Pykara Falls, a splendid cascade situated in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, is positioned 2 km away from Pykara Lake and 23 km from Ooty Bus Stand. Originating from the Pykara River downstream of the Pykara Dam, these falls present a captivating natural spectacle.
Image Attribution: flickrPrince
Scenic Beauty of Pykara Falls:
The scenic beauty of Pykara Falls is truly captivating, offering a visual feast for visitors. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Ooty, Tamil Nadu, these falls showcase the harmonious blend of nature’s elements. As the Pykara River gracefully descends downstream of the Pykara Dam, the falls create a mesmerizing spectacle.
The verdant surroundings, characterized by dense forests and vibrant flora, serve as a picturesque backdrop to the cascading waters. The play of sunlight on the glistening water further enhances the ethereal charm of Pykara Falls, making it a serene and visually enchanting destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Water Flow of Pykara Falls:
The water flow of Pykara Falls is characterized by a graceful descent of the Pykara River downstream of the Pykara Dam. The falls exhibit a series of cascades as the river flows over the rocky terrain, creating a captivating display of natural beauty. The volume and intensity of the water flow can vary based on factors such as seasonal rainfall and local weather conditions.
During the monsoon season, the flow is often more robust, presenting a dynamic and powerful spectacle, while in drier periods, the falls may exhibit a more subdued yet equally picturesque flow. The rhythmic movement of the water over the rocky contours contributes to the tranquil and scenic ambiance of Pykara Falls.
Visiting Hours of Pykara Falls:
Pykara Falls in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with an entry fee of ₹30 per person.
How to reach Pykara Falls:
By Air: The nearest Airport is Coimbatore International Airport (approx. 88 kilometers from Ooty). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach Ooty.
By Train: The nearest Railway Station is Udagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station. Ooty is connected by a narrow-gauge railway line. However, the nearest major railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station.From Mettupalayam, you can take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train) or a taxi to Ooty.
By Road:
Ooty is well-connected by road. You can reach Ooty by bus, car, or taxi from various nearby cities. Once in Ooty, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Pykara Falls.From Ooty, take the Ooty-Pykara-Gudalur Road.Follow the road signs leading to Pykara Falls.
Thirumoorthy Hill is renowned as one of the most picturesque hills in Tamil Nadu and is a popular location for film shoots. Against this enchanting backdrop, Panchalinga Falls graces the landscape with its timeless beauty, drawing in numerous tourists. In close proximity to the falls lies the Thirumoorthy Dam, which offers amenities such as a swimming pool, well-maintained gardens, and boating facilities. This dam is strategically positioned, enveloped by lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and sunflower gardens on all sides, creating a truly idyllic setting.
Panchalinga Waterfalls, situated in the vicinity of Udumalaipettai within the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a picturesque natural attraction. With its waters cascading from a height of 5 meters, this scenic wonder is ensconced in verdant surroundings, offering an ideal setting for meditation and relaxation. Moreover, these falls are notable for their close proximity to the Thirumoorthy temple and the Sri Amanalingeswarar temple.
To learn more about Thirumoorthy waterfalls visit https://tamilnadutourisminfo.com/thirumoorthy-waterfalls
To learn more about Thirumoorthy Dam visit https//www.tamilnadutourisminfo.com/thirumoorthy-dam
Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction located near the Thirumoorthy Dam in the Western Ghats of Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is situated in the Anaimalai Hills, near the town of Udumalpet in the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve and falls within a lush forested area.
Scenic Beauty of Thirumoorthy waterfalls:
The waterfalls are surrounded by lush, verdant forests, with the Anaimalai Hills and the Western Ghats providing a stunning backdrop. The green canopy of trees and the diverse flora create a lush and vibrant environment.
Thirumoorthy Waterfalls themselves are a spectacle to behold. The cascading water tumbles down in multiple tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s power and beauty. The sight and sound of the falling water are both awe-inspiring and soothing.
At the base of the falls, there are natural pools of water that form as a result of the cascading streams. These pools provide a serene and inviting setting for visitors to take a refreshing dip, cool off, or simply relax amidst the natural surroundings.
Religious Significance:
The waterfalls take their name from the nearby Thirumoorthy Temple, a sacred site devoted to Lord Murugan. This temple enhances the spiritual and cultural significance of the area, and it is common for pilgrims to include a visit to both the falls and the temple in their religious journey.
Trekking Adventure:
To reach Thirumoorthy Waterfalls, visitors usually embark on a trek through the forest. The trekking path offers an adventurous journey through the wilderness, with opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. It’s essential to be prepared for a moderate trek, as the trail can be challenging at times.
Visiting Hours and entry fee of the Thirumoorthy waterfalls:
The Thirumoorthy waterfalls will be open from 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM. The entry fee to visit the falls is Rs.5/- per person and Rs.50/- is charged for car parking. The forest department will not allow people on heavy raining or Flood time.
How to reach Thirumoorthy waterfalls:
By Air: The closest major airport to Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is Coimbatore International Airport, situated roughly 75 kilometers away. Upon your arrival at the airport, you have the option to hire a taxi or board a bus to reach your final destination.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pollachi Junction, positioned at a distance of about 27 kilometers from Thirumoorthy Waterfalls. You can access Pollachi by train from major cities in Tamil Nadu and various regions across India. From Pollachi, you can make use of taxi services or take a bus to reach the waterfalls.
By Road: Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is well-connected by road. If you are traveling by car or bus, you can use the road network to reach your destination. Here are approximate road routes:
- From Coimbatore: Head south on the NH83 highway towards Pollachi. After reaching Pollachi, follow the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Waterfalls.
- From Palakkad, Kerala: Travel east on the NH544 towards Pollachi. Once in Pollachi, take the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach the falls.
- From Tiruppur: Take the SH21 highway south towards Palladam and Pollachi. After reaching Pollachi, proceed on the Pollachi-Valparai Road (SH78) to reach Thirumoorthy Waterfalls.
Thirparappu Waterfalls, nestled in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India, ranks among the region’s top tourist attractions. Flowing from the Kodayar River, this magnificent waterfall is ensconced within verdant surroundings. With an impressive height of around 50 feet, these falls are renowned for their innate beauty and peaceful ambiance.
The Cascading Beauty of Thirparappu Waterfalls:
It’s a multi-tiered cascade, with water descending in stages, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory spectacle. The sheer force and volume of water as it plunges from one level to the next are awe-inspiring, and the natural pool formed at the base of the falls is inviting for those who want to take a refreshing dip.
Significance in Religion and Spirituality:
The region around Thirparappu Waterfalls is home to several temples. Visitors often combine their trip to the falls with visits to these religious sites, which adds a spiritual dimension to the experience. The Mahadevar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one such place that attracts devotees and pilgrims.
Visiting Hours and Entry Fees of Thirparappu Waterfalls:
Thirparappu waterfalls ticket counter opens at 7.00 AM and close at 5.00 PM.
The nominal entry fee for a person is Rs.10 and Rs.50 is charged for the boat ride, and Rs.75 is charged for video camera usage.
The main entry road leads to vehicle entry pass of Rs.50.
Facilities Available at Thirparappu Waterfalls:
Cloak room facilities are available for the storage of your clothes and valuables with a cost of Rs.40. Separate rooms are available for men and women for changing clothes and toilets also. Apart from this, Children Park and Swimming pool are also available.
How to Reach Thirparappu Falls:
By Road:
- Thirparappu is well-connected by road. You can drive or hire a taxi or local transport from nearby cities and towns like Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, and Thiruvananthapuram (in Kerala).
- The falls are about a 15-20 minute drive from Marthandam and a 40-minute drive from Kanyakumari.
By Rail:
- The nearest railway station to Thirparappu is Kuzhithurai Railway Station, which is approximately 17 kilometers away.
- Trains from various parts of India connect to Kuzhithurai, and from there, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach the falls.
By Air:
- The nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which is about 55 kilometers away from Thirparappu.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the falls.
Once you arrive in Thirparappu, the falls are easily accessible from the main road, and you can follow the signs or ask locals for directions. There’s a parking area near the falls, and you can then take a short walk to reach the viewing area and the natural pool.
Sathanur Dam, one of the major dams in Tamil Nadu, is located around 30 kilometers from Thiruvannamalai. The dam is constructed across the Pennaiyar or Thenpennai River in Thandrampet Taluk of Tiruvannamalai District.
Image Attribute : Jeganila
More about the Sathanur Dam
- The dam was constructed in the year 1958.
- The dam is 119 feet high, and the water is used primarily for irrigation purposes.
- There is a fish grotto and a crocodile farm near the dam.
- Botanical garden, Children’s Park, mini zoo, flower park and swimming pool add to the attraction of the place.
- The dam and its picturesque surroundings offer a visual treat to the tourists.
How to reach Sathanur dam
Sathanur dam is well connected on the road from Thiruvannamalai. The nearest railways station is at Thiruvannamalai (around 39 kilometres away) and nearest airport is at Chennai (around 203 kilometers away).
Beemanmadavu Waterfalls also known as Bheema Falls, are the most prominent and frequent waterfalls in Javadu Hills. The falls are located 5 kilometres from Jamanamaruthur village and 80 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai.
Reference to Mythology
Beemanmadavu is believed to have been named after one of the Pandavas brother Bhima. Bhima is said to have worshipped the Sun God at this location. According to legend, Pandava brothers (of the epic fame Mahabharata) had visited this region during their exile from kingdom.
More about the Waterfalls
The altitude of the Beemanmadavu Falls ranges from 300 to 1000 meters. The water in the falls cascades for more than 8 months in a year. The falls is at its best during the rainy season. To reach the falls one has to trek for about 12 kilometres in the thin forest. The trail leading upto the falls is a great place for hiking, trekking and photography. Tourists are allowed to take a refreshing bath in the pool under the cascade.
How to reach Beemanmadavu Waterfalls
Beemanmadavu Falls is located at a distance of 80 kilometres from Thiruvannamalai and about 218 kilometres from Chennai. The nearest railway stations are at Thiruvannamalai (79 kilometres away) Katpadi (89 kilometres away) and Villupuram (140 kilometres away). The nearest airport is at Chennai (209 kilometres away).
Kumbakarai Falls in Theni
Kumbakarai Falls are situated at the foothills of the Kodaikanal Hills. These falls flow in two stages. Water at first collects in huge rock recesses, the water then flows for about half a kilometer before it cascades as the main waterfall. The height of the falls is upto 400 metres.
The source of water for the Kumbakarai falls is River Pamba. The water, as in other waterfalls, acquires healing and medicinal attributes owing to its journey over rocks and green pastures.
Tourists have a refreshing experience bathing under the healing waters of Kumbakarai Falls, especially during the monsoon season. The falls has a statue of Lord Murugan standing in the middle of the falls and a temple dedicated to Goddess Thadagai Nachiamman quite close to the falls.
Kumbakarai Falls is located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Periyakulam, which is the nearest bus stand to the falls. The nearest railway junction is at Madurai. Madurai is also the nearest airport terminal at a distance of 85 kilometres.
Suruli Falls in Theni
Suruli Falls in Theni District is a two-staged cascading waterfall. The falls is located at a distance of 56 kilometres from Theni and around 10 kilometres from Cumbum in Theni district. The falls gets its water from Suruli River that originates from Meghamalai mountain range. The falls plummets from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again drops an additional 40 feet.
The water from the falls is said to have medicinal values. Suruli Falls forms one of the major tourist attractions in the district of Theni. The falls is located amidst rich flora and fauna and is surrounded by dense forest adding to its beauty. It draws great number of tourists particularly between the months of June and October when the south western monsoon sets in. The falls lies on the way to Periyar National Park.
It is also well known for the 18 caves that are a perfect depiction of the 18th century Indian rock-cut architecture. Located at a height of 800 metres above the Suruli Falls is the Kailasanathar Temple Cave.
Summer festival held by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department close to Suruli Falls draws a lot of tourists.
How to reach Suruli Falls
Suruli Falls is easily accessible through bus services from Cumbum and Uthamapalayam. Theni is well connected with all the main towns. Distance between Bodinayakanur Railway Station and Suruli falls is 46.7KM Theni Railway Station is the nearest station and Madurai is the nearest airport terminal (around 140 kilometres away).
Megam Falls is located at a distance of around 5 kilometres from Kallakuruchi. It is found at the foothills of the Kalrayan Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
The falls gets its water from the south east monsoon rainfall. The water cascades from a height of 500 metres, from the hilly range of the area. One has to trek down the hill to reach the falls. The trek path can be tricky and it is better to be accompanied by someone who knows the track well. The experience of trek down hill and the beautiful cascading waterfalls is an awesome sight to behold. The rock crevices at the base of the falls could be deep and narrow and it is advisable to judge the depth of water before taking the plunge.
The ideal time to visit the cascade is from the months of September to December. The falls provides a peaceful ambience to relish in the lap of mother nature.
The nearest town Kallakuruchi (5 kilometres from Megam Falls) is connected by road to various cities like Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Chennai, Bangalore and Erode. The nearest airport is at Salem (around 126 kilometres from Kallakurichi District).
Kuttralam Main Falls / Coutrallam Main Falls – The Spa of South India
Kuttralam situated in Tenkasi District is popularly called the “Spa of South India”. The beauty of this exotic location is enriched by thundering waterfalls, vast stretch of greenery and pristine surroundings. Kutralam is adorned with ancient temples and many other places of interest. Also known as the herbal hill, water flowing from the magnificent waterfalls is said to have medicinal values owing to which many health resorts and clinics have come up in and around the town. Several perennial rivers such as Thamirabarani River, Chittar River, Manimuthar River and Pachaiyar River originate is this region of Tirunelveli.
Coutrallam Location
Coutrallam/Kuttralam is a panchayat town situated at an elevation of 160 metres on the Western Ghats in Tenkasi District of Tamil Nadu.
Reference to the Literature
The word Kutralam is derived from the word “Kuru aal” meaning dwarf banyan trees. The region came to be known as Kutralam as the forests of this area were full of dwarf banyan trees. The famous poet Thiurkudarasappa Kavirayar glorifies the beauty and magnificence of this quaint town located near Thenkasi in the South of Tamil Nadu. It also finds a place in Sangam Literature, where its beauty is compared to the beauty of a woman.
Major Waterfalls in Kuttralam
There are nine major waterfalls in Kutralam. People from across the country visit this place to soak in the essence of herbs and rejuvenate in the waters of Kutralam falls.
Coutrallam Main Falls (Peraruvi)
One of the prime attractions, Peraruvi is the biggest among the nine falls. At Kuttralam Main Falls, waterfalls from a height of 60 metres and slows down due to a natural crater named Pongumakadal (19 metres deep). The water flows through rocks with sculptors of Shiva Lingams and various other Gods. This aspect along with the healing properties that the water possesses, makes a bath in the falls a truly divine and refreshing experience. It is also normal practice to comfort oneself with a body massage after the bath.
During peak season, the falls become crowded and tourists line up in queues for a bath. The huge falls can accommodate around 300 people simultaneously.
Small Falls (Chitraruvi)
Chitraruvi is a small falls lying adjacent to the kuttralam main falls. A walk up the hill from Chitraruvi leads to other falls like Shenbaga Devi and Thenaruvi. Tourists can have a milder shower here as the water flow is very thin. There are facilities for men and women to bathe separately.
Shenbagadevi Falls
Trekking through the Chitaruvi Forest for a distance of 2.5 kilometres and at a height of 40 feet above the Chitaruvi Falls is the Shenbagadevi Falls. The water at Shenbagadevi Falls flows through Shenbaga trees. There is a temple here dedicated to Shenbagadevi Amman. During full moon days, a throng of pilgrims visit this temple.
Thenaruvi (Honey Falls)
Thenaruvi is at a distance of 3 kilometres from the main falls. It is 40 metres high falls cascading between two large stones. The Falls gets its name from the honeycombs found on the hills. The horseshoe-shaped waterfall is at the end of a trail that find its way through dense woods and steep mountain paths. The trek is risky and so the place is restricted for public.
Aintharuvi (Five Falls) in Kuttralam
Yet another popular spot in Kutralam, Aintharuvi is located at 4 kilometres from Kutralam town. As the name suggests, the falls cascades down through five separate sections to become one stream is it flows downhill. Of the five sections, two are allotted to women and three for men to bathe. Tourists can also visit the Eco Park and boat house around the area apart from several popular nearby temples.
Pazhathotta Aruvi (Orchard Falls)
Found above the Aintharivu, flowing from the orchard above and surrounded by picturesque aura is the Pazhathotta Aruvi. It is also referred to as the VIP Falls as entry was permitted only to politicians and bureaucrats. However, entry is now restricted to everyone.
Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Coutrallam Falls)
At a distance of around 6 kilometres from the Main Falls is the Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi also called as Shivamathungai Falls. The Falls were made suitable for bathing by changing the course of water which originally flowed into a valley formed between two large rocks. Steps have been cut into the rocks to make it safe for bathing under this Falls which flows down from a height of 200 metres. There are separate areas for men and women to have a bath along with oil massages.
Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls)
Puli Aruvi gets its name from the fact that it was a watering hole for tigers in the past. It is a mild waterfall formed on private property, around 2 kilometres from the Courtallam bus stand. The water flowing down accumulates in a lake and then is streamed along canals for irrigation. Sastha Temple, a bathing Ghat and an old palace which now is private property is found near the Falls.
The Private Falls
There is another small falls found above the Five Falls inside the Government Horticulture park, but it is not open to public. The Main Falls, Five Falls and Courtallam Falls can be reached by road, however, Shenbaga Waterfalls and Honey Falls can be reached only on foot by mountain trekking.
Places to Visit in Coutrallam or Kutralam
Some of the other places of interest that could be visited near Kutralam are:
- Palaruvi (Milk Falls) – It lies at the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border at the mountain pass named Aryankavu.
- Gundaru Aruvi – Located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Kutralam, near Sengottai. Traveling 2 kilometres inward from the Gundaru Dam will take you to Gundaru Aruvi.
- Kannupuli Mettu – Located at a distance of 5 kilometres to the west Sengottai Taluk Office at the top of Gundaru Reservoir.
- Recreational Spots – Children’s Park, Aquarium and Snake park near Main Falls, Eco Park near Five Falls, Therkumalai Estate, around one hour travel from Honey Falls, Boat Houses near Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls, Gundam Dam & Reservoir near Senkottai.
- Major Pilgrimage Centre –
The Chitra Sabha at Kutralam is one of the five sabhas where Lord Nataraja (a form of Lord Shiva) is said to have performed his divine dance. The historical paintings and other religious events are very significant here.
The Kutralanathar Temple near to the Main Falls is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is around 2000 years old and Tamil inscriptions of Chola and Pandyan periods can be found here. - Other temples near Kutralam include
- Thirukutralanathar Temple
- Chitra Sabai Sivan Temple – Kuttralam
- Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi (6 kms from Kutralam)
- Thirumalai Temple, Panpoli (8 kms from Kutralam)
- Kumaran Temple, Ilanji (3 kms from Kutralam)
- Dakshinamoorthy Temple, Puliyarai (12 kms from Kutralam)
- Ulagaambigai & Lord Shiva Temple, Papanasam (35 kms to the Southeast of Kutralam)
- Ariyankavau Ayappan Temple (35 kms to the Northwest of Kutralam)
- Sri Siddheswari Peetham, Courtallam
- Papanasam River at a distance of 35 kms from Kutralam
- The Banatheertham Falls and Agasthiyar Falls near Papanasam
- Lower Papanasam Dam, Kaaraiyar Dam, Servalar Dam and Manimuthar Dam near Papanasam
- Kalakaddu – Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary near Papanasam
- Kumbavuruti Aruvi – Located at a distance of 32 kms from kutralam, on the way to Achan Koil in Kerala.
Unique Attributes of Coutrallam
- Flora & Fauna – Apart from the rare herbs, Kutralam is rich with diverse flora and fauna found around the place. Around 2000 varieties of flowers and plants have been identified in the hills at Kutralam.
- Tourists savor in the fresh and hot Halwa prepared and sold at shops on the way to Kuttralam Main Falls.
- The aromatic masala milk sold usually in the evenings is very popular among the tourists.
- The towel made up of thin fiber and pure organic cotton, called the Aruvi Thundu, is a unique accessory that dries up very quickly and is very useful for having a bath in various falls. Tourists can get it in the nearby textile shops.
- The famous Border Kadai is at a distance of just 5 minutes from Kutralam. It is well known for its parottas and non-vegetarian cuisine.
- Tourists looking out for an elegant meal can drop at Vinayaga Dosa Kadai, located at Melagaram on the road from Thenkasi to Kutralam. One can relish the several varieties of Dosa available here.
- Courtallam encompasses hotels, lodges, and resorts according to the budget.
Ideal time to visit Kuttralam or Coutrallam
Best time to visit would be from June to December from the onset of South West Monsoons. If due to heavy rains the falls get flooded, people would not be allowed to take bath in the falls.
How to reach Coutrallam Falls?
Senkottai is the nearest bus stand. Frequent buses ply to Coutrallam. The nearest railway hub is at Thenkasi (5kms) and the nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport and Trivandrum International Airport.
