Well-aligned arrays of CdS-ZnO composite nanorods were grown on indium tin oxide substrates. ZnO nanorods, deposited by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth technique, were dip coated with CdS. The CdS-ZnO nanorods were polycrystalline as confirmed from the low angle X-rays diffraction study. Photon to current conversion efficiency of CdS-ZnO composite nanorod was observed to be higher than that of CdS. In the micro-Raman spectrum, we observed longitudinal optical modes of CdS and ZnO showing their co-existence. The appealing application of CdS-ZnO nanorod as a visible photocatalyst was demonstrated and the possible mechanism was discussed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.