Kuthiraiyar
Waterfalls, Kodaikanal
Kuthiraiyar Falls are located in the
Dindigul district of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are a part of
the famous hill station town of Palani. One may require local guidance to reach
the Kuthiraiyar Falls. It is a kilometer trek from Kumbai to this cascade.
Kuthiraiyar Falls flow from behind the reservoir. The climate is best suitable
in winters to visit the hill station and the Kuthiraiyar Falls. The months
of October to March are considered as the ideal time to visit Palani.
Kuthiraiyar Falls are accessible from Pappampatti and the famous hill station
of Kodaikanal is also only at a distance of 65 kilometers from the cascade.
Kuthiraiyar Falls or Kuthiraiyar
Falls is a waterfall set in a little disturbed part of the hills near
Udumalaipettai. Taking bath in the waterfalls here is considered healthy by
many as the water gets in contact with several medicinal plants which enhances
the good of the water. There are no proper roads to reach this waterfalls and
can be reached by trekking with the help of locals only. The Kuthiraiyar River
flows through this water fall into the catchment area of the Kuthiraiyar Dam.
Andipatti is one of the prominent villages near this waterfall.
It is situated right behind the dam
of Kuthiraiyar which is a very picturesque place. Area around the Kuthiraiyar
waterfall and Palani is known well as it is a beautiful hill station located in
Eastern part of Western Ghats. Visitors trek from Kumbai region to reach the
waterfall behind the dam.
The two hills of Sivagiri and
Shaktigiri covers the entire town and area around the waterfall. It gives the
town a very inimitable view.
This place has religious virtue also
because of Murugan temple and Kurinji Andavar temple in Palani. It is also a
home for Paliyan tribes who live in the hilly terrains. Ideal time to visit the
Kuthiraiyar waterfall is during winter season in pleasant atmosphere and also
in the festive season of locals. Place become spectacular during the festivals
and becomes the major tourist attraction. Palani receives an average rainfall
round the year.
Palani railway station provides
access to the Kuthiraiyar falls by train. Paliyan tribe resides in the Palani
Hills, surrounding the Kuthiraiyar Falls. Tourists visiting Palani can take up
hiking and trekking in the hilly terrains of the Western Ghats, bird watching
amidst the nature, site seeing various temples and natural attractions or
watching the winter spectacles of the town, celebrated in grandeur
and color.
Location:
Kuthiraiyar Dam Falls is located in
Pappampatti, Palani. The fall is located behind the dam which can be reached
with the help of villagers. It lies on the Eastern part of the Western Ghats
surrounded by Palani hills. It is 105 kms from Coimbatore and about 65 kms from
Kodaikanal.
Activities:
Due to hills all around the area
this place is dream destination for Hikers and trekkers. Those who enjoy bird
watching can see several species of birds like golden backed woodpecker and
night herons. Tourists visit this place to witness the traditional festival of
Vaikasi Visakham, Thirukartikai, and Thaipusam when the village is dressed up
in its best cultural view.
It 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. 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 this stunning 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.
This Falls is ideal to visit during
rainy season to enjoy the beauty of the falls to its extensiveness. The
approach path to this falls is a craggy hill path and hence appropriate means
of transport is essential to reach the falls.
This is a high place for hiking a
trekking and one has to cross a craggy trek to reach here. The 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.
Coordinates: Kuthiraiyar
Falls at Udumalaipettai is located at 10°22'29.9"N 77°22'12.5"E or
10.374980, 77.370150.
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.
Connectivity:
Kuthiraiyar waterfalls can be
reached from Palani. From Kumbai falls can reached by trekking a distance of 1
km up to Dam.
One can reach Palani through private
cars or buses from airports of nearest the major cities of Coimbatore, Trichy
and Madurai.
Palani is one of the major railway
stations on Dindigul-Coimbatore line.
Distance from major stations:
Kodaikanal- 65 kms, Madurai- 115 kms, Coimbatore - 105kms, Trichy -153 kms,
Dindigul – 60 km.
