Your trip to Kodaikanal deserves a detour, especially if you want to witness nature’s beauty in front of your eyes. Vattakanal Waterfalls, with its gushing water flow and the surrounding biodiversity, is a wonder that deserves to be explored. Located roughly 3 km from Kodaikanal, Vattakanal Waterfalls is surrounded by rich biodiversity and unique attractions like an old bridge, which add to the place’s charm. Beyond the panoramic vistas, the waterfalls are surrounded by mountains, watchpoints and valleys, which allows you to explore more. As you wrap up your Kodaikanal trip, don’t miss out on this often-underrated waterfall, perfect for unwinding and capturing stunning views of nature’s spectre.
Location Of Vattakanal Waterfalls
Image Credit: James Dignan for Wikimedia Commons
Vattakanal Waterfalls is located in the small village of Vattakanal in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. To give you a clearer idea of its location, the Vattakanal Waterfalls is roughly 3 km from Kodaikanal, the popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. The village in which the waterfall is located sits at an elevation of 2100 m, further adding to the thrill and adventure of exploration.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
Things To Do
Visiting the Vattakanal Waterfalls doesn’t bring forth a lot of unique experiences or activities for you to indulge in. Maybe, that’s the beauty of the place. You get to slow down, capture the essence of the waterfall and unwind.
Here’s what you can do there:
Short Hike
The path leading from the Vattakanal village to the waterfall is one that you need to hike through. The narrow pathways mean cars aren’t accessible, so you’d need to get your hiking shoes on and descend to the waterfall. Although the hike is short, it is fun. You’d need to again set out on a hike to reach back to the village and then move ahead with the rest of your trip.
Photography
When you are surrounded by lush greenery and a gushing waterfall, there’s no reason not to whip out your smartphone or your camera to capture the beauty of the scene unfolding in front of you. It is a treat to watch and an even better treat to capture memories for a lifetime.
Suggested Read: Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu
Relax And unwind
The best thing you can do at the Vattakanal Waterfalls is embrace the simplicity of “doing nothing.” There are no activities or adventures to explore near the waterfalls. But, there’s a bridge, where most tourists stand to get their photos clicked. You can also sit by the waterfall’s base to look for birds that fly around. Due to the dense forest in such proximity, there are several different species of native and exotic birds there.
Places To Visit Near Vattakanal Waterfalls
Vattakanal Waterfalls Tamil Nadu is surrounded by popular tourist attractions, including the famous hill station of Kodaikanal. However, exploring as many spots as possible for an enriching vacation is key.
Following are some of the best places you can consider visiting near Vattakanal Waterfalls on your next trip:
Silver Cascade Falls
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You can never visit and witness too many waterfalls in this lifetime. So, once you finish your trek and exploration of the Vattakanal Waterfalls, consider visiting the Silver Cascade Falls too, which is a short distance away. The allure of this waterfall lies in its single stream of water that rushes down from 180 feet and blends into the natural pool at the bottom. The stream tumbles down through moss-covered rocks and then into the crystal-clear pool.
Distance from Vattakanal Waterfalls: 11.5 Km
Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal Lake
While most tourists visit Kodaikanal to witness the steep valleys and hills, many miss out on the beauty and simplicity of the Kodaikanal Lake. This scenic marvel not only steals the hearts of visitors but also offers respite from the chaos of daily life. You can rent a boat to witness the stunning panoramic views of the surroundings and soak in the calmness of the lake as well.
Distance from Vattakanal Waterfalls: 6.4 Km
Green Valley View Point
The best way to soak in the charm of any hill station is from a viewpoint and when in Kodaikanal, the Green Valley View Point takes the cake. Standing at the vantage point opens up the neverending views of the surrounding hills and the valleys below. It is one of those sights you’d never want to miss out on. Try and visit on the days when the skies are clear and the clouds are at bay for a view of the distant waterfalls and the lush blanket of greenery around.
Distance from Vattakanal Waterfalls: 2.7 Km
Suggested Read: Best Resorts In Kodaikanal
Bear Shola Falls
Want to embark on a solo and more secluded adventure? Well, a visit to the Bear Shola Falls is a must after exploring Vattakanal Waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. You do need to embark on a much more complicated trekking experience through the forests to reach your destination. However, the trekking experience, paired with the exposure to the diverse plants and animal life in the region, makes it a rewarding one.
Distance from Vattakanal Waterfalls: 5.1 Km
Coakers Walk
Although on every tourist’s radar, visiting the Coakers Walk for a casual stroll amid nature is a must because of its location and paramount beauty. It is one of those locations that don’t offer a lot of thrill or adventure but make for a great spot to unwind and rejuvenate while having a bird’ s-eye view of the surrounding hills and highlands. The pathway is lined with trees, plants, and different kinds of blooming flowers, which add to the vibrancy of the place.
Distance from Vattakanal Waterfalls: 4.0 Km
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Best Time To Visit Vattakanal Waterfalls
The grandeur and beauty of a waterfall comes to life during monsoon and the same applies to the Vattakanal Waterfalls Kodaikanal as well. If you wish to witness the fast-gushing stream of water that almost turns white and foamy, visit between June and September, aka, the monsoon season.
However, slippery roads, pouring rain and blocked roads (in some areas) isn’t an ideal vacation combination for many. To avoid these complications and for a more relaxing exploration, the month of October and November, which is the post-monsoon season, is also a great time for visiting.
Kodaikanal has pleasant weather throughout the year, which justifies why people prefer to visit anytime that fits best with their schedule.
How to Reach Vattakanal Waterfalls Kodaikanal?
Since Vattakanal Waterfalls is only 3 km from Kodaikanal, that’s your “base” or “starting” point for the trip. Once you are in Kodaikanal, consider hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw (for affordability) to reach the Vattakanal village, which will serve as the base of your trek to the waterfall. The descent to the waterfalls takes 10-15 minutes from the village, so it isn’t that far out.
The trek has comprehensive signboards to ensure that you don’t get lost. Consider talking to the locals directly if you are experiencing a language barrier. They are extremely warm and welcoming and will provide you with all the relevant instructions.
Further Read: Resorts Near Kodaikanal
Vattakanal Waterfalls, with its cascading beauty and serene atmosphere, offers a perfect escape for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are done exploring Kodaikanal and want to conclude your trip, end it with a trip down to the Vattakanal Waterfalls on your next trip to Tamil Nadu.
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Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Vattakanal Waterfalls
How to reach Vattakanal Falls from Kodaikanal?
The most common transportation medium is hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. Since the roads from Kodaikanal to Vattakanal are quite narrow, traffic jams are quite common as well.
Is the trek to Vattakanal Waterfalls difficult?
The trek downhill to the waterfalls is moderately difficult but on a well-defined path, which means that you wouldn’t face much difficulty.
What is the Vattakanal Waterfalls best time to visit?
Usually, monsoon season is considered the best time but it might not be favourable due to poor road conditions. October and November months are pretty great options too.
Can I visit Vattakanal Waterfalls during the summer?
During the summer months, the water flow in the waterfall is quite low. However, it doesn’t diminish the beauty of the place.
Are there any restaurants near Vattakanal Waterfalls?
While you might not find full-blown restaurants, there are local food shacks and eateries where you will find authentic Tamil food to try.
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