Tamil Nadu isn’t just about gigantic temples and historical monuments; it is more about nature and beauty that makes this state heavenly. Waterfalls in Tamilnadu are one such example of awe-inspiring natural wonders, which is hard to resist. These days while going on an extended trip might be impossible, taking a trip to the weekend gateway could be exciting and energizing. Of all the scenic places that have us awe-struck, waterfalls are one of the best, as the cool environment never fails to get us all thrilled! Here are the 10 Best Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu that will leave our minds and bodies feeling de-stressed and rejuvenated.
Best Tamil Nadu Waterfalls
1. Agaya Gangai Waterfall
AgayaGangai waterfall, also known as the ‘Ganges of the Sky‘ flows down near the Arapaleeswarar temple which is situated on top of the Kolli Hills (part of Eastern Ghats). Flowing from a height of 300 feet, it provides a breath-taking view to its visitors. Viewing the water flowing through the herbs grown on hills and moving from valleys to mountains will not be an everyday experience. Make sure you enjoy exotic bathing here and take pleasure in viewing nearby Korakka Siddhar Cave. The nearest station to Agaya Gangai is the Salem Junction and the best time to visit is from November to January.
2. Kumbakkarai Waterfall
Kumbakkarai waterfall is located in the Theni district and accessible via Madurai railway station or Madurai airport. The Pambar River descends from the Western Ghats and falls as Kumbakkarai at the foothills of Kodaikanal. This is the ideal tourist destination for people interested in trekking to the hills of Kodai. The water originates in Kodaikanal hill and flows from a height of 1300 feet by pushing rocks it reaches the foothills. Kumbakkarai waterfall remains perpetual throughout the year and it would be interesting to catch this scenic beauty during the winter months. During the rainy season, visitors are not allowed to take bath as the force of water is very high. The waterfall is steep and the floor is slippery, and therefore, proper precautions must be taken while walking near falls and or taking bath. The best time to visit is from October to March.
3. Monkey Falls
At a distance of 67 km from Coimbatore and 548 km from Chennai, the Monkey Falls flows gracefully near Aliyar Dam between Pollachi and Valparai. The 60 feet waterfall is easily accessible and regular bus facilities are available. Again bathing in the monsoon here is not advisable for obvious reasons; however, another season can make this spot the best for trekking. Regularly guided treks are available for those of you who want to try trekking for the first time. The best time to visit the falls is between October and March.
4. Catherine Falls
Catherine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and is located at a distance of 20 km from Coonoor and 527 km from Chennai. The native name of the waterfall is GeddhehaadaHalla which means ‘Foothills Dale River’. Catherine Falls flows from a height of 250 feet and is situated amongst tea plantations with beautiful views of forests and plains, providing an enchanting experience to its visitors. One has to trek 2-3 km from the nearest road to reach the falls. Private vehicles and buses are the usual modes of transport to reach the location. One can also get a spectacular view of the Catherine falls from the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint in Coonoor. The best time to visit is from October to May.
5. Hogenakkal Waterfalls
Hogenakkal Waterfall is located on the river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri District. It is 160 feet above sea level. The name Hogenakkal derives from the two Kannada words, ‘hoge’ meaning smoke and ‘kal’ meaning rock. It is very easily accessible from Bangalore and there are frequent buses to Hogenakkal from the city. A 6-hour drive from Chennai is also an option to consider. Being one of the best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu with spectacular views, it is popularly known as the ‘Niagara of India’. The best season to visit the waterfall is soon after the monsoon, between October and March when the river is full. However, even during the dry season, though the water flow is not that heavy, it is still a good place to visit because of the boating activities that become popular during that time.
6. Suruli Falls
Suruli Falls is located in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu. It originates from the Meghamalai Mountain and flows from a height of 190 feet. Basic facilities like bathrooms, changing rooms, and drinking water can be obtained. There are frequent buses available from Cumbum to reach the waterfall. The bridge across the Suruli River is a major tourist attraction. The place is most crowded during the ‘Saaral Festival’ conducted by the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu in the first or second week of August. During the festival, several competitions are held for tourists. Also, additional bus services and parking facilities are made available to encourage more number of tourists to participate.
7. Kutralam Falls
Courtallam or Kutralam falls is the most popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, which is located on the Western Ghats, in the Tirunelveli District. The place is also known as “The Spa of South India”, because of the presence of numerous waterfalls and evident resorts surrounding the area. Places like Therkumalai estate, boat houses, aquariums, and children’s parks are located in proximity to the waterfalls, thus providing the tourists with a full-fledged trip. Also, there are many religious temples near Kutralam that are frequently visited. There are frequent buses to Kutralam from major cities, especially during the peak season. Though there are no railway stations in Kutralam, it is just a 20-minute drive from Tenkasi. The best season to visit the falls is between June and September. From October to November, the place experiences heavy rains, so tourists are advised to stay away from the waterfalls during these two months.
8. Kiliyur Falls
Kiliyur Falls is located in the Shervaroyan Hill Range of the Eastern Ghats. The water overflows from the Yercaud Lake and falls into the Kiliyur Valley from a height of 300 feet, thus forming the waterfall. The waterfall is just 3 km away from the town of Salem and 4 km from the Yercaud Bus stop. Activities like boating and swimming happen regularly for tourists to have some memorable adventurous experiences. The place is also a popular trekking spot. In summer, the water flow is less, but the view from the foothills is astounding. Since Yercaud itself is a very popular tourist spot in South India, Kiliyur Falls is the icing on the cake. The best time to visit is immediately after the monsoon rains which usually occur till October.
9. Kutladampatti Falls
Kutladampatti falls is located in the village of Kutladampatti near Vadipatti in the Madurai district. The water falls from a height of about 89 feet. The setting is very silent and peaceful, and the crystal clear water gives a refreshing experience. Being just a 45-minute drive away from Madurai, it is a perfect well-liked ‘getaway spot’ for the people of Madurai. The place can be reached from the Periyar bus stand in Madurai or through Vadipatti. Tourists can also visit the Swami Ramanagiri Ashram, a place that has the perfect setting for meditation, which is located in Kutladampatti. The best time to visit Kutladampatti falls is between September and February.
10. Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu waterfall, also known as ‘Kumari Kutralam’ is located in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is just 42 km away from Nagercoil and 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. There are many auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses available from Kanyakumari to reach here the destination. The Trivandrum Airport and the Madurai Airport are the closest airports to this waterfall. The water flows from a height of 50 feet and it is one of the safest waterfalls in Tamil Nadu to bathe in. There is also a swimming pool constructed nearby for the kids to enjoy. Boating is also a regular activity at this site. The area around the waterfall has a pleasant ambience and is a great place for hiking and photography. The Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple is also a major tourist attraction visited by many tourists. The best time to visit Thirparappu falls is from October to March.
There you have it – the list of 10 best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. You didn’t know that Tamil Nadu had such beautiful waterfalls, did you? It’s time for you to experience it yourself! What are you waiting for? Take a break from the routine ever-stressed life, pack your bags and get ready for a fantastic weekend!
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