Waterfalls are nature’s one true beauty that never gets old and Kodaikanal, the popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, is home to multiple waterfalls.The Bear Shola Falls stand out as one of the best among them. Located in the forested area in Kodaikanal, the views of the waterfalls are to die for. According to legends, bears frequently frequented this spot to quench their thirst hence the name. Over the years, Bear Shola Falls has become one of the most popular tourist attractions. It serves equally to the interest of a nature lover or a photographer waiting to capture the perfect shot.
Location Of Bear Shola Falls
The exact location of Bear Shola Falls is a bit difficult to explain. Here’s why – It’s located inside the dense forest in Kodaikanal. According to the insights, the waterfall is around 2-3 km from Kodaikanal Lake. However, to witness these falls, you must travel through the reserve forest, which adds a bit of wilderness to your experience.
Essential Facts about Bear Shola Falls Kodaikanal
Timings: The falls are accessible throughout the day. However, since they are in the forested area, you’d best visit them during the daytime to avoid risks.
Entry Fees: No entry fee is associated with entering and exploring the falls.
Height: 40 feet
Intriguing Trivia: The name “Bear Shola” originates from the legend of bears frequenting this secluded waterhole.
Hiking Time: The hiking trail to reach Bear Shola Falls, Tamil Nadu, is fairly simple and takes 15-20 minutes to reach.
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Kodaikanal
Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
The peak season for visiting and exploring waterfalls is the monsoon season. The same applies to theFalls. Visiting between June and September is considered the peak season. The water cascades down at its maximum force, and the stunning lush greenery covering the entirety of the place adds to its charm, offering a perfect backdrop for the falls. However, since reaching the waterfall involves a short hike and trek, you must be mindful of the weather conditions before visiting. Besides monsoon, the months between October and March also account for a great period. Besides comfortable weather, the dry season makes it safer for tourists to trek to the falls.
Things To Do At Bear Shola Falls
What do you do when you reach a waterfall? This is a question that many tourists have once they reach Bear Shola Falls. To be fair, there are quite a few activities to explore:
- The adventure starts even before you reach the Falls, Tamil Nadu. Once you reach the base point of the forest reserve where the waterfall is located, you need to embark on a trek to reach the exact spot of the waterfall. The terraced appearance with the lush vegetation accentuates the waterfalls’ beauty.
- The next best thing you can do is stop to witness the different species of birds that flock around. Since the waterfall is right in the middle of the forest reserve, spotting different birds isn’t as difficult as you think. There are quite a few exotic breeds that you might cross paths with.
- Hosting picnics around the Falls is available during the dry summer and spring months. You get to indulge in the fun, soak in the beauty of nature and have the time of your life, especially when you have friends and family members with you.
- Bear Shola Falls provides a picturesque setting for photography. The cascading water, lush green surroundings, and the play of light and shadows create perfect frames for capturing beautiful moments. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography, as the lighting conditions are ideal.
Suggested Read: Resorts Near Kodaikanal
Places To Visit Near Bear Shola Falls
After you finish exploring Bear Shola Falls Tamil Nadu, take some time to explore the nearby sightseeing spots. There are quite a few different ones to consider:
1. Kodaikanal Lake
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Given the proximity of the Kodaikanal Lake from Bear Shola Falls, that’s the first spot you need to visit and explore. It is a star-shaped man-made lake spread across an area of 60 acres. Besides enjoying the stunning views of the lakes and its surroundings, you can also indulge in a boat ride across the lake. There are pedal boats and row boats available for hire, so you have the option to choose what works best for you.
Distance from Bear Shola Falls: 3.1 Km
2. Coaker’s Walk
Image Credit: R.K.PRAGADHEESH for Wikimedia Commons
Coaker’s Walk is a scenic paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodaikanal. This is a place where you sit, relax and soak in the beautiful nature around you. There are not many activities to indulge in, the best part is that, on a clear day, you get a distant view of Madurai from there. Coaker’s Walk is particularly famous for the ‘Brocken spectre’ phenomenon, where a person’s shadow, cast on the clouds below, appears surrounded by a rainbow halo.
Distance from Bear Shola Falls: 2.4 Km
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Kodaikanal
3. Pillar Rocks
Image Credit: Dhanil K for Wikimedia Commons
Pillar Rocks are a set of three giant rock formations standing vertically and reaching up to a height of about 400 feet. The beauty of these rocks is not just in their shape and design but also in the thick vegetation that surrounds the place. As you reach the top at the viewpoint, the unobstructed views of the valleys and the mountains underneath is an experience that can’t be described in words.
Distance from Bear Shola Falls: 11.3 Km
4. Guna Caves
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Formerly known as “Devil’s Kitchen,” Guna Caves is not for the faint-hearted. It is a bit of a drive away from Bear Shola Falls and is known for its dense caves. Since the caves were naturally formed following erosion of the cliffs, the entrance and structure of the caves are fairly small and narrow. Previously, the caves weren’t shielded, which led to many accidents, claiming people’s lives too.
Distance from Bear Shola Falls: 10.7 Km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kodaikanal
How To Reach
Image Credit: Aruna for Wikimedia Commons
Bear Shola Falls Kodaikanal is roughly 2-3 km from Kodaikanal Lake. So, when it comes to reaching and exploring the falls, you have to take a taxi from the lake and take the Pambar Road towards Upper Shola. The route is scenic, offering glimpses of the surrounding hills. You can reach a point where cars can no longer go, and then embark on a short trek. Another viable option is taking a public bus from Kodaikanal Lake to reach Perumal Murthy. From there, you’d need to hire another taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the starting point of the trek to the falls.
Note: The final leg to the falls involves a short, easy trek through the forest. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for this part of the journey.
Further Read: Kodaikanal In Summer
Bear Shola Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts visiting Kodaikanal. With its remote location and serene environment, this is one of those places that will further enrich your trip to Kodaikanal. The key here is to plan things ahead so you can have the best experience exploring the beauty of the falls.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Shola Falls
What is the best time to visit Bear Shola Falls?
The best time to visit Bear Shola Best is during the peak monsoon season when the water flow is at its prime.
How far is Bear Shola Falls from Kodaikanal Lake?
The Falls is roughly 2-3 km from Kodaikanal Lake, which is one of the reasons why it's easily accessible.
How can I reach Bear Shola Falls from Kodaikanal town?
You can hail a taxi or an auto rickshaw from the main town of Kodaikanal to reach the base of the trek to Bear Shola Falls.
Is it fun to visit Bear Shola Falls during the monsoon season?
Monsoon season is considered the best time to visit Bear Shola Falls. But there are risks associated too. The trekking routes can get muddy and slippery, so practising caution is key.
What are the Bear Shola Falls entry fees?
Visitors don’t have to pay anything to enter and explore the Bear Shola Falls.
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