Kamarajar Lake, Athoor

Kamarajar Lake is a monsoon-fed lake of about 400 acres held back by the Kamarajar Sagar Dam, some 6 km from the village of Athoor in Dindigul district. Hills of the Western Ghats rise above it, and around its shores lie coconut and banana plantations, mango trees and cardamom estates, with fishermen working from coracles on the water. Swimming is allowed, and a few eco-friendly resorts sit along its northern side.

Walking is the main pastime, on trails that link the lake with the sights around it, and trekking is popular too. The trails suit birdwatchers: kingfishers, herons, storks, cranes, sunbirds and peacocks are seen, and one British group recorded 160 species in four days. Wildlife in the area includes leopards, Indian bison, barking deer, wild boar, mongooses and monkeys.