Berijam Lake

History of Bejiram Lake

In 1864, Colonel Hamilton submitted a report stating that the Berijam Lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a military cantonment or Sanatorium. A military outpost later built here, Fort Hamilton, was named after him. 

Berijam lake was artificially created in 1867, when Collector of Madurai, donated part of his personal retirement funds for building the dam.Subsequently, the dam and reservoir were enlarged and a pipeline was built to supply drinking water to the Periyakulam Municipality.

Attractions of Bejiram Lake

Kodaikanal is in every way possible an adobe of stunning, picture-perfect example of nature at its best, and Berijam Lake is perhaps on top of the list. The lake is a beautiful landscape where visitors come or family picnics. Nature lovers and adventurous crowd come here enjoying the environment and photography, and you can easily catch a glimpse of endemic birds and animals lazily lolling around. 

Other than that, you can simply sit back, relax and just enjoy its beauty in all its charm. Although boating has been banned here to save fresh water, you can play around with the many species of fish that call the lake their home. Overall, Berijam Lake is the perfect weekend getaway to spend some quality time with friends and family.

Lake view

The serene Berijam lake of Kodaikanal is of nature's unhindered beauty in the midst of a forest conservation area. It is surrounded by acacia and pine trees which are so pristine that it has a haunting quality. The serene surroundings of the lake make it the perfect place for birdwatching, gentle photography and quiet reflection. 

Sprawled over a vast area of 59 acres, the calm waters of the Berijam Lake is so pure that it serves as the main source of potable water for Periyakulam - a small town in the valley that lies below Kodaikanal. The lake also facilitates the habitat of many animals such as Bison, Indian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur and Deer, and if you're lucky you will also be able to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.