10 Best Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu to Liven Up Your Gram Game -

Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu are great to forge profound connections to nature’s raw, primal power. We call them one of the places the human spirit needs to visit and marvel at undisturbed nature. It sounds good that you will have many places to visit with your dear ones during your Tamil Nadu trip. Those might be the beaches and hill stations. If the latter one fits your holiday persona, consider visiting the waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. They all release negative ions and push serotonin levels, which enhances mood. Plus, hikers have the advantage of traversing through the thick, lush green foliage. This blog post will educate you about why you must marvel at the Tamil Nadu waterfalls that dig and dive for dozens or hundreds of meters and become a sight to behold. Plus, scroll on the information about waterfalls like entry fees, visiting hours, etc.

Here are the 10 Best Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu (With District and Images)

Monkey Falls in Coimbatore District
Catherine Falls in Nilgiris District
Hogenakkal Waterfalls
Thalaiyar Falls in Dindigul District
Aagaya Gangai Waterfall in Namakkal District
Suruli Falls in Theni District
Kumbakkarai Falls in Theni District
Kiliyur Falls in Yercaud District
Thirparappu Water Falls in Kanyakumari District
Courtallam Falls in Tenkasi District

Continue reading to find out the list of the 10 best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu that you must explore during your Tamil Nadu holidays. Now let’s dive in!

1. Monkey Falls in Coimbatore District

Visiting Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 (approx.) per person
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming

As the name suggests, Monkey Waterfall has long-tailed macaques and monkeys in its forested setting. Monkey Fall is enveloped between lush green forest cover and rock cliff. A little trekking is required to visit the falls from the parking space. Behold the permanent tall plume cascading down from 60 ft height when you are here. Monkey Falls is located on Pollachi-Valparai road in the Anamalai Hills range, and this multi-step waterfall with pools to bathe is suitable for swimming for kids and families.

Guests need to pay separate charges for parking and fall at the entry, along with additional charges for changing rooms and camera fees. Trekking excursion to the Monkey Falls and its forested setting is permitted, but visitors need to take prior permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

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2. Catherine Falls in Nilgiris District

Entry Fee: Free for all
Visiting Hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming

Catherine Falls is reckoned as one of the best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu’s famous hill station Kotagiri. Ideally, its position is one the Mettupalayam Road branching off at Avenue. Catherine Falls is also the second-highest waterfall in Nilgiris Blue Mountain, and the sight to behold is its cascading sound from 250 feet. You will be surprised by the ability of Catherine Falls to engage trekkers. A distinguishable feature?

Catherine Falls is located in the middle of a private tea plantation, and hence, trekking through the verdant tea estates after parking your vehicle for around 2 km is a great catch to reach Catherine Falls. Include a binocular in your backpack to spot the Bison and Elephants from the view once you reach the falls. No entry fee is required to visit Catherine Falls, but we urge you to go on a guided excursion to arrive and return from the falls before sunrise.

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[ Plan a Short Trip to Yercaud From Bangalore ]

3. Hogenakkal Waterfalls

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free for all for Hogenakkal Waterfalls but INR 5 (approx.) for Crocodile Park
Activities Cost: Coracle Ride starts at INR 1,500 (approx.) for 4 people, boating at INR 750 (approx.) per person.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming

Hogenakkal Waterfalls unites Tamil Nadu and Karnataka since it is located on the Cauvery River. The same river comes down running in Tamil Nadu after traversing its way through Karnataka. As a result, Hogenakkal Waterfall forms. This waterfall of Tamil Nadu has 14 channels dropping a cumulative 15 feet – 65 feet height, which is Tamil Nadu’s most well-known fall. The significant highlight here is Coracle Ride. The Falls have Carbonatite rocks that slice the streams. Visitors need to embark on a 2 km trek from Hogenakkal village to reach the falls.

From swimming in safe zones to boating along with snacks, facilities are available. Remember that boating and Coracle Ride might not be functional due to heavy water flow during the monsoon. Hogenakkal Waterfalls is one of the famous waterfalls in Tamil Nadu for children and families because there is a Crocodile Park where the giant creatures are bred, but the same spot remains closed on Tuesday.

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4. Thalaiyar Falls in Dindigul District

Visiting Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free for all
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming.

Hands down because Thalaiyar Falls is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, where water cascades down from the height of 975 ft (297 m). The same is the sixth highest waterfall of India and crowned as 267th highest in the world. The water gushes down from the verdant slopes of Palani Hills. Swimming is not suggested at Thalaiyar Falls as the water is a little bit polluted. Tourists and locals alike visit this place to check their thrill quotient because an approximately 6 km trek is taken after traversing a 35 km (approx.) off-road journey on Ghat Road via Kodaikanal. Expect to slice out 2-3 hours (approx.) for a one-way trek, so start accordingly! Moreover, the path to reach Thalaiyar Falls is a little bit confusing to the locals, so a guided excursion is a must! A distinguishable feature? Thalaiyar Falls is also called Rat Tail Falls because of its striking resemblance to the rat’s tail.

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Must Read: Top Beaches in Tamil Nadu Must-Visit Hill Station in Tamil Nadu

5. Aagaya Gangai Waterfall in Namakkal District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee Per Person (approx.): INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for kids
Parking Charges: INR 50 per vehicle (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: Except monsoon (July to September) and best immediately after monsoon

Enjoy nature’s best views from the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats at Aagaya Gangai Waterfalls. Originating from the River Aiyar, it is not a mainstream waterfall because it contains therapeutic minerals and properties such as Aagaya Gangai Waterfall is enclosed in the lush green canopy of forests where medicinal plants thrive. Imagine yourself with your friends at Aagaya Gangai Waterfall and enjoying the natural spa. Natives around the falls believe that a plunge into this waterfall can cure skin diseases. Reaching the Aagaya Gangai Waterfall is a bit challenging but worth the effort. Be prepared to walk down through 1,300 steps within 60 minutes with various halts. You will acknowledge this voluminous waterfall as its water cascades down in multiple tires from the combined height of 91 m (300 ft). On sunny and post-monsoon days, you will be thankful for the golden hues with rainbow fusion. Finally, end your day with a visit to Korakkar Siddhar and Kalanginathar Siddhar close to the Aagaya Gangai Waterfall.

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6. Suruli Falls in Theni District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee Per Person (approx.): INR 20 per person
Parking Charges: INR 10 (approx.) per vehicle
Forest Vehicle Shuttle Service: INR 10 (approx.) per person

Unlock a new appreciation for the color green at Suruli Falls, enclosed in the lush green forest setting. This waterfall originates from the same river on which it is named. Tamil Nadu Forest Department has organized shuttle services from the entrance to reach the falls. As a result, Suruli Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Tamil Nadu to visit with family and kids. This two-stage cascading fall slides down from 90 ft (58 m).

It would be a good day trip experience from Munnar or Thekkady to visit Suruli Falls. You can even bathe here, and the entrance to the walls is approximately 1 km so you can reach via foot also! Expect to pay a little lump sum fee for taking a camera because Megamalai mountain forms the backdrop of Suruli Falls and is a lesser-explored Tamil Nadu waterfall.

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7. Kumbakkarai Falls in Theni District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee Per Person (approx.): INR 15 per person
Parking Charges: INR 50 (approx.) per vehicle
Forest Vehicle Shuttle Service: INR 10 (approx.) per person

Listed as one of the best places for waterfall bathing in the Theni district, Kumbakkarai Falls is located on the foothills of the Kodaikanal Hills. The drive to the green swathed road towards the Kodai-Vellagavi-Periyakulam Path will reward this lesser-known falls of Tamil Nadu. Kumbakkarai Falls thunders down from 87 feet (approx.) into two-staged falls and makes a pool for swimming. The first stage is where the water is collected inside the deep cradles of a wide rock.

This waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical foliage, but rocks are also present. Make a day trip to Kumbakkarai Falls with your children, as it is also one of the safe falls in Tamil Nadu for swimming. Since it is located inside the forested setting, the forest department has started a battery shuttle service for senior citizens and even adults or kids alike. But many people prefer to visit via a walk.

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8. Kiliyur Falls in Yercaud District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 (approx.)
Parking Charges: INR 50 (approx.) per vehicle
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming

When you are in Yercaud for boating or other adventure sports, a visit to Kiliyur Falls is necessary. You will find this waterfall, unlike any other fall in Tamil Nadu. Irrespective of the year, guests visit Kiliyur Falls. The setting of these waterfalls is in the Servarayan hill range of the Eastern Ghats, and when you are here, the cascading sound gushing from 330 ft (91 m) would be a visual retreat. You can park your vehicle 500 m before the falls. Car parking space is available, along with coffee and snack arrangements.

Expect to walk approximately 150 steps (one side) to reach the falls. It’s around 1 km (approx.). Once you arrive at the falls, behold the manicured greenery around you. Beware of the monkeys in the vicinity, and don’t flaunt your expensive gadgets in front of them. The hike is moderate level, so we urge you to start early so that you can also enjoy boating at the nearby Yercaud Lake.

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9. Thirparappu Water Falls in Kanyakumari District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: INR 5 (approx.) per person
Parking Charges: INR 10 (approx.) per vehicle
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming
Additional Charges (approx.): INR 30 for the camera and INR 50 for the video camera

On the way to Trivandrum, you will find Thirparappu Water Falls. It is one of the best waterfalls in the Kanyakumari district. The Kodayar River makes its descent at Thirparappu Waterfalls, and hence, Thirparappu Waterfall is an occurrence. The length of the river bed is approximately 300 ft, and its river bed is rocky. The waterfall cascades from 50 ft in height. Though the waterfall is small, there are many facilities for kids, families, and couples. Boys/Girls can take baths separately as there are designated areas for each gender along with a changing room that charges a minimal fee.

Thirparappu-Water-Falls-in-Kanyakumari-District

When you make your way to the falls, you will find a good shopping bazaar. Furthermore, the Thirparappu Waterfalls entrance is flanked by the small Lord Shiva Temple, a highly revered site! Apart from swimming, paddle boating through the thick, lush green foliage is the highlight. Be prepared to pay additional charges for the camera and video camera.

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10. Courtallam Falls in Tenkasi District

Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free for all
Parking Charges: INR 10 (approx.) per vehicle
Best Time to Visit: Year-round but monsoon (July to September) is not suitable for swimming

Courtallam Falls is also called Kutralam Falls that slides down from 167 m (548 ft) height. This is one of those waterfalls in Tamil Nadu sandwiched between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. Courtallam Falls originates from the Chittar River and has medical properties because the place is encircled by the lush green foliage of the Western Ghats. Separate bathing rallying is installed for men and women. Because of its Ayurvedic healing quotient, Courtallam Falls is one of the top Tamil Nadu waterfalls to visit.

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Wrapping Up Tamil Nadu Waterfalls

This list of 10 top waterfalls in Tamil Nadu is perfect for avid trekkers as well as amateur trekkers. When explored on a guided excursion, tourists will love their visit without any hassle. Moreover, most of these falls are monsoon friendly to visit but swimming at certain falls during a downpour is not suggested. However, photography at the same time is a distinguishable feature. Now you know what Tamil Nadu waterfalls can do to you! So we can ask; when you are planning a Tamil Nadu holiday and with whom? Check out our theme-based Tamil Nadu tour packages if you want more inspiration to visit Tamil Nadu. Apply the filter, from couples to family tourers, along with specific travel themes like a pilgrimage or other.

Bonus Points to Keep in Mind While Planning A Waterfall Trek in Tamil Nadu

Monsoon is a good time for photography at waterfalls but not good for a dip.
During the monsoon, the force of water is mostly high in the falls due to their originating rivers.
Some falls require an entry ticket if they are maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
A guided excursion to the Tamil Nadu waterfall is a must if you are a tourist.
Some waterfalls are positioned in the thick jungles, while some are tucked amidst the private tea plantations.
Personally speaking, winters (October to February), and summer (March to June) are the best times to go on waterfall treks in Tamil Nadu.