- Altitude
- Over 2,000 m
- Distance from Kodaikanal
- About 22 km
- Timings
- About 9.30 am to 3 pm (permitted vehicles only)
- Best time
- October to May
- Permit
- Forest department pass required
Entry rules and timings
Berijam lies inside a protected forest, and the forest department caps the number of cars that may enter daily, roughly between 9.30 am and 3 pm. You need a pass from the forest department in Kodaikanal before setting out, and passes can run out early in peak season. Outside the permitted hours the road is closed.
What to do
Boating is not allowed, because the lake supplies drinking water to towns below the hills. Instead, visitors come for bird watching, short nature walks and simply sitting by the water. The surrounding forest is home to many birds and, at times, gaur, so keep an eye out along the way. Fishing has been permitted at times; check with the forest office.
- Bird watching
- Nature walks
- Picnics by the lake
- Forest viewpoints on the drive
Best time to visit
October to May is the best period, with clearer weather for the drive and walks. Go in the morning, both for the light and because vehicle entry is limited to daytime hours. The monsoon brings heavy mist and slippery forest roads.
Nearby and tips
On the way back you can stop at Guna Caves and Pillar Rocks, and in town visit the golf club area and Fairy Falls. Carry your own food and water, as there are no shops at the lake, and take all litter back with you. Evenings get cold quickly at this height, so keep a jacket in the car even on sunny days. We can arrange the forest pass and a local driver familiar with the route as part of your Kodaikanal stay.
Also nearby
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