28 Picturesque Waterfalls of Tamil Nadu
The state of Tamil Nadu, the cultural capital of the south, topped with some of the best hill stations and beaches in India, is majestic. It is a delight during the monsoons when the many waterfalls here come to life in a glorious flow!
1. Courtallam Waterfall
Located in Tirunelveli, it is the largest waterfall of the state and one of the largest in India. It cascades down over 160 metres and meets the river Chittar. The Pongumakadal rock on the waterfall’s course is a popular spot. This fall is also known as ‘The Spa of South India’ due to the presence of many big and small waterfalls in the adjoining areas. The Kutralanathar Temple is a popular attraction nearby.
2. Hogenakkal Falls
Hogenakkal Falls are located on the river Kaveri and is often referred to as the Niagara of India. The name is derived from two Kannada words – ‘Hog’ meaning smoke and ‘kal’ meaning rocks. This is because of the beautiful foam created from the cascade of the fall. The waterfall covers a height of 20 metres. Boat riding is a popular activity here. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the state.
3. Thalaiyar Falls
These falls are located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul, very close to Kodaikanal and is also known as Rat Tail Falls. This waterfall is the tallest one in Tamil Nadu and the third tallest in India. It falls from a height of 975 ft. One has to trek for 2-3 hours to see this waterfall.
4. Monkey Falls
Also called Kalahasti Falls, these falls are located in the Anaimalai Hills of Coimbatore. It is a popular tourist spot, covered in green forests and rocky cliffs. The spot is great for trekking. The falls has a height of 60 feet.
5. Catherine Falls
Located in Kotagiri in the Nilgiris, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state. It is the second largest waterfalls in the Nilgiris. The waterfall cascades over 250 feet. Catherine Falls is formed from the Kallar River. It can be best viewed from the Dolphin’s Nose in Ooty.
6. Kumbakkarai Falls
It is located in the Kodaikanal Hills. It is formed over the river Pamba. The waterfall cascades down a height of 1300 feet. The major attractions here are the stone inscriptions and the Murugan statue. There is rich wildlife around. It can be reached from Madurai.
7. Agaya Gangai Falls
Agaya Gangai or Akasa Ganga Waterfalls are located on the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Namakkal. The name of the waterfall transates to ‘Ganges of the Sky’. Arapaleeswarar Swamy Temple is a major attraction here. The height of the waterfall is 300 feet. It is viewed best from the nearby Korakka Siddhar Cave. The waterfall is formed on River Aiyaru.
8. Silver Cascade Falls
Silver Cascade Falls is located between Kodaikanal and Madurai. It cascades down over 55 meters. It is formed of the water flowing from Kodaikanal Lake. It is so named because of the silver glimmer in the water flow.
9. Suruli Waterfalls
Located in Theni, it is formed by the Suruli river on the Meghamalai mountains, cascading over 190 feet. There is a mystic charm around this waterfall throughout the year. Manalaar tea estate is located nearby. Other attractions nearby are the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Thousand Lingam Temple and Indian rock cut architecture caves.
10. Shenbagadevi Falls
Shenbagadevi or Chembakkadevi Falls are located very close to Chitraruvi falls and Main falls and can be reached by a trek through the Chitraruvi forests. The fall cascades down a height of 40 feet and is so named because of the presence of the Shenbaga trees all around. Shenbagadevi Amman temple nearby is an attraction.
11. Honey Falls
Also known as Thenaruvi, this falls is located very close to Courtallam falls, the Shenbagadevi Falls and the Main falls. It cascades down through two massive stones, over a height of 40m and resembles a horseshoe. Trek to it is quite risky.
12. Siruvani Waterfalls
Located near Coimbatore in Siruvani Hills, formed by the Siruvani River, it is also known as Kovai Kutralam Falls. There are lush green forests all around. The waterfall can be reached through a trek of 4 km.
13. Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls are located in close proximity of Pykara Lake near Ooty. It is a multi-tiered waterfall over a rocky slope. It is one of the sightseeing spots in Ooty. It is most majestic during the months of monsoon. It is surrounded by a gorgeous dense forest. Boating and motor boat ride in the Pykara reservoir nearby are popular activities.
14. Bear Shola
These falls are located very close to Kodaikanal. It is located inside a forest. It is so named as it is said that bears used to come and drink water from the top of this waterfall. The water falls over a height of 40 feet into a small pool which is quite safe for swimming.
15. Vaideki Falls
Vaideki Falls are located close to Coimbatore near the town of Narisipuram. It has to be reached through a forest, but only with due permission, and accompanied by a forest guard. The main waterfall has to be reached through a trek. One will be delighted by the presence of a large number of elephants here.
16. Kalhatty Falls
These falls are situated on the slopes of Kalhatti mountain. It is a great location for trekking through the forests and the wildlife. It has to be reached through a picturesque tea estate. The waterfall cascades down a height of 120 feet.
17. Kuthirapanjan Falls
Kuthirapanjan Falls or Panagudi Falls is located near Panagudi town in Tirunelveli. The waterfall is seasonal and picks up volume only during monsoon. It is formed over Hanuman River and falls over 150 feet through the Mahendragiri hills. There are many churches around that one can visit while on a trip here. The lovely view of the western ghats is completed with windmills and thick forests.
18. Papanasam Falls
Papanasam Falls or Agasthiyar Falls are located near Papanasam town. It is a mesmerizing waterfall with a legend associated to it. It is said that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place at the Agasthiyar or Papanasathanur temple which is located nearby. The waterfall is formed over Thamirabarani River. Papanasam means absolution of sins and people come here to take a dip and wash away all sins.
19. Olakkay Aruvi
Olakkay Aruvi or Ulakkai Aruvi Waterfalls are located near Azhagiapandipuram in Kanyakumari. The waterfall is formed on the Pazhayar River. It is also known as Rod Falls since it looks like a pestle (which is called olakkay). The waterfall is situated inside the Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is easily accessible from Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, Trivandrum and Tirunelveli.
20. Law’s falls
Law’s Falls are located very close to Coonoor in the midst of a wonderful serene forest on the way to Mettupalayam. It is named after Colonel Law who had built the new Coonoorghat. It is a very small waterfall, but beautiful nonetheless. It falls over the height of 30 metres.
21. Five Falls
Five Falls are located very close to theCourtallam Main Falls. It is also known as Aintharuvi Falls. It is so named because the waterfall splits into 5 directions, almost like a 5 headed cobra, which in the local language is known as Aintharuvi. The Swami Ayyappa Temple, Eco Park and Vinayaka Temple are some attractions located close to this waterfall.
22. Amirthi Falls
Amirthi Falls are found inside the Amirthi Zoological Park. It is located very close to Vellore, on the Javadu hills. The falls are formed of the Amirthi river. It is a seasonal and comparatively smaller waterfall. There are a number of animals found here in their natural habitat. A small pool at the bottom of the waterfall is perfect for swimming.
23. Manimuthar Dam / Falls
Manimuthar is an artificial dam located 16km from Papanasam and 45km from Tirunelveli at the foothills of the Podhigai Hills. It is built across the Manimuthar River near its confluence with Thamirabarani River. It is a popular picnic spot, with boating as a common activity.
24. Kodiveri Falls
Located near Satyamangalam near Erode, it is also a dam on the Bhavani River. The dam not only provides water for irrigation, it also provides wonderful views of the surroundings and a nice place for swimming and bathing. The falls is accessible from Coimbatore and Erode.
25. Kiliyur Falls
Kiliyur falls is a wonderful waterfall that flows from the Yercaud lake. It is located in Shervaroyan Range of the Eastern Ghats. It falls over 300 feet into the Kiliyur Valley. Trekking, boating and swimming are common activities here. Since Yercaud is a popular holiday destination, Kiliyur has added to its charms.
26. Puliancholai falls
Puliancholai Falls are located in the foothills of the Kolli Hills near Namakkal. It is located inside a thick forest filled with tamarind trees. There are natural springs around this waterfall where tourists come to take a splash. Shiva Temple and Pithukkuli Cave are the nearby attractions.
27. Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu waterfall is located very close to Nagercoil, in Kanyakumari. It is also known as ‘Kumari Kutralam’. It is known as one of the safest waterfalls for bathing. A nearby attraction is the Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple.
28. Kutladampatti Falls
Kutladampatti falls is located in Madurai, just about an hour’s drive away from the city. It is found in the village of the same name. The waterfall cascades down for about 89 feet. Other places of interest here are the Swami Ramanagiri Ashram which is a centre for meditation.
Some of the other falls in Tamil Nadu are the Katary Falls in the Nilgiris, very close to Coonnoor, the Fairy Falls and the Pambar Falls in Kodaikanal, the Shivamathungai Falls near the Main Falls, the Kolakambai Falls, the highest in the Nilgiris, the Tirparappu Falls and Kodayar falls near Kanyakumari and the Chitraruvi Falls.