Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake is a very serene and relatively undiscovered destination in Coorg (Kodagu),  just a short distance from the district headquarters of Madikeri, Coorg.  Though not nearly as famous as Abbey Falls or Raja's Seat, among other popular attractions in the region, Berijam Lake provides a peaceful retreat to get away from more tourist-heavy areas. Nuzzled between thick forests and a chain of blue-tinged hills of the Western Ghats, Berijam Lake is a quiet and picturesque visitor setting. The clear and calm waters of this lake add mirror-like reflections to the beautiful greenery surrounding it, creating a silent, almost magical ambiance that attracts nature lovers, photographers, and anybody who wishes to unwind in the lap of nature. 

The lake lies within a beautiful remote part of Coorg and has a lot of biodiversity around it. Berijam Lake, surrounded by dense forests, has many varieties of flora and is also a paradise for bird watchers. One can see many local and migratory species of birds often in this area, making it an ideal place for wildlife observers. The surrounding places are calm and silent, making the destination an excellent location for nature walks; one could see the forest around him, listen to birds chirping, and  enjoy the loveliness of nature in the Western Ghats. The lake is a heavenly view for photographers; the calm waters reflect the green hills and mist, which makes it a fine opportunity to capture the natural beauty of Coorg. 

Apart from the walks in nature and the birdwatching, Berijam Lake is also a great picnic spot, ideal for families or small groups to dine by the water peacefully. As the lake proper is not as developed to have boating facilities as many other tourist places in Coorg, the place is quiet and serene for those seeking quiet time amidst nature. Guests can sit beside the lake and feel the cool breeze; people can be thrown into the beauty of the surroundings. Far away from the hustle and bustle, here is a place where one will hardly find such tranquillity that most other areas cannot offer. 

For the adventure-seekers, trekking to the Berijam Lake is another good option. There are pretty beautiful walks through the forests along the trails in Coorg, and the actual trek to the lake gives a feel of the untainted beauty of the area. It is also less congested than the other tourist attractions in Coorg, giving a feeling of loneliness and serenity to those who enjoy treks into the wilderness. 

Berijam Lake is ideally visited during the cool months from October to March since  the weather is apt for all  outdoor activities. The temperatures are moderate here;  humidity is low, which makes it ideal for trekking, photography, and all sorts of lake beauty exposure. Though the period of monsoon (June to September) is also a beautiful period to visit Coorg, it must be noted that the lake and tracks around will become slippery and difficult to tread due to heavy rainfall. 

Berijam Lake is one of the offbeat places of Coorg, ideal for nature lovers, bird watchers, trekkers, and those who  would love to seek peace amidst the grandeur of the Western Ghats. The relaxed, surrounding forests and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for those wanting to soak in the glory of Coorg sans its crowd. Treks, photography, and everything else by the lake will offer precisely the kind of respite one looks forward to in the many attractions Coorg boasts. 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Abbey Falls: About 10 km from the center of Madikeri lies Abbey Falls, one of the most renowned waterfalls of Coorg. The water of the falls falls from an  altitude of about 70 feet midst a landscape comprising coffee plantations. The view is good, and calm winds caused by the falling water hitting stones  supplement serenity. A short distance from the falls, adjacent to it, is the suspended bridge, which brings visitors closer to the viewpoint for photography and viewing nature. 

2. Raja's Seat: Situated only 7 km from Madikeri, Raja's Seat is one of the best places to set sun behind hills and valleys. The term "Raja's Seat" comes from the fact that the kings of Coorg used to sit here to admire the stunning scenery. Beautiful flowerbeds, seasonal blooms, and a musical fountain surround the site. 

3. Omkareshwara Temple: This is about 8 km from Madikeri and is an exciting fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The temple was constructed in memory of Lord Shiva and dates back to the 19th century during the reign of King Linga Rajendra II. It's located near a calm pond, and its design central dome with four minarets- is an exciting merge of Hindu and Islamic elements. The temple is one of the prime religious places, leaving a sense of serenity among visitors. 

4. Talakaveri: Talakaveri is one of the principal rivers of South India origin, 40 km from Madikeri. This sacred place is located in the Brahmagiri Hills and is an important pilgrimage destination. One could climb to a small hill to reach the Talakaveri Temple, which would present breathtaking views of the surrounding  mountains and valleys. There is also a spot for nature walks and trekking. 

5. Dubare Elephant Camp: Dubare Elephant Camp is a brilliant place to make friends with elephants. Situated about 30 km from Madikeri, on the banks of the Kaveri River, is an elephant camp where various elephants are trained for purposes such as working and other activities. Visitors can witness bathing  or  feeding these massive creatures and may even indulge in feeding the elephant or riding upon one of them. The camp is a great tourist destination for wildlife  lovers and family groups. 

6. Iruppu Falls: Iruppu Falls is approximately 60 km from Madikeri, a less famous but marvelous waterfall within the Brahmagiri Hills. It falls from 170 feet and lies deep within dense forests. A short trek can reach it, ideal for trekkers and nature lovers. It also lies as a pilgrimage center and has the Ramanathaswamy Temple nearby. 

7. Nisargadhama: Around 25 km from Madikeri, Nisargadhama is a scenic nature park built on an island in the Kaveri River. The park has bamboo, spotted deer, peacocks, and other floras and faunas, with excellent walking and picnic trails. It can be reached by a hanging bridge, adding an element of adventure to the visit. Nisargadhama offers boating facilities as well, making it a perfect family-friendly spot. 

8. Madikeri Fort: Madikeri Fort is a historical landmark located about 7 km from Berijam Lake, dating back to the 17th century by the kings of Mysore. The architectural style seems to combine elements of both Hindu and Islamic styles. The museum holds artifacts describing the history and culture of Coorg.  There  are great views of Madikeri and the surrounding hills from within the fort. 

9. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is 45 km from Madikeri and is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The place has  abundant diversities of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, plus lots of birds. Apart from this, the place offers trekking trails through thick forests into high altitudes, wherein one might catch rare species and dazzling views of the Western Ghats. 

10. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: The other excellent wildlife spot is about 50 km from Madikeri. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its high concentration of biodiversity: elephants, tigers, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr are also residents. Situated near the Brahmagiri Hills, the sanctuary has a trekking facility that ensures access through scenic trails, dense forests, and hills that offer an opportunity to savor the untouched wilderness of Coorg. 

HOW TO REACH: 

• By Air: The closest airport to Berijam Lake is Mangalore International Airport (IXE),  140 km from Madikeri. From there to Lake, you can take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw. 

• By Train: There is no direct railway station for Coorg. The nearest central railway station is Mysuru Junction (Mysore),  about 120 km from Madikeri. From Madikeri, you can get to Lake by hiring a local taxi or auto-rickshaw. 

• By Bus: Various buses like KSRTC operating from Bangalore, Mysuru, and other major cities come to Madikeri. Hence, it is affordable for the visitor. 

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