Kiliyur Falls – What to Know Before You Go

I have been to numerous waterfalls in India and I have to say that I rate Yercaud’s Kiliyur Falls very highly. This 300 feet waterfall left me in a state of awe when I first saw it and I’m sure I’ll feel the same no matter how many times I see it. The falls, along with the verdant greenery all around soothed my senses and helped me connect to the abundant natural bounties of the Eastern Ghats. Here, I’ll tell you exactly what to know before you go to this stunning waterfall.

Before you decide to visit Kiliyur Falls, you should know that you have to do quite a bit of hiking to get there. The trail is not very difficult but may be strenuous as it is 2.5 km long. Therefore, elderly people and people with physical problems should steer clear from this scenic destination in Tamil Nadu.

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How You Can Reach Kiliyur Falls

To reach Kiliyur Falls, you first have to make your way to the quaint hill-station of Yercaud in Tamil Nadu. The nearest major city to Yercaud is Salem, which you can easily reach by either road or railways. The Salem Junction Railway Station provides easily rail access.

There is no way of reaching Salem directly via flights, but you can book tickets to Tiruchirapalli or Trichy. The Tiruchirapalli Airport is approximately 100 km from Salem. From Tiruchirapalli, it is quite easy to book cars for Salem. You can even book direct cars to Yercaud.

Things To Do in Kiliyur Falls

The Kiliyur Falls makes for a great destination to unwind in the lap of nature. However, there are many things you can do if you feel active and want to interact more with the local environment and culture.

1. Watch Out for Wildlife

The area surrounding Kiliyur Falls is known for being home to numerous exotic animals and birds. Some common animals and birds that you may sight in the area if you have the patience are bison, deer, peacocks, and snakes. I had the privilege of witnessing the peacock dance as I went there during the monsoons.

2. Visit the Coffee Plantations

Apart from being one of South India’s most cherished hill-stations, Yercaud is also a well-known coffee producer. The higher reaches of the hill-station are dotted with coffee plantations. These plantations look simply stunning with the mountains of the Eastern Ghats in the background.

3. Have Fun in the Waters of the Yercaud Lake

The walk to the Kiliyur Falls starts from the Yercaud Lake. It can be quite tiring to walk to the falls and then come back. However, Yercaud Lake can be the source of your rejuvenation, as it was mine. I lost all sense of fatigue and tiredness once I took a dip in the waters of the lake. If you are more into boating than swimming, then you can hire boats to take you around the lake as well. However, make sure to enjoy the lake responsibly, as authorities penalize the people found polluting the lake.

Safety Pointers

The Kiliyur Falls are very safe. However, as the trail is in the hills, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

• Wear Proper Shoes: Walking in the hills is best done in footwear that is made for hilly terrain. Ensure that your boots have a proper grip as the closer you get to the falls, the more slippery it gets. Your footwear should also have good cushioning as the trail to the falls is quite rocky. I especially made sure that my shoes had a firm grip as I visited the falls in monsoon when the whole trail becomes wet and slippery.
• Carry Food and Refreshments: Trust me; Kiliyur Falls is not a place where you go and come back. Once you reach and soak in the ambiance of the falls, you would want to spend at least an hour or two before making your way back. I remember myself going there without any food or water as I thought that I would visit and come back. But the stunning views and calm surroundings had me hooked for over an hour. By the time I came back to the lake, I was famished. Make sure that you have enough food and refreshments with you to make your Kiliyur Falls experience comfortable.
• Hire a Guide if You Feel Unsure: Being an adventure lover and a solo traveler, I prefer venturing into the hills by myself to experience the thrill of adventure. However, I understand that many people are not very adventurous. If you are unsure regarding the terrain and the trail, you can hire a guide to ensure safety.

The Best Time to Visit Kiliyur Falls

You can visit Kiliyur Falls at any time of the year as the trail remains accessible year-round. However, if you want to experience the majestic waterfall at its glorious best, go just after the monsoons come to an end. Typically, the rainy season in these parts ends in July, so August makes for a great time to visit the falls. I went there during the monsoons and saw some spectacular sights in and around the waterfall. The one risky element of visiting the waterfall during monsoon is the slippery trail. For this reason, I advise you to visit right after the end of the monsoon.

Things to See near Kiliyur Falls

Kiliyur Falls is one of Yercaud’s major highlights. However, the hill-station boasts of many other amazing places as well. Check out some of the following places in Yercaud to have a complete experience of the place:

1. Anna Park

Situated right next to the lake, this park is the perfect place to rest and relax in Yercaud. If you travel to Yercaud with children, then I would advise you to skip the rocky hiking trails and spend some time here. The locals told me that in the month of May, this park becomes the venue for an annual flower show, where the most beautiful flowers of the region are showcased.

2. Bears Cave

Located right next to a private bungalow, the Bears Cave offers a unique glimpse into a cave route in the Eastern Ghats. Like everyone else, I had to get official permission to get into the premises of the bungalow as there is no other way to approach the cave. Once you enter the cave, get ready to test your flexibility as you have to walk on all four legs from a certain point. I was quite relieved to find that I could do it without spraining any part of my body.

3. Shevarayan Temple

While the deeply religious people may visit this temple to offer their prayers, I visited it for an entirely different reason. The temple stands at some distance from Yercaud, but its scenic location atop a plateau is worth the visit. It offers a bird’s eye view of not just Yercaud, but all the surrounding hills, mountains, and plain areas. I have always been a fan of bird’s eye views, and the bird’s eye view that I had from this temple is etched in my mind and soul.

4. Tipperary ViewPoint

Around 2 km to the south of Yercaud’s center, this viewpoint is best visited in the evening. Once you hike up to the viewpoint, you can see the big city of Salem in the distance. What makes it special during the evenings is Salem city, completely lit up. It’s quite an unreal feeling that I feel lucky to have experienced.

5. Children’s Seat, Gent’s Seat, and Lady’s Seat

This cluster of natural rock formations is lovely to behold for nature lovers. These rocks also offer panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats Range and like Tipperary Point, also offer breath-taking views of Salem. If you want a closer look at the far-away sights, head to the viewing tower. I had never used a telescope before in my life, but I used one here to get a glimpse of all the fascinating far-away places.

6. Main Market

hill-station’s main market is full of interesting natural products that you can try. A lot of shops here store natural soaps and perfumes. I purchased a perfume that I still occasionally use and it’s really good. Also, don’t forget to buy some of the local coffee.

All in all, Kiliyur Falls is a place that you must have on your bucket list. Visit it just after monsoon, and you would know why I am such a big fan of the place. Also, explore the hill-station of Yercaud to know more about a relatively unexplored mountain range in India; the Eastern Ghats. The stunning natural surroundings and the panoramic views from the higher reaches are sure to fascinate you. My visit to Yercaud has left me with a lot of cherished memories. Make sure that you too make some incredible new memories by visiting this awesome place.