Thalaiyar Falls, Kodaikanal

Thalaiyar Falls, Kodaikanal Overview

Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India. There is a view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam. There is a hiking route near the waterfall.

The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.

On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of the black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.

Structure of Thalaiyar falls

At the top of the falls, at the very edge of the cliff, is a low concentrated wall on either side, tapering the flow of water into a rat tail shape. One can walk along the wall and get to the center of the falls.

Right below one of the walls, is a large flat rock, about five ft wide. If one gets down to the edge of this stone, they can directly see a little river at the bottom flowing through the forest. On the side, one can enjoy the calm of the silent waterfall.

Hiking

Hiking is allowed only at the bottom of the falls and that too in the dry seasons. The hike begins at the Manjalar Dam which passes through the mango orchards and potato fields around the Manjalar Reservoir and then goes up along the watercourse to the small temple of Goddess Kamakshi. One must follow the stream after this point.

After this point, one needs to climb up the stream, crossing large and difficult boulders until arriving at the falls base. Here, there is a pool of about 30 m (98 ft) by 60 m (200 ft). The return hike is more challenging. The full walk covers 15 km and takes an entire day.

Tips For Visiting Thalaiyar Falls

There have been several regular sightings of various animals from the forest as it is a popular source of water for them.

How To Reach Thalaiyar Falls

Thalaiyar Falls is an inaccessible attraction to the general public as there are no roads to it and the only way of reaching the top is through hiking.