Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is a reservoir near Kodaikanal at the old site of Hamilton Fort. This lake was created by a dam with water release points and is a part of a micro-watershed development project. This lake is a drinking water source for Periyakulam town.Berijam has a forest department camp including an Eco-Education center for visitors. There is a forest rest house with limited accommodations which serves as night stay camp for Forest department staff, researchers and trekkers. This lake loes within a protected forest area and visitors should get the entry permit from TamilNadu forest department. 

History

A forested wetland was originally here and is called as Berijam swamp. Earlier there was a large lake here and it was recorded in 1864 by Colonel Douglas Hamilton. The lake in its present state was created in 1867 when Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then Collector of Madurai. He gave funds for the construction of a dam to turn the swamp(forested wetland) into reservoir. So that it brings drinking water to the people living in Periyakulam. Later, the lake was expanded in 1912 and became important water supply system in this region. 

How To Reach

This lake is located at  a distance of around 21.8 KM from the Kodaikanal bus stand. You can take a local taxi to reach the lake and is accessible via the Pillar Rocks road.