Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is a freshwater reservoir located near Berijam village in the upper Palani Hills, about 21 km southwest of Kodaikanal in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. Created in 1864 by Colonel Hamilton as a water supply reservoir, it lies within a protected forest reserve at around 2,160 metres elevation. Notable for its calm waters, surrounding shola forests and grasslands, and restricted, permit-only access, it is valued for its scenic setting and biodiversity.

Visitors can expect a calm, protected reservoir set within dense shola forest and grasslands inside the Berijam forest reserve. Access is strictly controlled via a Forest Department permit obtained at Kodaikanal, with limited vehicles allowed per day. Visitors view the lake from designated points along the forest road; boating, fishing and swimming are not permitted. The surroundings offer forested hills, birdlife, and quiet natural scenery with minimal commercial development.

Constructed in 1864 by Colonel Hamilton of the British Army as a reservoir to supply drinking water to Periyakulam town, later extended to Kodaikanal. The lake was formed by damming the upper reaches of the Palani Hills streams and remains part of the protected forest water catchment system.