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Hogenakkal Falls in Hogenakkal - Superb Waterfall In Tamil Nadu

6 Superb Waterfalls In Tamil Nadu (2024)

Tamil Nadu has many waterfalls that are an excellent choice for enjoying a serene vacation. These majestic waterfalls are a great tourist attraction, with the Hogennakal waterfall being the must-visit destination in the state of Tamil Nadu. There are many other waterfalls that are visited frequently by tourists, such as the Tirparappu Waterfalls, Kiliyur Falls, and others. Many off-beat waterfalls are also there in Tamil Nadu for the peace lovers. Nature lovers and adventure lovers both will find that a trip to the many waterfalls in Tamil Nadu will prove to be a surreal experience. Here are some of the most scintillating waterfalls in Tamil Nadu.

6 Superb Waterfalls In Tamil Nadu

1. Hogenakkal Falls in Hogenakkal

Hogenakkal Falls is one of the most scintillating waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. The Hogenakkal Falls is located on the river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district. The term Hogenakkal stands for ‘smoking rocks, which is a tribute to the unique rock arrangement built around the waterfalls. The majestic gushing waterfalls is often known as the ‘Niagara Falls of India.’

The Kaveri River here forks into several streams and then falls through multiple steps, making this a mesmerizing sight to behold. The carbonatite rocks located by this waterfall is one of the oldest of its type in all of South Asia and is also estimated to be the oldest in the world.

Hogenakkal Falls in Hogenakkal - Superb Waterfall In Tamil NaduImage source

An interesting fact about the Hogenakkal Falls is that the water here is believed to have medicinal properties due to the many herbs that grow in its path. Many people obtain their drinking water from here itself.

With its pristine appeal and picturesque surroundings, the Hogenakkal Falls are among the main attractions in this region. Tourists can also opt to enjoy the Coracle boat ride that goes from end to end of the Kaveri River.

2. Kalhatti Falls in Ooty

Located in Bellikal, Ooty, the Kalhatti Falls are often referred to as a bird watcher’s paradise as the aerial view this place provides of the entire valley is a great spot to see some endemic birds. The beautiful and calm atmosphere of this place makes it the perfect location for short trips and vacations. The falls merge into a lake below that is also a famous attraction in Bellikal. The entire lake is surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of the valley. The lake is also a major source of fresh drinking water for the nearby areas. One can often spot elephants visiting the lake to get a drink of water – this is an excellent sight for the visitors who gather here to catch a glimpse of these elephants and is a memorable experience.

The Kalhatti Falls is located south of the Sigur Plateau, and this majestic waterfall gushes down from an elevated height of 400 feet. Falling from the heart of the Nilgiri Mountains, this waterfall is not just a natural tourist spot, but it is also am important biodiversity site.

Locals of the area believe that the water of the Kalhatti Falls, which emerges from the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, has medicinal and healing properties that can cure several diseases. Many people also believe that a visit to the falls can change their luck around for the better.

3. Catherine Falls in Kotagiri

Catherine Falls is located in Kotagiri, a place near Ooty. This waterfall is famous for the seclusion it provides, a serene and scintillating place away from the cacophony of the cities. The waterfall is nestled in the heart of a pristine location, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Nilgiri mountain range. The waterfall is created by the cutting off of the Kallar River by the Mettupalayam-Ooty road. This makes the water fall in a double cascade from a height of 250 meters. Due to its height, Catherine Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the Nilgiris.

Catherine waterfall is frequented by people who are traveling to the Coonoor-Ooty area and want to visit a place that is not too crowded. There are many trekking trails that take you through the Catherine Falls area. Many adventurous trekkers often take this path, and you will find many photographers who flock to this place to capture some of the best shots of nature in its true glory.

The area around the Catherine Falls is covered with the lush greenery of the Nilgiri forest, many tea plantations, and the Mettupalayam plains.

From here, you can also climb up to the top of Dolphin’s Nose, which gives a spectacular view of at 1000 feet above sea level. From the tip of Dolphin’s Nose, you can see the Catherine Falls and the entire valleys stretched out around it.

4. Pykara Falls in Ooty

Set against the backdrop of a thick green forest, the Pykara Falls is named for a village that lies just 20 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu. A river that runs through the Pykara Village is also named Pykara. The Pykara River is considered to be holy to the locals of this area. This river flows downstream from the mountains over several waterfalls, which are collectively known as the Pykara Falls.

The Pykara Falls fall down from the mountains into two sections of 61 meters and 55 meters. The magnificence of this spectacle makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Ooty and nearby towns. Tourists also come to the Pykara Falls to check out a boathouse that has a restaurant running inside. The restaurant is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Tourism and Development Corporation. While in this area, you can also visit the Pykara Dam, which is close to the Gudalur-Ooty road. This dam is one of the oldest hydropower projects in India and dates back to the time of the British. The dam is still generating electricity today, and there is a reservoir attached to the dam as well. Visitors can check out the reservoir as well.

While here, pay a visit to the Pykara Lake, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy boating in the lake or simply sit on the lakeside and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.

5. Silver Cascade Falls in Kodaikanal

The Silver Cascade Falls is the perfect place to halt when you are traveling to Madurai from Kodaikanal. This waterfall was formed due to the overflowing of the man-made Kodai Lake, which is another excellent tourist attraction in this area. Visiting the Silver Cascade Falls and the Kodai Lake in the midst of a long road trip is just the perfect break you need to feel refreshed. You can also take a swim in the waters of the Silver Cascade Falls, provided you are not here in the winter months, and the temperature of the water is just right.

Sightseeing Waterfall In Tamil Nadu-Silver Cascade Falls in Kodaikanal

Image source Photo By simianwolverine

While driving by to Madurai from Kodaikanal, you will see the stunning and mesmerizing sight of the Silver Cascade Waterfall gushing down from a height of 180 feet with magnificent strength and beauty. You will find many fruit sellers along this stretch who sell some of the famous local seasonal fruits that you can enjoy under the waterfall.

Monsoons are said to be the best time to visit the Silver Cascade Falls as the water levels are at the highest, allowing you to view the waterfall in all its glory.

6. Agasthiyar Falls in Tirunelveli

Also known as the Papanasam Falls, the Agasthiyar Falls is located near Papanasam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This breathtaking waterfall is located in the heart of the Western Ghats and near the lake, which is the originating point of the Tamiraparani River. This waterfall holds an important place in Hindu mythology as it is believed that it was at this very place where Hindu Sage Agasthya got to see Lord Shiva in his marriage outfit.

The water from the Agasthiyar Falls finds its way to a stream, and then through the river, it reaches the Papansam hydroelectric project. Tigers and Panthers are known to roam around the place, and many tourists are lucky to spot these on route to Papansam from the Agasthiyar Falls. The waterfall is also located close to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

If you plan to visit Tamil Nadu to check out some of the best waterfalls in South India, then the correct time to visit here would be during the monsoons. The rains add to the beauty of these places, making everything come alive. Post-monsoon is also a great time to experience the true magnificence of these waterfalls as the water level is at its highest during this time. While Tamil Nadu has many tourist destinations such as temples, religious sites, historical monuments, hills stations, beaches, and others, but waterfalls remain one of the most prominent tourist attractions in this state.

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