Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu

 September 17 2010 | Category : Waterfalls | | (1) Comment Tweet

Tamil Nadu has a prominent place in the Indian tourism development sector. It is a land of various art forms, cultures, traditions, architecture and nature’s wonderful artworks. Tamil Nadu is the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and the second largest tourism industry in India. The greenery of the Ghats is on one side while the long sandy shores on the other. The remains of Dravidian traditions and culture are still intact in this state. On the way from Kanyakumari to Thiruvalluvar district, innumerable tourist destinations can be seen. There are beaches, temples, hill stations, historic places and palaces. Apart from these, there are a couple of picturesque waterfalls which enhances the beauty of this enchanting state. Here’s a list of some popular waterfalls in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu: Photo by Fμndμ

Hogenakkal falls

The word Hogenakkal is derived from a Kannada word meaning ‘smoking rocks’ but this beautiful falls is in Tamil Nadu in Dharmapuri district. Also known as “The Niagara of India”, the falls drop from a height of 20 meter forming a smoke of water. Hogenakkal is famous for its medicinal baths as river Cauvery flows through a forest which contains herbs that are traditionally believed to have curative powers and enhances health. Surrounded by Rocky Mountains and greenery, this falls always attracts thick crowd of tourists during the best season which is post monsoon in February. Another attraction is the hide boat rides or the coracle ride. This is known to be one among the oldest means of water transport. A coracle is made of bamboo having a diameter of 2.24 meters and has the shape of a saucer. Another specialty is that the Carbonatite rocks found here which are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. Trekking lovers can trek to the surrounding Melagiri hills and explore the lush greenery. This falls can be reached by road/rail either from Salem or from Bangalore. Hogenakkal is 45 km from Dharmapuri town and 114 km from Salem. Nearest airport is Bangalore airport.

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Hogenakkal Falls: Photo by Arul Prasad

Kutrallam Falls

Another major tourist destination in the south tour is the Courtallam or the Kutrallam falls. This falls is in the Tirunelveli district and Tirunelveli town is just 53 km away. The water drops from a height of 160m and has herbal values which are believed to relax minds and even cure psychological disorders. Due to its herbal significance, numerous health resorts are found here giving the falls a title-Spa of the South. There are several other waterfalls near the Courtallam falls namely, Five Falls, Chittaruvi or Small falls, Old falls, Shenbaga Devi Falls, Tiger falls, Honey Falls and Palaruvi falls. Other attractions include the boat houses near five falls, public aquarium, Snake Park, small children’s park and play areas. The nearest railway station is Sengottai which is 5 km away and the nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport which is 86 km away.

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Kutrallam Falls: Photo by Pandiyan

Killiyur Falls

Killiyur falls is a 300 ft high lovely waterfall near Yercaud which is a famous hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is just 36km away from Salem town. The coffee plantations, orange groves and the misty hills contribute for the scenic beauty of Yercaud. It has a very moderate and cool climate varying from 12 °C to 30 °C and the best season would be between October and May. Anybody who visits Yercaud would never miss Killiyur falls as it is just 2 km away from the lovely Yercaud Lake. This falls is in the Shervaroyan hill range in the Eastern Ghats. The wondrous view of Salem town from Yercaud is a memorable one, especially during night. Yercaud is well connected by road and you can easily reach there from Salem town which is well connected by rail, road and air.

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Killiyur Falls: Photo by antkriz

Thirparappu Falls

The itinerary of Kanyakumari trip will definitely contain Thiruparappu falls as it is an all time favorite tourist spot of families. Kodayar river plunges down to a depth of 50 ft from the rocky river bed to form the Thiruparappu waterfalls. This place is 5 km away from the Kulasekharam town which is on the Trivandrum-Kanyakumari Highway. Domestic as well as foreign tourists drop in to take a relaxing bath under the falls. A swimming pool for children and dressing room is available near the falls. Other attractions are the ancient Shiva temple which is built in A.D 9th century, a Cave temple, Pechiparai Dam and Vattapparai falls in the Keeripparai hills. Another 60 km drive through the highway would take you to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of Indian Peninsula.

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Thirparappu Falls: Photo by anulalv

Silver Cascade Falls

The enchanting beauty of Kodaikanal alias the princess of hill stations in the misty Western Ghats is known worldwide. The star shaped Kodaikanal lake outflows and sprinkles silvery water from a 180 ft height called the Silver cascade waterfalls. This falls is 8 km from Kodaikanal on the ghat road. There is another waterfall called the Bear shola falls which is 1.5 km from the lake. Earlier bears used to come here to drink water and it is inside the calm forest. A walk towards the fall through the forest path is a must do. Fairy falls and Pambar falls are other small falls but good picnic spots near Kodaikanal. On the way up to Kodaikanal through the Kodai ghat road, there is view point called Dum Dum Rock view point from where a spellbound waterfall and Manjalar Dam can be seen. The falls resembles the tail of rat, thus it’s known as the Rat Tail falls. The original name is Thalaiyar Falls. This waterfall is the third highest waterfall in India dropping from a height of 975 ft in the Palani hill range. The best season to view these falls would be from October to January and April to June. Kodaikanal is the nearest town and you will get a number of buses from Palani town which is 64 km away. The nearest airports are Madurai (135 kilometers) and Coimbatore (170 kilometers). The nearest Railway stations are Palani Railway Station (64 kilometers) to the north, Kodai Road Station (80 kilometers) to the south east and Dindigul Railway Junction (100 kilometers) to the east.

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Silver Cascade Falls: Photo by I Nair

Papanasam Falls

Papanasam has great religious significance related to Hindu mythology. It is a small town 60 km away from Tirunelveli. Tamiraparani river flowing down from Western Ghats reaches the plains at Papanasam and here the river is known as Papanasam river. The word Papanasam means to free from sins. Thus a bath in the holy water of this falls washes away all sins done by a person. It is believed that right after their wedding, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathy appeared in front of Saint Agasthya near this falls. Thus it’s known as Agasthiyar Falls. There is a temple near this falls called the Papavinasheveswar Temple. One can reach the holy waterfalls by trekking 3 km through the forest. Papanasam Dam, Manimuthar Dam and falls are other picnic spots near this waterfall.

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Papanasam Falls (Agasthiar Falls)

Banatheertham Falls

Another waterfall in Tirunelveli district which is gaining popularity recently is the Banatheertham falls or Roja Falls. Since a popular song from the famous Manirathnam movie ‘Roja’ was picturized here, people began to call this waterfalls as Roja falls. This beautiful place is deep inside the Mundanthurai Tiger reserve and above Karayar dam. A boat ride across the dam gives a stunning view of the falls. After the boat ride, a few minutes trek would lead us to the waterfalls. A fence is built near the falls to allow people to take a shower under the natural waterfall. The dense forest, lush green hills and the dam site gives a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Another special reason for its increasing popularity is its perennial character. Mundanthurai is connected only by road but tourists can come through rail till Tenkasi or Tirunelveli. This destination is 47 km from Tirunelveli town.

Banatheertham Falls

Bear Shola Falls

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Bear Shola Falls: Photo by marcus334

Shenbagadevi Falls

Shenbagadevi Falls: Photo by chennaiblog

Kolli Hills – Agaya Gangai Falls

Kolli hills have splendid beauty of the evergreen forests all around and the unswayed commercialism to boast about. Nestled in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, these hills were mentioned in the Tamil Literature written in 1st or 2nd century. This majestic hills is adorned by a very pretty silvery waterfalls called Agaya Gangai or popularly known as Kolli falls. A jungle stream called ‘Panchanathi’ flows down from a 300 feet high cliff to a beautiful valley to form this lovely waterfall. The walk down to the bottom of the falls is a bit tiring but a refreshing bath in the falls would rejuvenate you. This destination is in Namakkal district in an enchanting location which is surrounded by lush green mountains and forests. There is a Hindu temple called Arapaleeswarar temple atop the cliff near the falls. Kolli Hills is best known for trekking and often being a favourite destination of nature lovers. More tourists flew to Kolli hills these days due to its refreshing pure air with cool climate and natural beauty. The panoramic view from Seekuparai and Selur Nadu view points are awesome. A drive through the ghat road from Karavalli village is an adventurous one as it has 70 hairpins bends. The nearest railway station is Salem which is 100km away and the nearest Airport is at Tiruchirapalli which is 90km away from Kolli Hills. Namakkal is 55 km from here and you get lots of buses to these hills as it is a popular Tourist destination.

Kolli Hills – Agaya Gangai Falls : Photo by lensbug.chandru