Bear Shola Falls,
Kodaikanal
The Bear Shola Falls are located in
the popular southern Indian hill station of Kodaikanal, in Tamil Nadu state. It
is a small cascade amidst plush green plantations. The falls get their name, as
it is believed that this cascade was the drinking place of the bears of the
reserve forest around. ‘Shola’ is a type of forest that surrounds the cascade
and is found in the Nilgiri Mountains. The best time to visit the Bear Shola
Falls is during the monsoon
season, when the water in the falls is full. Ideally the months of
October to May are the most visited months to the Bear Shola Falls.
Situated around 3 km away from the
Kodaikanal Bus Stand, Bear Shola Falls is a seasonal waterfall that comes to
its full size during the monsoons. It lies at a distance of just 2 km from the
star attraction of the hill station- Kodaikanal Lake.
It is a part of the Parappar River
stream, which later takes the name of Tevankarai Aar when it reaches downhill.
The surrounding undulating terrains that are swathed with dense forests form a
picturesque backdrop to these waterfalls.
Bear Shola Falls has a slanting
height and lies inside a forest reserve that is unhindered by human
encroachments. It is quiet, peaceful and a true haven for those who want to
escape from concrete forest parks. The forests of Western Ghats are renowned
all over the world as a biodiversity hotspot. A visit to this area will bring
one up close and personal with many common and rare species of animals and
plants.
You must carry a camera when you
visit the stunning Bear Shola Falls. The sight of waters disgorging from a
height of several feet is always mind-stilling. The surrounding forests add
more exquisiteness to the setting.
The approach path to this falls is a
craggy hill path and hence appropriate means of transport is essential to reach
the falls. The shola forest all around will summon the wildlife enthusiast and
there is a concrete track for short trek into the deeper backwoods. Apart from
late monsoon season there may not be much water, however 1 km trek inside the
forest till the falls is a splendid experience.
Cross the lake bund, pass the
Telephone exchange on your right, and at the junction take the lower road there
comes Clifton Hotel. The approach is rugged hill path. The falls are at the
best in rainy season.
A rugged pathway leads to the falls, which is set in between
two small hills, that lasts the visitor just 5 minutes. However, the area is
poorly maintained by the governing authorities and littered by the tourists.
Monkey menace is yet another drawback, like many other waterfalls in India.
It is an elevated waterfall in the
reserve forest and one of the must visit places on your tour to Kodaikanal,
especially for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers and trekkers. This is also an
ideal picnic spot and hence frequented by many people, especially families. The
exotic beauty of the falls is a marvellous experience that you will get while
visiting it. The rugged and uneven terrain of the place is risky and
adventurous but also interesting at the same time. One cannot bypass this place
while visiting Kodaikanal because in a way it sums up the whole beauty of this
place. Quite different and unique from its other tourist attractions it is a
great place to visit with your family and friends.
Special Feature:
This is a high place for hiking a trekking and one has to cross a craggy trek
to reach here. The Shola forest that surrounds this falls is home to numerous
plants and animals so it would be a great place to visit for the wildlife
enthusiasts. The volume of water will be great during the monsoons.
Dressing Restrictions:
There aren’t any specific dressing restrictions and you may choose to wear
clothes as per your convenience. It may also depend on the season of your
visit.
Best time to Visit:
The Best time to visit the falls would be between the months of September to
May. The falls are at its best during the rainy season.
Visiting Timings: The
timings to visit this falls are between 10 am to 6 pm. However there are no
specific time restrictions and you may visit it as per your convenience.
Entry Fee: There
is no entry fee to visit this place.
Restrictions:
There aren’t any restrictions on things you can take. You may carry food and
water as per your requirement. It is advisable to carry fewer luggages as you
may not find a suitable place to keep them.
Suggestions:
These falls are a great place for hiking and trekking, so if you are in search
of a good adventure, this is a great place to be. It is also a great place for
photography.