Chennai is one of the busiest metropolitan in the country so it is only natural that life here can feel a bit suffocating from time to time. Yet, there are also a number of weekend getaway spots around the city and some of them happen to be around the spectacular waterfalls of South India. These waterfalls look straight out of the picture post card and often have ecology of their own. They make for great picnic spots and are some of the favorite haunts of photographers. Do visit some of these waterfalls near Chennai on your next break.
Also known as the Tada Falls, this picaresque waterfall is located in the dense forest of Siddulaiah Kona, in the Kambakam Hills. It is great spot for local hikers who love the exercise up to the falls. It is a great picnic spot and the walk through dense trees takes one straight into the laps of nature. However, those who visit for the first time must take a guide because there are high chances of getting confused and lost in the dense forest. There are also a number of stream here which can be easily crossed. It is one of the best waterfalls near Chennai within 100 km.
Distance from Chennai: 91 km.
This falls is located in the Nagari Hills in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The source of the falls is a huge split in a massive rock and it is a sheer drop of 30 feet. The waterfall never dries up and the water accumulated in the pond below is crystal clear. It is said that the water is rich in a number of minerals and also has a number of medicinal properties. There are also some very good arrangements for tourists like places to sit and lounge around. However, climbing to the top of the falls is not allowed and nor is swimming in the pond.
Distance from Chennai: 92 km
These stunning falls is located in the heart of Sri Venkateshwara National Park near the Nerabailu village and is also in Andhra Pradesh. The falls drop from a height of whopping 270 feet and they are sure to take your breath away. The spray from the falls creates a mystical atmosphere and also sustains a large variety of flora and fauna. Some endangered animals also happen to live near the falls like the slender loris, golden gecko and the mouse deer. The waters are believed to have healing properties.
Distance from Chennai: 192 km.
This is a perennial waterfall but the real beauty is also revealed during or just after the monsoons, after it has been freshly fed with rain waters. The falls is located in the heart of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and drop from a height of 40 feet. A trip to the sanctuary to see the many unknown birds and trees is in itself a splendid idea and the waterfall only adds to the beauty of the place. The worshippers of Shiva also happen to come here and the walk through the dense jungle is also invigorating.
Distance from Chennai: 234 km
The word Papanasam means the “absolution of sins” and it is believed that taking a dip in the waters of the fall heals ones of physical ailments as well as washes away all sins one has committed in his or her lifetime. The waters also have healing properties and soaking in the waters have a massage like effect. The falls are surrounded by Western Ghats and the beauty of the entire valley around is astounding. The falls are located in the Thirunelveli district.
Distance from Chennai: 309 km
These stunning waterfalls are located in the Kolli Hills and most interesting, is a grove of tamarind trees. The forest is a popular haunt for trekkers who hike to the waterfalls for a session of photography and bird watching. There are also a number of natural hot water springs in the region and soaking in them feels like heaven. There is a Shiva temple in the region about 12 km away and the Pithukkuli Caves are also a splendid sight to explore.
Distance from Chennai: 339 km
This stunning waterfall is located near Dharmapuri, which has also recently been developed as a tourist spot and some new places for accommodation have come up here. This is also a safe waterfall as swimming is allowed here apart from the monsoons, and the surrounding landscape provides some wonderful locations for trekking. The dense foliage around is home to some wildlife and the locales are great for nature and bird photography.
Distance from Chennai: 343 km
Also located in the Kolli Hills of the Western Ghats, this waterfall is almost hidden due to the forests and is a joy to explore. What is most notable about the falls is that rather than climbing up, one has to descend around 1300 steps to reach the falls or hike for about five hours. This naturally makes it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers and it is believed that by bathing here, a number of diseases can be cured as the waters have medicinal properties.
Distance from Chennai: 369 km
Literally translating to Shiva’s Sea, a popular tourist spot has developed around this waterfall. It is kind of segmented, with many parallel streams falling from the step like structure together. There is island of the same name nearby which has divided the river Kaveri in half and can also be explored. The waterfall looks best during the monsoons.
Distance from Chennai: 460 km
These falls are amazing beautiful and located in Guntur of Andhra Pradesh. The Chandravanka tributary of River Krishna is the source of this waterfall and it is located about 11 km away from the Nagarjuna Dam Sagar. There is also a viewpoint atop a hill nearby which is a great spot to explore. It has to be remembered that one of the ponds of the falls is used for a breeding program of crocodiles so do look out for signs.
Distance from Chennai: 481 km
This is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu and the third highest in the country and hence they can be seen for miles even before approaching the waterfalls. It takes about six kilometers to trek to the falls. The surroundings are stunning and the spray spreads for miles. Bathing in the falls is strictly prohibited due to the great force of water.
Distance from Chennai: 485 km.
This spectacular waterfall is located within the Nallamala Forest and the journey through it is a joy itself. This is a safe waterfall where bathing is allowed in the pool beneath the falls. The surroundings are so amazing that a new expression will skip your mouth every few minutes. The height of the falls is around 150 feet and the thick dense forest around only adds to its beauty. It was said that in earlier times sages used to visit the falls to pray on its banks and even tigers came here to sip in its warm warms.
Distance from Chennai: 509 km
This falls near Chennai is located near Kodaikanal and the place gets its name from the fact that bears used to visit the waterfalls to quench their thirst. In fact, there are still a few bear caves around, though the bears are no longer there. The waterfall looks its best during and after the monsoons but the rock surface here is slightly slippery because of which it is advisable to wear proper footwear before you venture too close. It is very popular picnic spot as well.
Distance from Chennai: 512 km
This waterfall is very aptly named because of the silver mist the waters create when they hit the pool below. The falls has its source in the Kodaikanal Lake and is to be found in the lower Ghats. It is only about 8 km from the Kodaikanal Bus stop so it is quite easy to reach as well. There are a number of souvenir gift shops in the region as well and local sellers sell fresh fruits from the orchards in the region. Be careful of your belongings though, as there are plenty of monkeys to be found here!
Distance from Chennai: 519 km.
This stunning waterfall is located in the Nilgiri Hills and is also a favorite hiking and picnic spot. The waterfall topples in a double cascade from a height of 250 feet. The Kallar River is the source of the waterfall and it is so named because of a certain Lady Catherine Cocburn, who introduced coffee plantations to Yercaud and Kotagiri in the Nilgiris, thus helping in improving the economy of the region. The falls are located in Coonoor and you can enjoy a great weekend getaway here.
Distance from Chennai: 527 km
These waterfalls near Chennai will surely take your breath away and induce you to come out more from the city and enjoy the beauty of nature. Do not forget to bring your camera to capture some truly stunning clicks of the locations you visit.
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