Berijam Lake lies within a protected reserve forest around 21 kilometres from Kodaikanal town and is kept largely free of commercial development. Access is restricted, with the forest department issuing a limited number of permits each day to control visitor numbers and protect the surrounding wildlife habitat. This has helped preserve the lake's clear waters and dense forest shoreline, making the trip out one of the more peaceful excursions from Kodaikanal. Berijam Lake sits at an elevation of 2154 m. The most favourable months to visit are April, July, March, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Berijam Lake Viewpoint, Shola Forest Trek Trail, and Grassland Viewpoint. Other notable highlights include permit-only entry through forest checkpoint gates, pine forest drive with misty, winding roads, and shola grassland walks with rare bird sightings. It falls within Dindigul district and Tamil Nadu, India.
State: Tamil Nadu
Ideal Duration: Half Day
April, July, March, February
The 22-km road from Kodaikanal is a narrow, winding forest track with many hairpin bends and some rough patches, so the jeep ride can be bumpy. It is not recommended for those with severe back or neck problems; however, if you are comfortable with slow, jolting travel, the lake viewpoint itself is a short, flat walk from the parking area.
Yes, but only for Indian nationals, and you must obtain a forest entry permit at the Kodaikanal Forest Range Office (near Bryant Park) before heading there. Foreign nationals are not allowed, and the permit is valid only for a day; carry a photo ID for all group members.
The forest gate opens at 9:00 AM and closes for entry by 12:30 PM, with all visitors required to leave the lake area by 3:00 PM. Go early in the morning (around 9–10 AM) to enjoy the misty scenery and avoid the afternoon rush, as the road is narrow and one-way for most of the route.
Private cars are not allowed beyond the forest checkpost; you must hire a registered forest jeep or a local taxi with a forest permit, which usually costs around ₹1,500–₹2,500 per jeep (for up to 6 people) for the round trip. Your hotel or a local tour operator can arrange this, and it’s best to book the day before, as permits are limited to a fixed number of vehicles per day.
There are no shops, cafes, or restrooms inside the forest, so carry your own water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Use the public toilets at the forest checkpost before entering, and pack a light lunch if you plan to stay until early afternoon—remember to take all your waste back out.