Moir Safari in Kodaikanal is one of the most exciting and scenic activities offered by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Starting at the famous Moir Point, the safari takes visitors deep into the reserved Shola forests and grasslands of the Western Ghats. This ride is a rare opportunity to experience untouched landscapes, spot wildlife, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints that are not accessible to regular tourists.

If you’re planning a holiday in Kodaikanal, Moir Safari is a must-do experience for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

🎫 Moir Safari Entry Fee & Timings

• Entry Fee (per person): ₹200 – ₹500 (depends on the safari package)

• Safari Jeep/Van Charges: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per jeep (for 4–6 persons)

• Safari Duration: 2 to 3 hours (round trip)

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• Closed on: Heavy rain days or forest restrictions

👉 Hidden Tip: Reach by 8:30 AM to book the earliest slots, animals are most active in the morning, and you’ll avoid crowds.

🌸 Best Time to Visit Moir View Point

• March to June (Summer): Pleasant weather, great for families, clear valley views

• July to September (Monsoon): Forests look lush, but roads can be slippery, safaris may be cancelled

• October to February (Winter): Misty mountains, very scenic, but carry warm clothes

👉 Peak Season: April to June (summer holidays) & December (Christmas/New Year). Expect heavy crowds and advance booking is recommended.

🐘 Wildlife & Animals You May Spot

Moir Safari is famous for its rich wildlife sightings. With a bit of luck, you may spot:

• Indian Gaur (Bison) – often seen in groups

• Sambar Deer & Spotted Deer

• Wild Boars

• Porcupines

• Monkeys (Bonnet Macaques & Langurs)

• Birds – Hornbills, Eagles, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Jungle Mynas

• Rare Sightings: Leopards (very rare, usually at dawn/dusk)

👉 Hidden Tip: Carry binoculars for birdwatching, many travelers spot hornbills and peacocks.

🌲 Places Covered During Moir Safari (Berijam Forest Route)

🌄 Silent Valley View

First major halt on the Berijam road. A dramatic, sheer valley drop with frequent “cloud updraft” shows where mist billows upward from the cliffs, great for wide-angle shots. It sits on the same forest road that requires a permit beyond Moir Point.

🌳 Mathikettan Shola View (a.k.a. “Mathikettan/Madikettan Shola”)

Lookout over dense, evergreen shola forest and interlaced grasslands, classic Western Ghats mosaic. This is named out on the route boards and by drivers as a distinct viewpoint.

💨 Cap’s Fly Valley

A windy ridge famed for strong updrafts, guides jokingly say a cap can “fly.” It’s a regular viewpoint on the forest tour and a favorite for panoramic photos.

🔭 Fire Watch Tower (Fire Tower / Medicine Forest View)

A short stop near the forest fire-watch post. You get elevated views over the reserve and, on clear days, deep sightlines across the shola canopy. Some operators describe the same stop as “Medicine Forest View.”

👀 Berijam Lake View / Lake Top View

Your first aerial glimpse of Berijam’s blue bowl from the upper road before descending, ideal for a quick photo halt. Several traveler logs list this specifically as “Lake Top View” on the way in.

🏞️ Berijam Lake (Final Stop)

Pristine, protected freshwater lake set inside thick shola. This is the turnaround point; some groups stretch their legs on the shore before returning the same way. (Access is controlled because the lake lies inside a reserve forest.)

Variants you might hear from drivers (same route, alternate names): Green Mountain View and Medicine Forest View are commonly listed alongside Silent Valley, Cap’s Fly, Fire Tower, and Berijam; these labels reflect the same handful of signed halts above.

👉 Duration: Each safari lasts about 2.5–3 hours with short stops at viewpoints and photo points.

🍲 Food, Parking & Facilities

Near Moir Point (start of the safari road)

• You’ll find small tea/snack stalls and souvenir shops next to the view platform; there are public restrooms at the site. Parking space exists but crowds build up late morning.

At Berijam Lake (final halt of the safari)

• There is a basic canteen by the Berijam forest rest house (think tea/snacks, very simple) that operates seasonally/operationally, do not fully rely on it; carry water/snacks anyway.

• Toilets are available at/near the lake; multiple traveler reports note pay-and-use restrooms.

• Parking: space is arranged near the Moir Viewpoint and managed by forest staff. Capacity is limited (hence parking never gets huge).

🕘 How the Moir Safari Operates (vehicles, timings & waits)

📝 Permit Window for Private Vehicles

• Where issued: Forest office in Kodaikanal (Moonjikal area).

• When: Typically 8:30–9:30 AM; arrive before 8:30 AM to secure your chance.

• Closed: Every Tuesday.

🚗 Daily Vehicle Quota (Private Cars/Jeeps)

• Strictly limited permits per day.

• Usually 20–25 to 30–35 vehicles/day, sometimes up to 50 depending on wildlife movement, road condition, and staffing.

🚌 Government Eco-Bus (No Personal Permit Needed)

• About 2 eco-buses (~16 seats each) operate daily.

• Fixed departures: Around 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM & 1:00 PM.

• If you miss one, expect to wait for the next slot.

⏰ Operating Hours of the Forest Road

• Access beyond Moir Point is open 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

• All vehicles must exit before afternoon closure.

⏳ How Long Will You Wait?

• Eco-Bus: Expect 15–45 minutes wait depending on arrival time. (Earlier = shorter wait. Peak season = may spill into next bus.)

• Private Vehicle: Waiting is mostly during the permit queue (8:30–9:30 AM). Quotas are often filled by 9:30.

• On-road delays: Wildlife crossings (like gaur) may add 10–30 minutes.

🚌 How the Moir Governement Bus Safari runs (so you know what to expect)

• • Start/Permit Gate: The control point is just past Moir Point; beyond this, the forest road is permit-only.

  • Forest eco-bus option: The department runs small buses (about 16 seats). Recent traveler notes mention fixed runs (e.g., ~9:30, 10:00, 12:30, 1:00) and about five stops: Silent Valley, Mathikettan Shola, Cap’s Fly, Fire Watch Tower, Berijam Lake. Reported fare: ~₹100 per person (fares/schedules can change).

  • Permit & caps: Independent vehicles need a forest pass typically issued early morning near Moir Point; Tuesday is generally a closed/permit-not-issued day, vehicles are limited per day, and passes may be withheld if elephants are active near the gate. No food and no mobile signal inside are commonly reported.

⚠️ Things to Be Careful About

• • Roads are Bumpy: The forest path is rugged; not suitable for people with severe back problems.

  • Kids & Elderly: The safari is safe, but kids should not lean out of jeeps. Elderly travelers should avoid if they have mobility issues.

  • Leeches in Monsoon: Wear shoes and avoid open footwear.

  • No Network: Mobile signals are weak inside the forest, inform someone before starting.

  • No Private Vehicles Allowed: Only government safari jeeps are permitted.

  • No petrol/diesel pumps inside – make sure your tank is sufficient.

  • Wildlife Crossings – Drive slowly; gaur and deer sometimes appear on the road.

  • Time Limit: Forest gate usually closes by 3:30–4:00 PM. You must return by then.

  • Weather Risks: Monsoon makes roads slippery; jeeps are recommended instead of small private cars.

👉 Hidden Tip: Carry a light jacket, water, and some snacks, as there are no shops inside the forest.

🚙 Private Vehicle Permits for Moir Safari

The forest road that begins after Moir Point and leads to Berijam Lake is a protected reserve forest zone. Entry is not free-flowing; it is strictly regulated by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Here’s how it works:

✅ Permit System

• • Where to get it: Forest check-post at Moir Point.

  • When issued: Early morning (usually from 8:30 AM to ~11:00 AM). After that, no new permits are given.

  • Closed Day: Every Tuesday – no permits issued.

  • Quota: Only a limited number of private vehicles (cars/jeeps) are allowed per day. Once the quota is filled, no more permits.

  • Documents needed: Driving license + vehicle RC copy may be asked.

  • Permit Fee: Around ₹200–₹500 per vehicle, plus ₹50–₹100 per head (varies slightly year to year).

👉 Hidden Tip: Be at Moir Point before 8:30 AM if you want a private vehicle permit, they run out fast, especially in summer and holidays.

🚗 Traveling in Your Own Vehicle

• Allowed: Yes, if you have secured the forest permit.

• Restrictions:

  • Only limited vehicles per day.

  • You are expected to stick to the guided route (Silent Valley View → Mathikettan Shola → Cap’s Fly Valley → Fire Watch Tower → Berijam Lake).

  • No stopping at random places – you can only halt at the designated points.

  • No food, alcohol, or plastic is allowed inside (forest guards check vehicles).

• Duration: 2–3 hours round trip depending on how long you stop at viewpoints.

🚙 Hiring a Private Jeep

• If you don’t want to risk your own car on bumpy forest roads, you can hire a private jeep from:

  • Kodaikanal town (₹1,800–₹2,500 per jeep)

  • Moir Point area (₹1,200–₹1,800 depending on demand)

• Jeeps are rugged and driven by locals who know the terrain.

• The cost usually includes the permit fee (they arrange it in bulk with the forest office).

• Ideal if you’re a group or want a stress-free ride without worrying about permits.

👉 Hidden Tip: If you hire a jeep, negotiate whether permit fee + driver fee is included. Some quote only the jeep charge and ask you to pay the forest fee separately.

🚌 Government Eco-Bus (Alternative)

• Forest Department also runs eco-buses (~16–20 seats).

• Cost: Around ₹100–₹200 per person.

• Fixed departure slots (usually 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM).

• Covers the same 5 main spots as private jeeps and cars.

• Budget-friendly option for solo travelers or small families.

🚙 Moir Safari Kodaikanal Travel Options (Own Car, Private Jeep & Eco-Bus)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly & Kids Activities

Though Moir Safari is an adventure, it is also safe and enjoyable for kids.

• Wildlife Spotting: Kids love spotting deer, gaur, and monkeys.

• Photography: Plenty of photo-friendly stops.

• Nature Learning: Forest guides often share interesting facts about plants, animals, and tribal culture.

👉 Parents should always keep children seated inside the jeep for safety.

🌄 Nearby Tourist Attractions from Moir Viewpoint

🌲 Pine Forest (4 km from Moir Point)

One of the most photographed places in Kodaikanal. Tall pine trees planted by the British create a dreamy forest carpeted with pine needles. Popular for photography, walking trails, and movie shoots.

Activities: Photography, nature walks, short treks, horse riding (available at the entrance).
👉 Tip: Go early morning for misty shots without crowds.

🏞️ Pillar Rocks (4–5 km)

A set of three giant rock pillars rising dramatically from the valley floor. There’s a small garden at the viewpoint. On clear days you get jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and valley.

Activities: Valley view photography, mini garden stroll, roadside snack stalls.
👉 Tip: Afternoons often bring mist, morning visits give the best chance of clear views.

🌄 Green Valley View (Suicide Point) (6–7 km)

Offers panoramic views of the Vaigai Dam and lush valleys below. Fenced for safety. Known for monkeys and souvenir stalls.

Activities: Souvenir shopping, food stalls, small fun games like balloon shooting, photography.
👉 Tip: Hold on to your belongings, monkeys here are notorious!

🌼 Guna Caves (Devil’s Kitchen) (3–4 km)

Named after the Tamil movie “Guna”, these caves are a popular attraction. Surrounded by thick forest and walkways. Entry to the actual caves is restricted, but the viewpoint and pine-framed valley make it a must-visit.

Activities: Forest trail walks, photography, exploring nearby pine woods.
👉 Tip: Wear good shoes as the ground can be slippery, especially after rain.

🚶 Coaker’s Walk (8–9 km)

A paved pedestrian path along the edge of steep slopes. Famous for sunrise and panoramic views over the plains. Binocular rentals are available to view the distant towns.

Activities: Sunrise walk, binocular viewing, photography, small snack stalls.
👉 Tip: Best visited in the early morning when the valley is clear.

🛶 Kodai Lake (9–10 km)

The most famous landmark of Kodaikanal. A star-shaped artificial lake surrounded by boating, cycling, and horse riding facilities. Perfect for family outings.

Activities: Boating (row, pedal, and shikara-type boats), horse riding, cycling rentals, balloon shooting stalls, photography, shopping for chocolates & woollens.
👉 Tip: Try cycling around the lake in the evening for a relaxed experience.

🌸 Bryant Park (9–10 km)

Botanical garden near Kodai Lake with a variety of flowering plants, hybrid orchids, and landscaped gardens. Hosts the Annual Flower Show in May.

Activities: Garden strolls, photography, picnic, children’s play area, seasonal flower shows.
👉 Tip: Carry a camera in spring, this park is a photographer’s delight.

🌞 Summary of Tourist Places Around Moir ViewPoint

🚙 Moir Safari Traveller Reviews

🌞 The Good

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Scenic forest drive with hidden views.”
The safari route offered breathtaking views of Silent Valley, Mathikettan Shola, and Cap’s Fly Valley. The changing mist and sunshine created magical photo moments. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wildlife sightings made it special.”
We spotted a herd of bison and plenty of deer along the way. The forest guide explained about the shola ecosystem and bird species. It felt adventurous yet safe.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Berijam Lake was serene and peaceful.”
The final stop at Berijam Lake was worth the trip. Calm waters, fresh air, and less crowd compared to Kodai Lake. The canteen and restrooms nearby were very useful.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Well-organized eco-bus option.”
We couldn’t get a private permit, but the forest eco-bus was affordable and punctual. It covered all major stops and was comfortable for our family group.

⚠️ The Bad

⭐⭐⭐ “Permits run out too quickly.”
We reached after 9:30 AM and permits for private vehicles were already gone. It was disappointing. Need to come very early if you want your own car/jeep inside.

⭐⭐⭐ “Bumpy roads, not for everyone.”
The trail is rough and small cars struggle. Elderly people in our group felt the ride was tiring. A jeep is better than taking your own vehicle.

⭐⭐ “Too much waiting for eco-bus.”
We waited almost 45 minutes at Moir Point for the next bus slot. During peak season, this waiting time can test your patience.

⭐⭐ “Facilities still limited.”
Though there is a canteen and restrooms at Berijam Lake, they were basic and sometimes not very clean. Families with kids should carry their own food and water.

The Moir Government Safari is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Kodaikanal for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots. The journey from Moir Point through Silent Valley, Mathikettan Shola, Cap’s Fly Valley, Fire Tower Viewpoint, and finally Berijam Lake unfolds like a nature documentary, with misty forests, rolling grasslands, and untouched wildlife habitats. Unlike the bustling Kodai Lake or town areas, this safari offers a rare glimpse into the raw and unspoiled side of the Western Ghats. Berijam Lake itself feels serene and almost mystical, surrounded by thick shola forests and echoing with bird calls. The viewpoints along the way ensure you don’t just drive, you pause, breathe, and admire the vastness of Kodaikanal’s hidden beauty.

If you’re planning a trip to Kodaikanal, Moir Safari and Berijam Lake should be high on your list. Just remember to get there early for permits, carry snacks and water, and keep your eyes open, you never know when a herd of bison or a rare bird might cross your path!

👉 This isn’t just a safari, it’s a journey into the heart of Kodaikanal’s wilderness. 🌿