Agaya
Gangai Waterfalls,
Kolli Hills, Namakkal
Agaya Gangai (Ganges of the Sky) waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall, located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Kolli Hills Taluk in Namakkal District in Tamil Nadu. A Jungle stream named Panchanathi (Aiyaru) descends as the Agaya Gangai from a height of about 300 feet near the Arapaleeswarar Temple atop the Kolli Hills. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. The base of the falls can be reached after descending down through flight of 1025 steps.
The starting point of the steps is located near the Arapaleeswarar Temple. The trekking from the temple to the falls takes about one hour and return journey takes about one and half hour. One need to be physically fit to take this trek. This short trek to the waterfall and back is itself a great experience as it offers you to see the magnificent views of the surrounding valleys, dense forests and the distance view of the waterfall.
There is another route from Puliyancholai, which takes about five hours trek to reach the falls. This route runs through dense forests and mountain regions. This trekking route is a difficult path and suitable for experienced trekkers. 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.
Local people assemble here to pray and express their gratitude for the river on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. Ideal time to visit this falls is during post monsoon season which extends from November through January. The caves of Korakka Siddhar and Kalanginatha Siddhar are situated near the Agaya Gangai waterfalls inside the forest area.
Connectivity
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is
located at about 12 Kms from Semmedu Bus Stand. The waterfalls can be reached
after one Km trek from Arapaleeswarar
Temple in Ariyurnadu. Kolli
Hills is located at about 42 Kms from Senthamangalam, 53 Kms from Namakkal
Railway Station, 54 Kms from Namakkal, 58 Kms from Rasipuram, 88 Kms from Karur,
92 Kms from Salem, 129 Kms from Trichy and 137 Kms from Trichy Airport. Kolli
Hills is well connected to Namakkal, Karur, Salem and Trichy by road.
