Spend your next summer vacation in Tamil Nadu, especially in Kodaikanal, a beautiful hill town in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats. This place has several beautiful lakes that are marvels of nature; however, one of the spectacular lakes worth visiting is Berijam Lake, nestled amidst the most stunning landscapes. This lake is near Kodaikanal city, surrounded by the lush green Upper Palani Hill range. In this article, you will read about Berijam Lake and its history to gain confidence while planning a trip to Kodaikanal.
Overview of Berijam Lake
Image Credit: Ezhilan Stark for Wikimedia Commons
Situated 22 km from the Kodaikanal bus stand, Berijam Lake is an ideal tourist spot for those who love to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in the Upper Palani Hill range, this beautiful lake in Kodaikanal is also home to numerous wildlife creatures, including Nilgiri langurs, wild boars, and some migratory birds like leaf warblers and blue chat. Around this lake, you will see some of the most impressive sights of the nearby terrain. You can enjoy several activities, including nature walks and trekking around Berijam Lake. Just remember that you need permission from the forest department to trek.
A garden near the lake houses medicinal plants and hosts many demonstrations related to them. The lake is popular among botanists and researchers because it is famous for its grasslands and swamps. You can spot diverse local flora, fauna, and fish varieties if you are lucky.
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History Of Berijam Lake
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Berijam Lake’s history goes back to when the dam was constructed for a micro-watershed development project. This Lake was formed after the construction of a dam with overflowing water; hence, it is a man-made lake located at the upper Palani hills in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Close to the old site of Fort Hamilton, this lake was earlier used as the site for military cantonment by the Britishers.
Once the dam and reservoir were constructed, the water was carried forward to the Periyakulam Municipality, employing a pipeline system. The lake, which had been closed for many years, was opened for visitors in 1990.
Flora And Fauna At Berijam Lake
As Berijam Lake is located amidst a conserved forest area, you can spot Acacia and Pine trees in huge numbers around the lake, making it a picturesque place. The lake boasts a rich biodiversity, which can be seen in the nearby garden around the lake, which has a variety of valuable medicinal plants, including Pyrethrum, Digitalis, belladonna, and Dioscorea sp. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is implementing a unique program to cover around 44 hectares of this place with some rare species of plants, adding to its greenery.
Berijam Lake is an ideal tourist destination for nature lovers and animal lovers alike as you can spot a wide range of birds and animals around the lake, including pale-rumped swallows, crested serpent eagles, pariah the blue chat, several leaf-warblers, Blyth’s reed-warbler kites, pale-rumped swallows, the edible-nest swiftlets, common rosefinch, bison, Nilgiri langur, Indian elephants, and Malabar giant squirrels. Furthermore, the place also flaunts a plethora of migratory birds like serpent eagles, pariah kites, and the edible-nest swiftlets.
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Top Places To Visit Near Berijam Lake
Here are some places to visit near the lake and collect beautiful memories.
Guna Caves
Image Credit: Thamizhpparithi Maari for Wikipedia Commons
Guna Caves is the most mysterious tourist place near Berijam Lake. It is amongst the most talked about historical places in Kodaikanal, and its added hint of mystery makes it more attractive and intriguing for adventure seekers. Earlier, this place was called Devil’s Kitchen, and the name was apt, as these caves are dark and mysterious. Once you visit Guna Caves, you will love its unique rock formations, narrow passages, and natural beauty. These caves are just eight km from Kodaikanal.
Address: Pillar Rocks Rd, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Silver Cascade Falls
Image Credit: R.K.PRAGADHEESH for Wikimedia Commons
Silver Cascade Falls is the best stopover for a trip to Kodaikanal amidst the green landscapes. This waterfall is located on the Kodai-Madurai Road in Kodaikanal, a popular hill station in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is formed from the excess water of the famous man-made Kodai Lake. This is an ideal tourist spot in Kodaikanal for nature lovers, photographers, and people looking to escape the city’s routine life. The perfect season to visit Silver Cascade Falls is between December and March. During this time, the humidity is low, and the weather is pleasant.
Address: Silver Cascade WaterfallAdukkam, Tamil Nadu 624101
Timings: Open for visitors throughout the day
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Poombarai Village
Image Credit: JVN5871 for Wikimedia Commons
Poombarai is the best-kept secret of Kodaikanal, a picturesque village in the Kodai hills. Featuring stunning terraced landscapes surrounded by green mountains and valleys, this village is situated just 50 km from the Kodaikanal Lake and is a tiny hamlet. A significant part of the Palani hills, standing at a height of 1,920 m, is the major attraction of this village, which is its lush green terraced fields. This picture-perfect spot in Tamil Nadu has an excellent view of the colourful roofs of houses amidst the enticing hills.
Address: PoombaraiTamil Nadu 624103
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
How To Get Permission To Visit Berijam Lake
Are you planning to visit Berijam Lake in Kodaikanal? If yes, remember that you need permission from the Forest Department first. To get permission to visit Berijam Lake, you must reach the Forest Department Office in Kodaikanal, in Moonjikal. This place is only 350 metres from the Moonjikal bus stop near Padma Lodges.
Visit the Forest Department Office in Kodaikanal before 8:30 a.m., as permission passes are only available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The Forest Department Office remains closed on Tuesdays, so do not visit the lake that day. The Forest Department won’t issue a permission pass for visiting the Lake if there are any signs of elephant activity near Moir Point.
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Other Essential Information About Berijam Lake
- The timings are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every day
- There are no charges for visiting Berijam Lake
- Activities like Jeep Safari, birdwatching, and a tour of the dam site are available at the Lake.
- A parking facility is available at Berijam Lake. However, only 20 vehicles are allowed to enter the lake per day.
- The nearest bus stand to Berijam Lake is around 22 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw to the lake from the bus stand.
- The best time to visit Berijam Lake would be between October and May when the weather is pleasant.
- Remember that only 20 vehicles can enter the lake in a day, so make sure to reach the lake early in the morning.
- Be careful of the monkeys around the lake. Just keep your valuable items safe.
- If you are visiting the lake in a group, make sure you have a list of all the visitors ready, as you will be asked for the list of names before entering the lake.
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Berijam Lake is best suited for nature and animal lovers who love to spend quality time in silence amidst the lush green valleys. If you plan a trip to Kodaikanal, you should visit Berijam Lake for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The sparkling blue crystalline water of the lake makes it difficult for nature lovers to resist the grandeur of this location.
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Cover Image Credit: Chandrachoodan Gopalakrishnan for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Berijam Lake
What is Berijam Lake famous for?
Berijam Lake is a popular tourist spot in Kodaikanal. It is nestled amidst a forest conservation area, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Is Berijam Lake worth visiting?
Berijam Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kodaikanal. The lush green landscapes around the lake are home to various flora and fauna that attract many bird watchers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts. The serene environment and crystal-clear water make it a great picnic spot.
How do you get permission to visit Berijam Lake?
You get permission to visit Berijam Lake from the Forest Department Office in Kodaikanal. The forest department office is located in Moonjikal, a mere 350 metres from the Moonjikal Bus Stand.
How much is the entry fee to visit Berijam Lake?
There is no entry fee to visit Berijam Lake; however, your vehicle will be charged INR 100 for parking. Just remember that only 20 vehicles are allowed to enter the lake in a day.
Is there boating allowed at Berijam Lake?
No, boating is not allowed at Berijam Lake to preserve the quality of natural fresh water. The lake's water is also used as the primary source of water for the nearby town of Periyakulam, so boating is not allowed here.
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