavanur Lake and Sheep Farm

October to January — Best Overall

This is the ideal period for most visitors. Temperatures sit between 12°C and 20°C during the day, making it perfect for walking the grasslands, kayaking and spending time outdoors. The post-monsoon soil is lush, the lake is full, and the harvests of nearby terrace farms are at their peak. Visibility is generally excellent on clear days, with long views across the Palani Hills.

December and January are the coldest months. Mornings and evenings can drop close to 10°C or below. Warm layers are essential.

June to September — Monsoon Season

The monsoon transforms the grasslands and hillsides into deep, vivid green. The lake reaches its highest levels. The farm and lake remain open, but the approach road can become difficult after heavy rain and visibility is often poor. This period suits visitors who specifically want the lush monsoon landscape and are prepared for the conditions.

February to May — Dry Season

The landscape is drier and vegetation less lush. Farm activity is quieter between the main growing seasons. The weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. A good choice if you want a peaceful visit without peak-season congestion.

Practical Timing

• Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends

• Arrive by 9:00 AM to see the sheep before they leave the sheds for grazing.

• Arrive before 10:30 AM on busy days to secure parking close to the entrance.

• Afternoon fog can roll in from around 3:30–4:00 PM in the monsoon season.

What to Pack

• Warm jacket or fleece — essential year round for mornings and evenings

• Sturdy walking shoes with grip for uneven grassland paths

• Sunscreen and sunglasses — high-altitude sun is stronger than it feels

• Sufficient drinking water — carry more than you think you need

• Snacks — outside food is not permitted on the lake premises, but you can eat at the entrance area or in the village before entering

• Binoculars for birdwatching

• Powerbank — mobile signal is weak and GPS drains battery fast

• Photocopies of ID if you plan to trek in forest areas (permit required)

Places Worth Visiting Near Mannavanur

The scenic villages of Poombarai, Poondi, Polur, Kilavarai surrounds Mannavanur. Learn more.

Poombarai Village and Viewpoint

About 12 kilometres from Mannavanur on the Kodaikanal road, Poombarai is famous for the most dramatic terraced hillside farming landscape in the Palani Hills. The village viewpoint — easily accessible from the road — looks out over cascading crop terraces dropping into the valley below. On misty mornings the lower terraces disappear into cloud. The village also has an active Murugan temple that dates back several hundred years, with stone pillars and a simple courtyard. Early morning is the best time — the fields are active, the light is soft, and the village is at its quietest before day-trippers arrive.

Kookal Lake and Village

About 5 kilometres from Mannavanur, Kookal (also spelled Kukkal) is a small village adjacent to a quiet natural lake and the entrance to the Kukkal Reserve Forest. The lake offers peaceful grassland walking without the managed tourism of Mannavanur. Nearby are the Kukkal Caves — natural granite formations in the forest that show evidence of prehistoric habitation. The approach trail crosses open grassland and takes 30 to 60 minutes from the roadhead. A Forest Department permit is required to enter the reserve forest section; obtain this in advance from the Tourist Office in Kodaikanal (Annasalai road, Ph: 04542-241675).

Poondi Reservoir

A short drive from Mannavanur, the Poondi Reservoir sits in open rolling grassland that feels noticeably wilder and more remote than the managed landscape around the sheep farm. Livestock graze the surrounding meadows and the reservoir attracts wading birds. There are no tourist facilities here — which is precisely the point. It is the kind of place where you can stop the car, sit on a rock, and hear nothing but the wind.

Berijam Lake (Advance Permission Required)

Roughly 25 to 30 kilometres from Mannavanur, Berijam Lake sits inside a protected shola forest reserve and is strictly controlled as a water catchment area. Entry requires advance permission from the Forest Department — this must be arranged before you travel, not on arrival. For those who obtain permits, the reward is exceptional: undisturbed shola forest, emerald water and some of the best highland birding in the Palani Hills, including Nilgiri flycatcher and various laughingthrush species. Carry all your own food and water. No shops exist at the lake.

The Pine Forest Tracks

Several tracks through the pine plantations surrounding Mannavanur can be walked or cycled independently. The trees were planted for shelter and timber but now form long, cathedral-like avenues with carpeted needle-covered floors. Short loops of 20 to 40 minutes from the sheep farm area give clear views of the Palani Hills and the Kodai valley on clear days. These tracks are accessible without permits and suit early-morning walkers who want a quiet start before the lake and farm open.

Polur and the Highland Road

The road that continues beyond Mannavanur toward Polur is one of the most scenic drives in the entire Palani Hills region. The route becomes increasingly remote as it passes through forest and small highland settlements. Polur itself is known for a seasonal waterfall and the raw, undeveloped character of the surrounding farmland. This road suits visitors with a full day who want to experience the less-visited edges of the highland plateau.

Quick Reference — Everything You Need to Know

Entry & Fees:

• Mannavanur Lake: ₹30 per person entry

• Sheep Farm: ₹20 per adult, free for children

• Coracle ride: ₹100 per person

• Single kayak: ₹250 | Double kayak: ₹400

• Zip-line: ₹500 per person

• Horse riding: ₹100 per round

• Toilets: Small fee applies on site

Hours:

• Lake and farm: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

• Sheep sheds: Best viewed before 9:00 AM before flocks go to pasture

Important Rules:

• Outside food is NOT permitted inside the lake premises

• Stay on marked paths through the farm and grassland

• Do not enter fenced paddocks without staff permission

• Trekking in forest areas requires a Forest Department permit

• Wash hands after touching animals at the farm

• Carry all waste out — the site is clean and should stay that way

Distance from Key Points:

• From Kodaikanal: 34 km (60–75 minutes by road)

• From Poombarai: 12 km

• From Kookal: 5 km

• Pin address: Mannavanur Village, Kodaikanal Taluk, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu 624103