One can never go wrong with waterfalls during the rainy season. These mesmerising wonders of nature cascade down in all their glory in monsoons, offering a refreshing time to nature lovers. If you are in the mood for a blissful weekend getaway, we recommend adding these waterfalls near Chennai to your itinerary. By Karan Kaushik
Visit these waterfalls near Chennai to make the most of the monsoon season
Ubbalamadugu Falls (80 km)
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Popularly known as Tada Falls, Ubbalamadugu Falls are snuggled in the thick forests of Siddulaiah Kona. Encompassed by the Kambakam Hills, the waterfalls make for a rejuvenating hiking experience. If you are a first-time visitor, it’s best to hire a guide since the way to the falls could get a tad confusing. To reach the base of the fall, you need to trek for 10 km through a jagged terrain featuring rocks and boulders. You’ll come across several stunning plunge pools along the trail, making it all the more rewarding.
Kailasakona Waterfalls (103 km)
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This perennial waterfall is at its majestic best during monsoons. Locally known as Kone Falls, the waterfall is mostly visited by pilgrims along with Tirupati. Set amidst the lush verdant Nagari Hills, the waterfall is easily reachable, making it a favourite among families. The waterfall lies near the Kailasanatha Temple. There are two smaller falls as well. While the first can be reached after a short walk of 10 minutes, the second requires you to climb a hill.
Talakona Waterfalls (205 km)
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Talakona waterfalls are housed within the Sri Venkateswara National Park in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Water roars down a cliff, into a valley from a height of 270 feet here and that, along with the dense forests around it, make it a sight to behold. This is the largest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh and is the local-favourite weekend destination. Local lore states that the water here is enriched with healing herbs. In the forests that surround it are sambars, porcupines, Indian giant squirrels, slender loris, mouse deer, and panthers.
Hogenakkal Waterfalls (344 km)
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Often compared to Niagra Falls, the magnificent waterfalls promise an unforgettable experience. Taking a coracle ride in the gorge below the falls is the best way to soak in the grandeur of the waterfalls. Located on the banks of river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, the waterfalls are known for their medicinal properties. The carbonatite rocks that surround the waterfalls are said to be the oldest of their kind in South Asia.
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls (360 km)
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Agaya Gangai falls are located in Eastern Ghat’s Kolli Hills. The waterfalls feed the river Aiyar from a height of 300 feet. The short kilometre-long trek to the falls goes through dense forests. About 1300 steps will pose a challenge along the way, and it will take you about 45 minutes to get to your destination, one way. If you go through a different route, with the starting point being the base of the hills in a village called Puliyancholai, it should take you about five hours to get there. This path is challenging and best embarked on by the experienced. You could stop along the way at the caves of Korakka Siddhar and Kalaanginatha Siddhar.
Shivanasamudra Waterfalls (451 km)
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Located in Mandya and along the river Kaveri, the Shivanasamudra falls is the site of one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia. It plunges through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau into a 322-ft-high waterfall. Its neighbouring Bharachukki and Gaganchukki falls are also worth checking out. The downpour breathes life to this cascading wonder, with a 200 ft fall. However, peak monsoon can get pretty violent and we strongly recommend against swimming. You can sit by and watch as the waterfall hits the rocks with all its might. Sit back, relax and watch the show.
Thalaiyar Falls (490 km)
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One of the highest waterfalls in Asia, Thalaiyar falls from a height of a whopping 975 feet. It’s also one of the widest, spanning over 13 kilometres from Ghat road to Kodaikanal. They’re popularly known as Rat Tail Falls since their appearance resembles a silvery line much like a rat’s. The trek to this waterfall starts at the Manjalar dam and takes you to the bottom of the falls through mango orchards. Head to the Dum Dum Rock for a breathtaking view of the falls and the dam. You might encounter wild boars, bison, and snakes along the way.
Catherine Falls (538 km)
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Any visit to Coonoor is incomplete without a visit to these picturesque falls, where the water rushes down from a height of 250 feet. Lush tea plantations meet the Shola forest to greet you on your hike to this double cascading waterfall. Several vantage points like Dolphin’s nose are good stopovers along the way. The starting point is usually Aravenu or Kotagiri, and it will take you just about an hour, depending on your endurance, to cover a kilometre and get to your destination.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
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