Berijam Lake Kodaikanal | A Must-Visit Destination, How to Reach

Berijam Lake Kodaikanal

Are you planning a trip to Kodaikanal? If you’re looking for a Lake where you can spend some memorable time with your friends and family as an alternative to Kodai Lake, then Berijam Lake is the right place for you. You should definitely go to see it when you visit Kodaikanal because it’s so cool! However, keep in mind that you need to get permission for berijam lake from the Forest Department. Keep reading to learn more about Berijam Lake Kodaikanal and make sure to plan your trip so you can see it all!

Kodaikanal, the beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, is home to many amazing lakes and parks that offer beautiful views of lush greenery, serene surroundings, and entertainment activities. One such popular lake is Berijam Lake, which is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and distance from Kodaikanal to Berijam Lake is 21 kilometers.

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is a popular tourist destination famous for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This Lake is situated 21 km away from the Kodaikanal main town. This quaint reservoir, ensconced within a forest conservation area, is a haven of undisturbed natural beauty. With a myriad of activities such as fishing, safari tours, and bird watching, the lake offers a splendid escape into the lap of nature.

One of the remarkable features of Berijam Lake is its role in fostering diverse wildlife habitats. It provides a home to majestic creatures like Bison, Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, and Deer. If fortune smiles upon you, you might just catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals during your visit. However, it’s important to note that obtaining permission from the Forest Department is necessary before exploring this berijam lake.

Berijam Lake Reservoir

Covering a vast area of 59 acres, the serene waters of Berijam Lake hold such purity that they serve as the primary source of potable water for Periyakulam, a small town nestled in the valley below Kodaikanal. Formerly the site of Fort Hamilton, this reservoir situated in the upper Palani hills, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding landscape. The lake formed as a result of dam construction, incorporating sluice outlets, and is an integral part of a micro-watershed development project.

The ambiance surrounding Berijam Lake is nothing short of ethereal. Encircled by acacia and pine trees, the environs exude an untainted charm, lending the place a haunting yet captivating quality. It worth mentioning that boating activities have been restricted in the lake to preserve its pristine freshwater and safeguard the natural ecosystem.

Berijam Lake beckons those seeking solace in the lap of nature and offers an escape from the clamor of everyday life. Embrace the tranquility, immerse yourself in the untouched surroundings, and let the allure of this natural wonder leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Best Place for Nature Lovers

Visitors to Berijam Lake can enjoy picnicking, boating, and hiking, as well as take in the stunning views of the Silent Valley, Fire Watching Tower, Berijam Lake View, Mathikettan Forest View, and Cap’s Fly Valley. Wildlife fans may even be lucky enough to spot animals such as Gaur, Leopard, and Nilgiri Langur in their natural home.

Berijam Lake with its refreshing setting and also lush greenery around makes for an amazing tourist spot. Berijam Lake boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the chance to spot animals like Bison and Leopard. The surrounding Upper Palani Shola forest reserve is home to a range of bird species such as Crested Serpent Eagles, Pariah Kites, Pale-rumped Swallows, and Edible-nest Swiftlets. Additionally, migratory birds like the Common Rosefinch, Blue Chat, Leaf-warblers, and Blyth’s Reed-warbler can often be seen in the area.

Visitors to Berijam Lake can spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the area, making it a great spot for photography. With its stunning natural scenery and diverse wildlife, visitors can capture beautiful photos of the lake and its surroundings.

History of Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake artificially created in 1867 with funds donated by Sir Vere Levigne, the Collector of Madurai. It is also one of the largest sources of drinking water in Asia, supplying the Periyakulam town through a pipeline.

Kodaikanal to Munnar Escape Route

The British built the Escape Road from Berijam Lake to Munnar during World War 2 as a means of escape to their country via sea. However, this road was banned for travel in 1990 by the Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Department due to conflicts
between people and wildlife. However, It is still used by trekkers seeking to reach Munnar from Kodaikanal and is known for its sightings of Elephants, Bison, and Leopard.

Berijam Lake to Munnar

There is a discussion ongoing between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments to reopen this route for the people. However, both forest departments are hesitant to reopen it due to wildlife conflicts with people.

Berijam lake to Munnar distance

The distance from Berijam Lake to Munnar is 223 kilometers if you travel by car or bike. You need to travel via Kodaikanal – Theni – Bodi to reach Munnar. If the Forest Department reopens this route, the distance from Berijam Lake to Munnar would be only 60 kilometers. Munnar Top Station situated 27 kilometers away from Berijam Lake.

Berijam Lake Details

• Perimeter 9 km
• Water level 0.3885 Sq.km
• Sea level Height 2165 m
• Deep 28 ft

Berijam Lake Visiting Time

The Berijam Lake is located amidst the Reserved Forest. There are numerous animal crossings along the route to Berijam Lake, which is why the Forest Department restricts entry after 3.00 PM. The opening time for Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal is from 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM.

How to reach the Berijam Lake

To visit Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal, one must get permission from the Forest Department. This can be done either by directly contacting the forest department or by reaching out to a travel agent in Kodaikanal who can arrange the permit on your behalf.

How to get Permission for Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal

A fee required for the permit. If you choose to obtain the permit directly from the Forest Department, you will be transported to Berijam Lake via their vehicles. If you opt to go through a travel agent, they will provide transportation using their own vehicles. However, keep in mind that two-wheelers not allowed at the lake. Only four-wheel vehicles are permitted to access the lake.

If you are traveling in your own vehicle, first, you need to reach Moir Point. From this location, the road to Berijam Lake splits into the forest area. Berijam Lake is situated 12 km away from Moir Point. Along the way to Berijam Lake, you can also discover other tourist attractions.

• Silent Valley
• Fire Watching Tower
• Berijam Lake View
• Mathikettan Forest View
• Cap’s Fly Valley

Additional attractions near Berijam Lake

Silent Valley Kodaikanal

Silent Valley Kodaikanal is one of the places you can visit during your travel to berijam lake. This valley is located in berijam lake road.

From the road you need to walk some distance. You can see the deep valley, beautiful view of hills, trees and waterfalls from this place. You can also take photos in this place.

Fire Tower

Fire Watching Tower Kodaikanal is another place you can visit during your trip to berijam lake. This tower used by the forest department to watch forest fire. From this tower they can watch nearly 30 km. The tourists allowed to watch from this tower. You can view the beautiful hills from this Tower.

Mathikettan Forest View

The Mathikettan solai or Herbal Forest Kodaikanal is a must-visit destination during a trip to Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal. This highly dense forest covers 115 hectares and protected as one of the endangered Shola forests in India. The forest is home to many endangered species like Bisons, Nilgiri Langurs, Flying Squirrels, and Deers.

It’s said that the ancient medicine men known as Sithars lived in this forest and conducted medical research. However, the local people believe that one can lose their mind by entering certain areas in the forest where the Sithars lived. The exact location of these areas remains unknown. The forest is also abundant in herbal items, but the reason for the supposed loss of
mind remains a mystery. Despite this, the Mathikettan Forest View is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Berijam Lake View 

Berijam lake view point is located near to the fire tower. From this place you can view the beautiful view of Berijam lake and Shola Forest. In this view point you can take beautiful photos. You can spend 15 to 30 mins in this place.

Cap’s Fly Valley 

Cap’s fly valley or Thoppi paarai is one of the places you can visit during your visit to Berijam lake. This place is also called as Thoppi Vesum Paarai. From this place you can view the deep green lush valley, waterfalls and mist. In this place tourists throw the cap in the valley. The cap will return back due to heavy winds up there. This is the reason for this name.

This Cap’s fly valley is located 17 km away from Kodaikanal Town. The road towards the view point is slippery and muddy so please walk carefully to avoid injuries.

Best place for whom

Best suited for nature and silence lovers, as well as photography enthusiasts and animal lovers, berijam Lake offers an prefect escape from busy life.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I’ll do my best to provide you with a helpful answer.

Have a great journey,

Thank you

By

Kodaikanal Travelogue

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