Berijam Lake

About Berijam Lake

On the way to Berijam lake, you can stop at Silent Valley and Caps fly Valley, both of which are beautiful. Silent valley has a very enchanting and scary feel about it. There’s a sheer drop covered with mist that takes you straght to the pearly gates if you don’t watch your step. The kind of stuff painters love to draw. Wear good shoes in this trip. It’s very wet around Kodai and these are slippery mountain trails. There’s a small roadside attachment on the way called the ‘Berijam lake view’ further up where you can stop and take a look at the lake from above the mountains. It’s a breathtaking view.

When you ultimately reach berijam lake, the first thing you come across is a barricade that keeps all the taxis and busses out. You go on foot from there. The lake is 25 Kms in perimeter. There’s a signboard that say there’s a goverment rest house near the lake. The lake is a source of pure natural mountain water. No boats or fishing but there are some tents and campers. Later the tents get taken down as it got darker. Maybe it gets too cold, or maybe it’s not permitted or safe at night. There is plenty of place to be alone in the wild if that is what you are looking for. The place is not crowded at all (like Kodai lake). It’s deep inside the forest and away from civilisation. The forests around are dense and rich. There is a board listing panthers besides varieties of deer.

Climate/Weather

Summer - 19.80�C Winter - 17.30�C

History

There is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu Sultan.

Interesting places to Visit

Silver falls:

This is the first attraction that unfolds in front of a tourist on the Madurai - Kodaikanal road. The excess water in the Kodai Lake comes down as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. It is like a pit stop for vehicles and tourists as there are shops selling fruits and other forest products.

Kodaikanal - Lake:One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident’s even used to swim in the lake.

Docters Delight (3 kms): Beyond the Pillar rocks is an old bluff on the way to Berijam Lake which commands a fine view.

Silver Cascade : The water falls may be seen as the tourist approaches Kodaikanal by the main Ghat road, it lies 8 kms away from the town.

Fishers Seat : (2 kms from Shenbaganur) is a curiously conical now in runis, erched on a precipice. From there one can see clouds raising above the jungle 3000 ft. below.

Dolphins Nose : (8 kms) From where one needs a good nerve to look at the yawning chasm below.

Nearest Visiting places

. Kulkkal Cave : It is a favourite camping site ideal for trekking. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal.

Berijam Lake (21 kms): This lake supplies drinking water to Periakulam Town. It is of special attraction to anglers. The scenery around here is beautiful.

Madurai:Madurai or is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva’s locks gave the city its name - ‘Madhurapuri’, now known as “Madurai”.Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s biggest Temples which is dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. Exquisite sculptures, hall of thousand pillars, icons, photographs & illustrations make this Temple a famous tourist spot. The Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Berijam Lake, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station Madurai

Police Station Dindigul

Nearest Hospital:

Madurai,Dindigul

Location info

• **Address:**Kodaikanal,Dindigul, Tamil Nadu,,India

• **District:**Dindigul

• **Nearest City:**Madurai 121 km

• Best time to visit: April to June, and September to October, but can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach Berijam Lake

• Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Road.

• **Nearest Airport:**Madurai (120)

• **Road Transport:**Kodaikanal is well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state.

Nearest petrol pump

• Petrol Pump Kodaikanal ,Tamilnadu,India

Best time to visit Berijam Lake

November to March when the weather is pleasant. Early morning (6–8 AM) offers beautiful reflections on the water surface. Late afternoon (3–5 PM) is good for walks and photography. Migratory birds visit during winter (November–February).

Timings & opening hours

Accessible during daylight hours. Best visited between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Some lakes managed by forest departments have specific visiting hours. Boating, if available, operates between 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free. Nominal parking fee of INR 10–30 may apply. Boating charges: INR 50–200 per person depending on boat type. Some maintained lake parks may charge INR 10–20 entry.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a relaxed visit including a walk along the banks. If boating is available, allow an additional 30–45 minutes. A picnic visit may extend to 3–4 hours.

Safety tips

Swimming is generally not permitted in most lakes — observe warning signs. Keep away from sluice gates and deep areas. Supervise children at all times near the water. Avoid visiting alone after dark. Do not litter — help keep the lake clean.

Things to carry

1. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
2. Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
3. Camera: Capture memorable moments.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) for lakes near Chennai, or the nearest regional airport for lakes in other regions.

Nearest railway station: the nearest station in the closest town.

By road: accessible via local roads from the nearest town or city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Berijam Lake, small eateries and food stalls serve local Tamil Nadu snacks. Visitors can enjoy fresh coconut water, sundal, bhajji, and roasted corn. For proper meals, nearby towns have restaurants offering vegetarian South Indian thali meals including rice, sambar, rasam, and curd.

Things to do at Berijam Lake

Take a peaceful walk along the lake embankment and enjoy the serene water views. Watch for birds — many lakes attract herons, egrets, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl during winter. If boating is available, enjoy a ride on the placid waters.

Things to visit & highlights

The lake with its expansive water surface reflecting the sky. The surrounding green banks and vegetation. Birdlife along the shores — particularly during winter when migratory birds arrive. The sunset view over the lake is especially beautiful.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Berijam Lake? Early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) between November and March for pleasant weather and good bird watching.

Can I go boating at Berijam Lake? Boating facilities vary by lake. Check with the local tourism office or visit early to confirm availability.

Are there food options near Berijam Lake? Food stalls and small eateries may be available near the lake. The nearest town offers more comprehensive dining options.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Lakes

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.