Siruvani Waterfalls, Coimbatore

Siruvani Waterfalls, Coimbatore

Siruvani Waterfalls named are located 35 km (22 mi) west of Coimbatore City in the Western Ghats & located at a distance of 50 Kms from Palakkad & 535 Kms from Chennai. It is also known as Kovai Courtallam. The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government with funds collected by the Tamil Nadu government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore city. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars. Water from Siruvani River is renowned for its taste and mineral properties, and the view from the falls and the dam is a great tourist attraction.

The sweetness has been attributed to the vegetation and rocks through which the water flows through in the Attapady area.

The visitors are not allowed to see the falls after 5 pm as it located in the center part of a dense forest. The Siruvani River that makes this beautiful waterfall is the main source to supply water to Coimbatore city. The water in this river is famous for its taste and it is typically known to be the second sweetest lake water in the world. With an outstanding panoramic view, the Siruvani dam is extremely beautiful and breathe taking. The dam is interlinked by canals and tunnels for confining Aliyar, Parambikulam, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunakadavu, Palar, Thekadi rivers for the purpose of generating power and irrigation.

The falls can be reached by about 4 Kms trek from the nearest road point between Siruvani Dam and Madavarayapuram. The falls are best seen in monsoon season between June and October. The upper part of the falls is dangerous with deep cliffs and tourist usually enjoy the beauty and bathing at bottom of the falls.

These falls are very close to Siruvani Dam (5 Kms away) which provides drinking water for Coimbatore City. Siruvani Dam is connected by frequent buses from Coimbatore.

History

The Siruvani dam, located in Kerala close to the picturesque Attapady valley, has an interesting history. The Government gave its approval for construction of the `masonry gravity' dam in February 1915; work did not start immediately, if we correlate the information from the Archaeology Department, Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board and the district gazette.

The villagers of Boluvampatti and Alandurai opposed the scheme, as they feared it would affect them. But they were convinced about the benefits of bringing Siruvani water to a town that was growing. Construction finally began in 1927. But it was no easy task, for the dam site was in an extremely unfriendly terrain. Worse, wild animals frequented the place. So, all those engaged in construction work stayed in the guesthouse near Iruttu pallam. They rode their way to the dam site on horses with gunmen providing security. Even now, a visit to the Siruvani dam is not much different (except for the fact that you don't have to travel on a horse).

Forest guards continue to accompany those who visit the dam. The initial cost of construction was Rs. 2, 17,725 (for 23 feet). And, the reason for selecting the site - it had perennial streams. The area below the Siruvani, Muthikulam falls, Gobiyaru, Solaiyaru, Pattiyaru, Veeraru and Paambaru falls, the main sources of supply, was identified for construction. There were even plans to commission a hydroelectric project at Siruvani. But the move was dropped as the Pykara project in the Nilgiris was mooted at the time.

Major and minor construction works continued till 1984 and the total cost worked out to Rs. 26.12 Crores. The drawal from the dam was in 1931 was 113 lakh litres for a population of more than 95,000. All those who complain about inadequate water supply from Siruvani, take heart. Water shortage is nothing new. In the 1970s, the drawal was scaled down to 130 lakh litres from 186 lakh litres in the summer as inflow into the Muthikulam reduced by half.

Visitor information

The Siruvani waterfalls and dam are considered one of the top tourist attractions in the town of Coimbatore and Palakkad. The vegetation in these hills comprise of grasslands, shrub lands, and forests. Trekking, nature walk, bird watching, and wildlife safari can be arranged by the forest department on request. This is an excellent spot for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts. Both the Siruvani waterfalls and dam are covered by dense forests. While trekking care must be taken to keep you and your group safe. The hills have wild animals in them so make sure to not provoke them. So ensure safety and be on constant alert. Make sure to carry ample water while trekking. It is important to carry proper gear and equipment too. Restrict your baggage to fifteen kilograms. Do not pollute the trail and make sure to dispose of your garbage in the right manner after descending from the peak. Wear clothes that will keep you comfortable. Photography here is a must as the scenic view here is not an everyday occurrence.

It is situated at Siruvani Hills at a distance 35 km away from Coimbatore & 6 km (3.7 mi) from Karunya University. Sadivayal Check post; where an entry fee Rs. 50 is charged, at the gateway to the waterfalls. Private vehicles are not allowed after this point; however vehicles arranged by forest department can be used for the conveyance to the point where trek is to be started. No extra charges for this service. Almost 1km trek/walk through forest required to reach exact place for bathing.

Bus lines 59C, 59, 14E, and the Siruvani and Sadivayal buses, ply at regular intervals from Coimbatore (Gandhipuram Town bus stand). Other interesting projects/places nearby are Parambikulam, Aliyar, Sholiyar, Palar rivers and the Anaimalai Hills range.

While traveling to the Siruvani waterfalls, make sure to park your vehicles in the parking area only. Stopping at inappropriate places may cause unnecessary trouble to the general public. Waterfalls in general, have rocks and slippery surfaces, parents are advices to never leave their child unattended. Drinking alcohol and smoking near the waterfalls are strictly prohibited. Wear appropriate shoes and clothes while visiting the waterfalls. Avoid wearing leather shoes and shoes that are slippery.  The above mentioned tips will help you keep your sight-seeing safe and fun.

Location

Siruvani fall is located near a place named Siruvani which is about 35 km away from Coimbatore. It is situated at 10.938011°N 76.687177°E coordinates.

Connectivity

By Road: Coimbatore has six major arterial roads which connects it to major cities. Several private and government buses are operated from Coimbatore and Palakkad.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Coimbatore Junction & Palakad Station.

By Air: Nearest airport terminal is Coimbatore International Airport

Season/ When to visit

Ideal time to visit Siruvani waterfall is after the monsoon season as during this time the beauty of the waterfall is in its full charm.