The two reasons that make Catherine Falls one of the must-visit places near Ooty are its serenity and charm. If you are planning a trip to Ooty and looking for some offbeat locations to explore then Catherine Falls, a double-cascaded waterfall located in Kotagiri, The Nilgiris District, is a great place to include in your list.
This waterfall in Ooty is not only a popular place among nature lovers but is also a favourite choice for adventure freaks as they get to trek along the many meandering trails to reach the place. If this scenic place has got your interest then read this article before planning a trip to Catherine Fall. This article covers all the important details and tips for enjoying your visit to the fullest.
About Catherine Falls
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Nestled in a thick green cover of forest and a carpet of tea plantation, Catherine Fall is a double-cascaded waterfall located in Kotagiri, The Nilgiris District. It is one of the major tourist spots in Kotagiri situated on the Mettupalayam road branching off at Aravenu. The waterfall has a curious name- it is named after the wife of M D Cockburn, a Scottish planter who introduced coffee, pears, and apple plantations in the hill stations. The native name of Catherine Falls is GeddhehaadaHalla, which means “Foothills Dale River”.
Catherine Falls is a double-cascading waterfall in which the upper fall is fed by the river Kallar. The water cascades from a height of more than 75 m and is considered one of the largest falls in Kotagiri. If you are an adventure freak you can hike up the forest path to the top of the falls, also known as Dolphin’s Nose, and witness a sight of a lifetime.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kotagiri
Best Time To Visit Catherine Falls
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Although the weather in Catherine Falls remains pleasant throughout the year, the best time would be after the monsoon i.e., from October to May. After a good rainfall all over the place, there would be greenery all around and the weather would also be quite pleasant to enjoy the trekking. We won’t recommend visiting Catherine Falls in the summer season as at this time, the level of water sometimes decreases.
If possible, try to visit Catherine Falls in the early morning as during that time the mist around the place gives a perfect view. However, if you cannot make it in the morning, you can also plan the visit in the afternoon. Make sure you try heading back home before sunset, as the area has limited access after dark.
Top Places To See Near Catherine Falls
There are several tourist attractions near Catherine Falls that are definitely worth checking out. Some of the most popular attractions near Catherine Falls are given below:
1. Botanical Garden
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Visit this place in Ooty near Catherine Falls and forget all your worries watching nature and colours everywhere. It was in the year 1897 AD when William Graham Mclvor under the supervision of George Hay designed this Botanical Garden sprawled across a 55 acre of land. Earlier, the botanical garden was opened to promote the study of the various plant species all around and in the Nilgiris hills. Later, it was opened to the public and now it has become the top attraction to see in Ooty.
Out of the 650 species of flora in the Ooty Botanical Garden, the monkey puzzle tree is the most interesting as this is a 20 million-year-old paperbark tree that is fossilised. This tree got this name because, unlike other trees, monkeys find it really difficult to climb this tree. The best time to visit this Botanic Garden Ooty is in May when a flower show is held here.
Location: 35 km away from Catherine Falls
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ooty
2. Doddabetta Peak
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Doddabetta Peak is the best spot near Ooty from where you can take a 360-degree gaze at the Nilgiri Mountains. The highest peak in South India, Doddabetta Peak is 8,650 feet above sea level and surrounded by open fields that are full of rhododendrons. This fantastic view from the peak is the main reason why this is one of the must-visit places in Kotagiri near Catherine Falls. If you are lucky enough to get clear weather you can view Chamundi Peak which lies to the north of Doddabetta Peak Ooty and Kattadalu which lies to the west.
You can easily trek to the top of the peak, however, if you find climbing up difficult you can take the shuttle jeeps that take passengers to the top and bring them down all through the day.
Location: 34 km away from Catherine Falls
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
3. Emerald Lake
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If you want an escape from the scorching heat of the city and want to spend an extended weekend in the lap of nature you can visit Emerald Lake situated inside the Nilgiri Hills. This is one of the most beautiful lakes near Ooty. A favourite tourist spot for all age groups, this lake near Catherine Falls is the best picnic spot in Ooty. People who love to watch different species of birds would love this place as many migratory birds flock around the lake throughout the year.
You can also purchase some popular varieties of tea leaves from the tea plantations around Emerald Lake.
Location: 57.6 km away from Catherine Falls
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Suggested Read: Hotels Near Ooty
How To Reach
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Catherine Falls located in Kotagiri is well-connected to other cities. There are 3 modes of transport available to reach Catherine Falls. Choose whatever suits you the most:
Air: If you are coming from another state or country, you can take a flight to the nearest airport- Coimbatore International Airport which is nearly 50 km away from Catherine Falls. You can hire a private or shared taxi from the airport to get to this popular attraction.
Train: If you are travelling by train, you can either get off at Mettupalayam Railway Station which is approximately 33 km away from Catherine Falls, or Ooty Railway Station which is 29 km away from the place. These two railway stations connect Ooty with most of the metro cities of India such as Jaipur, Kochi, Puri, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Kanyakumari, and more. You can take the Nilgiri Toy Train from the railway station to have the best time of your life.
Road: If you want to feel the magic and beauty of Ooty, then driving to Catherine Falls is the best way to reach the place. You can take a private or government-owned bus or hire a private vehicle.
Further Read: Best Restaurants In Ooty
In the lush green forests of Ooty, you will find several beautiful and spectacular waterfalls that look like a painting on the canvas. Out of all the famous waterfalls in Ooty, Catherine Falls has something special that makes it unique. This is a double-cascading waterfall, which makes it one of the must-visit places in Ooty. So, if you are planning a trip to Ooty, make sure to add this place to your list.
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Cover Image Credit: Raghavan G for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Catherine Falls
How to get the best view of Catherine Falls?
You can get the best view of Catherine Falls from the dolphin nose. Drive through the Mettupalayam road branching off at Aravenu and head straight to Catherine Falls. To get the best view of Catherine Falls, the weather should be calm and clear.
Which river is Catherine Falls on?
Catherine Falls which is a double-cascading waterfall is located amidst the Nilgiris Hills. The waterfall gushes from a height of 76 metres and is formed by the waters from River Kallar.
How many waterfalls are in Ooty?
There are many waterfalls in Ooty. However, some of the popular waterfalls are:
- Pykara Falls
- Catherine Falls
- Kalhatti Falls
- Elk Falls
- Katary Falls
- Halasana Falls
- Kolakambai Falls
What is the history of Catherine Falls?
Catherine Falls, located in Kotagiri in Nilgiri district has a curious name. It got its name from the wife of M D Cockburn. He was a Scottish planter who introduced coffee, pears, and apple plantations in the Nilgiris.
How to reach Catherine Falls?
You can reach Catherine Falls via Moon Road, which is off the chief Kotagiri-Mettupalayam Road, from Aravenu, a small town in Tamil Nadu. Catherine Falls is located in Kotagiri which is well-connected with the important cities of Coonoor and Ooty.
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