Suruli Falls, Suruli Malai,
Theni
Suruli Falls is a 2 stage Cascading water fall, located in Suruli Malai
near Cumbum Town in Uthamapalayam Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu. It is
one of the major tourist attractions in the Theni district and draws tourists
from different parts of the state, particularly during the southwest monsoon.
History
The beauty of this falls finds
mention in the ancient Tamil epic, Silapathikaram written by
the poet Ilango Adigal.
The Falls
The Suruli River supplying the
falls originates from the Megha Malai mountain range. The falls drop
from a height of 150 feet (46 m) gathers into a pool, flows for a short
distance and again plummets an additional 40 feet (12 m). The water is
said to act as medicine and cure diseases. Suruli Falls lies on the way to
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The beauty of the falls increases with its
surroundings. With the dense forest all over, the wild flowers and fruits add
charm to the route of the falls. The sounds of the falling fall can be heard
from the road which leads to the Falls.
It is one of the major tourist
attractions in the Theni district and draws tourists from different parts of
the state. Although tourists visit the place throughout the year, the best time
to come here is June to October. During this time, the volume of the water in
the falls is astounding. This fall is tourist friendly with showers and
changing area near the falls. There are facilities for both men and women to
bathe in the falls separately.
Religious Places
Suruli Malai is the part of the Podhigai Malai. Podhigai Hills is a
highly divine and spiritual center. Famous Suruli
Velappar Temple is located close to the falls. The pilgrims
visit the temple with pots of milk on Saturday. The Kailasanathar Temple Cave
is also an added attraction of the place. It is located near Suruli Falls, at a
height of 800 meters above the falls and has a spring, which is believed to
have water with curative powers. There are also other 18 caves in and around
the Suruli Falls of Tamil Nadu.
Saaral Festival
The falls serve as the venue of
Summer Festival called Saaral Festival, organized every year by the Tamil Nadu
Tourism Department. Saaral Festival will be conducted during the first or
second week of August.
Connectivity
Suruli Falls is located at about
9 Kms from Cumbum, 10 Kms from Cumbum Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Uthamapalayam, 26
Kms from Chinnamanur, 29 Kms from Kuchanur, 47 Kms from Theni, 48 Kms from
Theni Railway Station, 124 Kms from Madurai and 141 Kms from Madurai Airport.
There are buses and share autos available from Cumbum to reach this place.
Location