31 Best Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu (2024)

At a distance of 38 km from Pollachi, Thirumoorthy Hills is one of the charming outdoors near Pollachi. A part of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, it is one of the famous places to visit in near Pollachi.

At the foot of the hills is the Thirumoorthy Temple, also known as Sri Amanalingeswarar Temple. A perennial stream flows by the side of the temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Legend says that Athri Maharishi and his wife Anasuya Devi resided in these hills, and the Gods of the Hindu trinity had come down to test their devotion. The Gods asked Anasuya Devi to make their offerings in nudity. She agreed and changed the Gods as babies with her devotion, fed them & put them to sleep in a cradle. Athri came back afterward and hearing the story from Anasuya praised the three gods sleeping in the cradle. Later, the Trinities come back to their original form and give a boon to Anasuya. According to her wish, three children were born to her - Shiva is born as Sage Durvasa, Vishnu as Dattatreya, and Brahma as Chandra (Moon). Hence, this region is named as Thirumoorthy Hills.

Thirumoorthy Dam has been constructed adjoining the Thirumurthy Hill near Amanalingeswarar Temple. The panorama of the Anamalai Hills surrounding the shimmering blue waters of the reservoir is a sight to behold. This area is a popular spot for shooting films thanks to the beauty of the region. It is the perfect place for tourists who love ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Coonoor & 26 km from Ooty, Law's Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated in Coonoor. Located on Coonoor - Mettupalayam Road, it is one of the popular waterfalls in the Nilgiris, and among the must-visit Coonoor tourist places.

The beautiful Law's Falls is set inside the Coonoor forest range with vast stretches of undisturbed nature around. Named after Col. Law, who constructed the new Coonoor ghat, this waterfall is formed by the Coonoor river. The height of the waterfall is about 30 feet through multiple cascades. This small & pretty waterfall attracts a huge crowd, especially during post-monsoons as part of Coonoor packages.

Since this place is close to the main road, it does not need much walk/trek. One can enjoy the force of the water at bottom of the falls. The place is rocky and slippery.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri, 21 km from Coonoor, and 36 km from Ooty, Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Kotagiri in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is the second largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. It is also one of the best Coonoor places to visit.

Cascades down from a height of 250 feet, the stunning Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall located at Aravenu. The River Kallar descends down the rocks as Geddhehaada Halla stream, to form the Catherine Falls. Also known as Geddhehaada Halla by locals, this waterfall is named after Catherine Cocburn, the wife of M.D. Cocburn, who had introduced coffee plantation to the areas of Kotagiri and Yercaud.

Catherine Falls is surrounded by beautiful views of forest, tea plantations and the Mettupalayam plains. The falls is clearly visible from the top of Dolphin's Nose and this is the only place where you can get to full view of the falls as part of Coonoor holiday packages. Though it's not possible to reach the foot of this waterfall, one can go to top of the falls for a truly spectacular view. From a small town called Aravenu on the Kotagiri/Mettupalayam Road, one has to go via Moon Road to reach the falls. About 2-3 km trek is required from the nearest ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Ooty Railway Station and 13 km from Coonoor, Katary Falls is a stunning waterfall situated at Adikaratti village near Ooty. It is one of the popular waterfalls in Ooty and among the must include places in Ooty - Coonoor Tour Packages.

The Katary Falls is cascading down from a height of about 130 feet into a pool at the base. It is the third-largest waterfall in the Nilgiris. It is a 2-tiered waterfall and can be reached by trekking from the main road. It is also the site of India's first hydroelectric power project, the Kateri hydroelectric system. The hydroelectric power plant generated 1000 KW of electricity from the mechanical energy of the falling water from the Katary Falls. The hydroelectric power station is an attraction on its own and attracts hundreds of visitors.

The waterfall is a sight to behold during the rainy season when the water cascades in all its glory amidst lush green woods enveloped in mighty mountains. The height of the location and the scenic beauty of the surroundings make Katary Falls look like a never-ending cascade from the sky to the earth. Don't venture out in the monsoon as it is slippery and the waterfall gets a bit more fierce too.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 24 km from Coonoor and 31 km from Ooty, Kolakambai Falls is a magnificent waterfall located near Kolacamby, Tamil Nadu. Also known as Kullakamby Falls, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the Nilgiris and among the prominent places to visit as part of Ooty - Coonoor Packages.

The very beautiful and mesmerizing Kolakambai Waterfall is located in the Nilgiris near the cities of both Ooty and Coonoor. Standing tall at a height of 400 feet, this is the highest falls in the Nilgiris mountain range. It descends from the northern side of Kolakambai Hill, which is an important peak of the Nilgiri Hills range.

A visit to these falls during the monsoon season can be quite breathtaking. The way to this falls is popular for hiking, trekking, and biking through the wild area full of natural flora and fauna that is typical of this mountainous range.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 8 km from Kotagiri, 28 km from Coonoor and 30 km from Ooty, Elk Falls is a magnificent waterfall located at Uyilatty village near Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the top waterfalls in the Nilgiris and among the prominent places to visit during your Ooty Tour.

Locally known as Uyilatty Falls, the stunning Elk Waterfall is located in the midst of the idyllic Echoing Valley of Kookal in the South Nilgiris district. A lofty falls with patter water which shower downstream gives the amazing scenario and surrounds with blossom green tea and coffee plantations. A European house or Kannerimukku, constructed by British collector Sullivan is located near the falls. This house was built during the colonial times of the British in India, in the year 1819 and was the first British residence in Tamil Nadu. At present, it can even be considered as a historical ancient monument!

Though this waterfall comes in full gush only in the rainy season it is worth visiting this place to get the view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal. The Badaga Habitations, a serenely laid out woodland area of tea and coffee plantation will take you to a different world as you hike along this region to reach up to the waterfall. The finest time to visit would be the monsoon, during this time that the neighboring Kookal Valley blooms with mellow orange which said to be one of the yummy oranges in the world. There are a number of heritage cottages of the colonial era that provide plush accommodation ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Papanasam and 45 km from Tirunelveli, Manimuthar Dam is an artificial dam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the largest dams in Tirunelveli district and also one of the top places to visit in Tirunelveli.

Situated at the foothills of the scenic Podhigai Hills, Manimuthar Dam was built across the Manimuthar River just three km above its confluence with Thamirabarani River in 1957. The maximum storage capacity of the dam is 118 feet. The river Manimuthar is the major tributary of Thamirabarani. The Dam is an ideal picnic spot blessed with beautiful garden and peaceful atmosphere. Boating in this picturesque dam is one of the most memorable things to do in Tirunelveli.

About 6 km from Manimuthar Dam is Manimuthar Falls which is created by the waters of Manimuthar River. This natural waterfall cascades down from a height of 25 feet into a pond. The pond is 90 feet in deep and is very dangerous. The water is so fresh and less crowded compare to Courtallam. It is a picturesque place. There are some public transport services to go this place on regular intervals from Kallidai Kurichi, the nearby town. There is a forest check post on the way to the falls where visitor need to sign & pay the entry fee for the falls.

Manimuthar Falls Entry: Rs. 25 for Person & Rs. 25 for Camera

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

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At a distance of 4 km from Papanasam and 51 km from Tirunelveli, Papanasam Falls, also known as Agasthiyar Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Papanasam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located in the Western Ghats, Papanasam Falls is a prominent waterfalls in Tamilnadu, and among the most popular Tirunelveli tourist places.

Formed over Thamirabarani River, Papanasam Falls drop down from a height of 120 m. The river Thamirabarani, which flows from the Western Ghats of the Podhigai Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. This is highly revered by the locals both for their immense beauty and religious significance. Papanasam means absolution of sins and it is an important pilgrim center where people take bath in the sacred water to relieve themselves from sins.

Agasthiyar Temple is situated near the falls, among the must-visit places during Tirunelveli tour. According to legend, during the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, all the Gods and Goddesses from Heaven had gone to Mount Kailash. On the order of Lord Shiva, Agasthiyar came to Papanasam to balance the world. After the wedding, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati appeared to Agasthiyar Munivar, who is meditating at Papanasam. Every year his idol is brought out as a procession to the Papanasanathar ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Panagudi Railway Station, 32 km from Nagercoil and 57 km from Tirunelveli, Kuthirapanjan Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated near Panagudi town in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu.

Also known as Panagudi Falls, Kuthirapanjan Waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall formed over Hanuman River, a tributary to the famous Thamirabarani River. The height of the falls is about 150 feet. It is situated in Western Ghats surrounded by mountain ranges and is the heart of the Mahendragiri hills.

The falls can be accessed from the town of Panagudi and is the main attraction of Panagudi. There are also three churches in Panagudi namely Hosannah Church, St. Joseph Church and Annai Velankanni Church. It is surrounded by a chain of mountains, windmills along with the mountains offer a lovely view.

Visitors have to trek 2 km through a well laid path amidst thick forests from the parking area to reach the falls.

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At a distance of 8 km from Periyakulam, 78 km from Thekkady, and 85 km from Madurai, the Kumbakkarai Waterfall is a scenic waterfall situated near Madurai. Located close to Madurai - Kodaikanal road, it is one of the popular waterfalls in tamilnadu, and among the must include places in Madurai tour packages.

Situated at the foothills of the Kodaikanal hills, the Kumbakkarai Falls cascades down from a height of about 87 feet in two layers. In the first stage, the water comes greeting the rocks that are given names of wild animals like elephant, snake, tiger to name a few. In the next stage, the water flows for a straight 0.5 km and then hugs the Kumbakkarai cascade. It is one of the most prominent Madurai sightseeing places.

Even though the waterfall is not as renowned as the other popular waterfalls of Tamilnadu, it boasts of immense scenic beauty and the melodious tinkering of the gushing waters. The falls are filled with dangerous holes, be careful while going closer to the falls. A 500-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Thadagai Nachiamman is located near this spot.

Vehicles can go up to the surroundings of the falls. Kodaikanal buses stop at the crossroads around 2 km before the falls.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 123 kms from Madurai, 22 Kms from Thekkady (via Gudalur & Karuna Muthevan Patti), 10 Kms from Kambam (via Suruli Patti) & 548 Kms from Chennai, Suruli Falls are situated amidst rich flora fauna and serve as a perfect picnic spot.

The falls originate from the Megamalai hills and descend from a height of 150 feet. They are surrounded by the astounding beauty of the dense forest. The best feature of Suruli Falls is that they are round-the-year Falls, best time is June to October.

The falls serve as the venue of Summer Festival, organized every year by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department. The Kailasanathar Temple Cave is also an added attraction of the place. There are also other 18 caves in and around the Suruli Falls. The Kailasanatha temple and Suruli Velappar temple are also nearby the falls.

The falls are reachable by road from Kambam and Gudalur towns. About 1-2 Kms trek through dense forest is required to reach the falls from nearest road.

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At a distance of 4 kms from Kodaikanal Bus Station.This magnificent falls is also popularly called as the 'Grand Cascade'. The town water reservoir overflows southwards forming the Fairy Falls which continues to join the Vaigai River forming the Pambar Falls through its course.

It can be reached by a steep, slippery path behind Pambar house. Racing down Pambar Ravine is the zig-zagging Levinge stream that cascades over a series of rock formations. The Pambar Ravine showers down the Waterfall and a series of steep and precariously slippery rocks during its meandering course.

There is a pond like formation at the foot suitable for bathing. Three or four adjacent small cascading falls can be seen as you go downstream. The wild vicinity of the falls flourishes in rare flora and fauna. Endemic birds and butterflies create a center of attention to this soothing spot.

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At a distance of 6 kms from Kodaikanal Bus Station and 5 kms from Kodai lake, Fairy Falls is the source of Pambar River, continuing to join the Vaigai River at the foot.

Swimming at the foot of the falls will indeed leave you refreshed and revitalized. It is the spillover of the rural community water reservoir streaming southwards the hill to form the enchanting fairy falls. The sparkling waters that fill the basin at the foot of the Fairy fall is one of the most habitually visited tourist destination for the travelers for bathing during Kodaikanal tour.

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At a distance of 1 km trek from Sri Arappaleeswarar Swamy Temple at Ariyurnadu, 55 km from Namakkal, 92 km from Salem, 138 km from Trichy, and 400 km from Chennai, Agaya Gangai or Akasa Ganga waterfall is located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats. It is one of the best waterfalls near Trichy.

Akasa Ganga is an enchanting 300 feet waterfall formed on River Aiyaru. The fall is enclosed with the dense forest which increases its charm and grandeur. It is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. The picturesque landscape created by the waterfall is an ideal destination for nature lovers during their Trichy trip.

The location is ideal for trekking and the breeze is pleasant. The water of the falls is considered to contain medicinal properties due to the varieties of medicinal herbs grown across the forest which makes it a natural spa. People here believe that taking bath in the water cures many diseases. Owing to this attribute, people from nearby areas take baths in the water to cure their diseases. On the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi local people assemble here to pray and express their gratitude for the river.

To reach the waterfall visitors have to walk down through 1300 steps which take around 45 minutes one way. There is another route from Puliancholai, which takes about five hours trek to reach the falls. ...

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At a distance of 40 Kms from Kodaikanal & 485 Kms from Chennai, Thalaiyar Falls, also known as the Rat Tail Falls is the highest waterfalls in Tamil Nadu and third highest falls in India. It is also one of the popular sites for trekking near Kodaikanal.

With a height of 975 feet (297 meters), the falls is visible from a great distance on the ghat road towards Dindigul. This falls is considered inaccessible to the general public, as there is no access road to it. However, one can reach these falls with 6 kms trekking after 34 Kms of road journey on ghat road from kodaikanal. The trek duration is around 2-3 hours one way. The trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty.

The very edge at the top of the falls has a concrete wall. One can walk along the wall and get near the center of the falls. The water here is considered polluted and it's better to avoid bathing here.

One can catch Dindigal / Madurai buses from Kodaikanal, get down at the ghat road after 34 Kms and trek down to the falls from here. There are no sign boards but can get done at the mile stone which shows distance to Kodai as 34 km.

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At a distance 50 km from Namakkal, 76 km from Trichy & 340 km from Chennai, Puliyancholai is a scenic spot on the foothills of Kolli Hills. It is a forest region splashed with a small stream and covered with lush green foliage and tamarind groves. The place is a favorite haunt among the tourist throughout the year to enjoy bathing in natural springs.

The Puliancholai falls is a terrace waterfall which appears like a stream of water that cascades through rocky terrain. Puliancholai is known for its scenic beauty located on the foot hills of kolli hills. It is a thick forest region, best suited for trekking and other adventurous activities.

Located far away from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas, this place offers you a quite escape from busy city life. There is a Shiva Temple which is situated about 12 km inside the thick forest. Devotees come here to trek up to Shiva temple in June and July.

Accommodation of provided by two resorts situated near the falls. The forests around this area have rich medical herbs. Pithukkuli Cave is another attraction nearby. The road access is available close to the waterfall and does not need much walking.

Agaya Gangai Falls is a five hours hard trek from Puliancholai.

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At a distance of 4 km from Courtallam Main Falls, 4 km from Courtallam Bus Station and 11 km from Tenkasi, Five Falls or Aintharuvi is another important waterfall in Courtallam. After the main falls, this is the most famous waterfall and the most enjoyable of all falls here.

The water here splits into five branches while falling, so it is called Five Falls. It is unique as water flows in five directions, resembling a 5-headed cobra. It is highly revered among locals as they compare it to Adishesha. Among the five falls, three are open to men and two for women. There is a Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple close to waterfall. Bathing here is very safe and enjoyable activity. There is also an Eco Park and boat house nearby.

Road access is available close to the falls and about 100 meters walk is required from the parking area to reach the falls.

Fruit Garden Falls or Pazhathotta Aruvi is situated above the Five Falls. This small falls set amidst deep forest range. It is popularly known as VIP Falls or Orchard Falls as only politicians and bureaucrats are allowed to bath in waters here. Others need to seek permission from the Tourism Board for bathing at the Pazhathotta Aruvi.

Palaruvi or the New falls is about 28 km from Courtallam on the other side of the border in Kerala state. The word Palaruvi means stream of milk. Falling from a height of 300 feet, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in ...

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At a distance of 8 km from Main Falls, 8 km from Courtallam Bus Station and 11 km from Tenkasi, Pazhaya Courtallaruvi or Old Courtallam is also known as Shivamathungai Falls.

The 200 ft fall features steps that are cut out into the rocks for breaking flow of the cascading water to make it safe for bathing. The water flows through two rocks and drop into the valley to form this waterfall. Along with separate bathing areas for men and women, tourists can engage themselves in oil massages. Bathing here is safe and is a popular activity.

Road access is available close to the falls and about 100 meters walk is needed to reach the falls from parking area.

Tiger Falls or Puli Aruvi is situated 2 km from Courtallam bus stand. It is situated between the Main Falls and Old Courtallam. This artificial falls has a moderate flow of water which is collected into a lake and is diverted for irrigation. This falls is situated inside a private property. There is a Sastha Temple and a Bathing Ghat for pilgrims. It is a perfect and safe place for children to enjoy. There is also an old palace, now a private property.

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At a distance of 75 Kms from Coimbatore and 70 Kms from Erode, Kodiveri Dam & Waterfalls is a wonderful picnic spot situated near Satyamangalam in Erode district (20 Kms from Bannari Mariamman Temple).

Constructed on Bhavani River, the Dam provides irrigation water for over 25000 hectars of land. There is a beautiful Park developed at bottom of the dam with many attractions.

The Waterfalls formed by the downstream of Kodiveri Dam is a wonderful spot with nice views of the falls (close to the dam). Since the falls are not heavy, anyone can easily reach bottom of the falls and enjoy. Bathing & swimmings in the pool at bottom of the falls is a memorable experience.

Park Timings: Not Available

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At a distance of 3 km from Kombai Thozu, 44 km from Theni, 69 km from Megamalai, Chinna Suruli Falls is a picturesque waterfall located at Kombai Thozhu village near Theni. Situated in between Megamalai and Theni, it is one of the beautiful waterfalls near Madurai, and among the top Meghamalai places to visit.

Chinna Suruli Falls is located amidst thick green forests at the foothills of the Meghamalai range. It is also known as Cloudland Falls as it originates in the Megamalai Hills. In the local language, Chinna means small or younger, so in a sense, it is called the younger Suruli Falls and is different from Suruli Falls which is situated near Cumbum town.

The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 190 feet and is two-tiered falls. During peak season, the resounding cascades amidst the silver-lined clouds invite a huge number of travelers from far and near as part of Meghamalai tour. It is a perfect spot for picnics and outings and a must-visit for shutterbugs. It is not very safe to visit the falls after sunset because there are instances of frequent sighting of wild elephants, spotted deer, gaur, and other wild animals.

The best time to visit Chinna Suruli Falls, like the rest of the places around here, is from October to December. By October, the waterfall ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Kanyakumari, 21 km from Nagercoil, 74 km from Trivandrum, 85 km from Tirunelveli & 691 km from Chennai, Olakkay Aruvi or Ulakkai Aruvi Waterfalls is a wonderful waterfall located near Azhagiapandipuram in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu. Located within the limits of Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary, Ulakkai Aruvi is one of the best waterfalls in Kanyakumari and also one of the popular places to visit near Tirunelveli.

Also known as Rod Falls, Ulakkai Aruvi Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall formed over Pazhayar River. Ulakkai meaning Pestle and Aruvi meaning Falls in Tamil. This falls looks like a Pestle from long distance, hence the name Ulakkai Aruvi. Even as the surrounding water sources and forests dry up in the sweltering summers, the water still keeps flowing from this natural waterfall. Many tourists come here for bathing and to enjoy the nature.

There are two falls, the lower falls and the higher falls. Both are falling from a height of about 50 feet. The lower falls, one reaches after the trek is a good picnic spot. The view from this spot of the greenery below the hills is exhilarating. To reach the Higher falls, one needs to climb about 200 meters uphill and is recommended only for healthy people. Ulakkai Aruvi is a good picnic spot and good for trekking. This is the right place for the people who love climbing rocks and hills.

The falls is situated in the middle of thick Western Ghats, which is accessible only by foot ...

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