Kalhatti Falls,
Ooty
Kalhatti Falls is a tourist
spot near Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu.
These falls are about 13 km from Ooty, on the Ooty to Mysore Road or Sigur Ghat Road. From the Kalhatti village one
has to continue for 2 miles to reach the falls and the falls is connected in
the same Kalhatti village road.
Kalhatti Water Falls boasts a height
of 40 metres and is considered to be an ideal destination for trekking. This
water fall is around 13 km from Ooty on the Ooty-Mysore route. This is the road
that connects Ooty with Masinagudi and has the famous 36 hair pin bends. The
popular hill town of Bellikal is also situated close by. The water fall is
located at around 2,000 metres above the sea level and the entire route runs
through the Kalhatti Ghats.
Situated on the slopes of Kalhatti Mountains, the water fall also has varied rivulets and other water bodies attached to it. The best time to visit this attraction is during the months of September through November.
One can also spot animals like
Panthers, Spotted Dear and Bison, who come here to drink water from the falls
in the early morning and night. This is one of the best picnic places in Ooty
for persons enjoying Hiking, Bird watching and Trekking.
To reach this Kalhatty falls, Buses
are available from Ooty to Kalhatti village on the 6th mile of Sigur Ghat
road and has to go by foot for the next 2 miles. Nevertheless, the falls
is connected by a Motorable road.
The route from Ooty to Kalhatty
Valley, perched at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level, will
offer several breathtaking views on either side of the road that is sure to
leave you inspired by the real beauty of the dense Nilgiris Mountain ranges.
The 13-km Ooty – Kalhatti excursion
is a must for every tourist visiting Ooty and looking for pleasant nature sites
to view that are filled with a package of surprises just waiting to be unfolded
right before your very eyes. This is one trip that you will never regret in
your life with numerous stunning vistas to indulge in as you traverse through a
short but splendid trip from Ooty to the gurgling Kalhatty Waterfalls, a
paradise by itself.
As you arrive at this location, you
will need to follow a short walking trail [no vehicles allowed] from the
Kalhatti village for about 3.5 kms to arrive at the stunning location of the
Kalhatti Waterfalls.
Kalhatty Waterfalls is also referred
to as the Kalahasti Waterfalls in Ooty and forms an ideal spot for spending
unforgettable moments with nature. A perfect picnic spot for the locals of
Ooty, the Kalhatti Waterfalls offers a soothing sight with its soft gushing
sounds that resonates quietly as you enjoy your lunch with your kids, family or
loved ones, friends or your partner.
The Kalhatty Waterfalls is set a bit
farther from the Mudumalai Forest and the Bandipur forest that offers aplenty
of cardamom trees that fill the area with its scent drifting right through to
the falls.
The Kalhatty Waterfall graciously
cascades along the slopes of Kalhatty that adds a picture perfect setting to
this region. The Kalhatti Waterfall falls magnanimously amidst a picturesque
landscape which is enveloped by a very rejuvenating and soothing greenery and
tranquil ambience, sometimes interrupted by the chirping of birds.
The Kalhatty Waterfall cascades down
a height of about 100 to 122 feet or approx. 40 meters announced with a great
thrust of gushing sound as it falls onto the pit and flows further on. The
roaring reverberation of this fall does create a magical sound and a jaw
dropping sight for all visitors to gape at.
The slopes of the forest area
situated a bit farther from the beautiful Kalhatty Waterfalls can be explored
where you can catch glimpses of numerous wildlife species such as the Bear,
Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Bison, Giant Squirrel, Sambar Deer and at times even
the Tigers, Leopards and Panthers. You will also spot the common and ever
energetic group of mountain monkeys, hence, be extra careful not to further
excite them and also, it is imperative not to get too adventurous by offering food
items as it is sure to get out of your control.
Kalhatti is also a haven for Bird
watchers who will be delighted with a view of over 200 varieties of Bird
species apart from the sheer enjoyment of natural beauty and refreshing moments
that this region has to offer.
Kalhatty also houses plantations of
various spices such as cinnamon, clove, pepper, nutmeg, rosemary, rosewood and
sandalwood amongst the many others.
The Kalhatty Waterfalls region has
definitely earned a name and reputation in the top list of tourist attractions
in Ooty and is ideal for people who enjoy hiking, trekking and Bird Watching
activities. The Best time to visit Kalhatti Waterfalls is between September and
November. Public transportation like Buses and taxis are readily available for
hire up to the Kalhatti village situated at 6th Mile on the Sigur Ghat Road,
hence offering ease of access to all tourists and visitors.
Other treks that you can explore
from Kalhatti are to Pykara (19 kms), Kamarajasagar Dam (10 kms) and Sholur (10
kms). Once at Sholur, you can continue over two hills i.e., an additional
trekking distance of three kilometers onward to Bokapuram. Here you will come
across interesting tribal settlements.
Since these trails plunge in and out
of wildlife reserves, you will need permission from the concerned Forest
Department before you set out on them. A night trek to Kalhatti is also
possible in certain seasons. The best time of the year to see Kalhatti Falls is
between September and November.
Facts:
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun:
06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location:
Singara Range
Mobile Coverage:
Only BSNL
Flora And Fauna: Bison
Are Commonly Seen, Bird Watching In Early Morning Will Be Amazing, As This
Place Is Next To Mudumalai.
