Trying to connect with nature or just trying to get an escape from the chaos of life? Do not worry; we have just the right place to recommend you, where you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Elk Falls in Kotagiri is a hidden gem of Ooty that needs to be explored more for its magnificent natural beauty. There is so much to see beyond the cascading water around this waterfall, like the surrounding lush green landscapes covered with plantations of tea and coffee. This blog talks more about Elk Falls and its untouched beauty that attracts adventure freaks and nature enthusiasts to form a deeper connection with nature.
About Elk Falls
About eight km away from Kotagiri is Elk Falls, one of the magnificent waterfalls in Ooty. Located at Uyilatty village, this waterfall is 28 km from Coonoor and 30 km from Ooty, thus popular as a prominent tourist place to visit during the Ooty tour.
A beautiful waterfall nestled amidst the idyllic Echoing Valley of Kookal in the South Nilgiris district, Elk Falls, is also known as Uyilatty Falls. The water cascading down gives a stunning view of the waterfall and the surrounding area covered with plantations of green tea and coffee. Visiting this waterfall during the monsoon season will give you an amazing opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of Kookal Valley in its exotic galore and full bloom.
Must Read: Doddabetta Peak
Top Places To See Near The Falls
If you are planning to visit Elk Falls, then visit the places mentioned below as it is near Elk Falls:
1. Ooty Rose Garden
Image Credit: Sajetpa for Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful escape from the chaotic life of the city, the Government Rose Garden is the home to one of the largest collections of roses in Ooty. If you are visiting Elk Falls, you can always make time to see some spectacular and rare varieties of roses in a myriad of colours that you could have never imagined. One of the famous tourist destinations in Ooty, this garden is spread across over four hectares of land on the slopes of Elk Hills. You will be amazed to see a variety of roses in diverse varieties, colours, and sizes in this beautiful garden, also famous as the best picnic spot in Ooty among families. Families and couples find this place a romantic destination away from the crowded streets of the city.
Location: 3.4 km away from Elk Falls
Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 40 per head for adults and INR 20 per head for children
2. Catherine Falls
Image Credit: Raghavan G for Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful waterfalls near Elk Falls, Catherine Falls is a popular tourist spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as they trek along many meandering trails to reach this place. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green dense forest and a carpet of tea plantations in the Nilgiris District, situated on the Mettupalayam road branching off at Aravenu. The water of the river Kallar cascades from a height of more than 75 m, resulting in the Catherine Falls, one of the largest falls in Kotagiri. You can always hike up through the forest path to the top of the falls, also known as Dolphin’s Nose, to witness the sight of a lifetime.
Location: 38 km away from Elk Falls
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Nil
Suggested Read: Ooty Resorts For Family
3. Doddabetta Peak
Image Credit: Fruiticos for Wikimedia Commons
It would be unfair if you were in Ooty and did not visit Doddabetta Peak to experience an aerial view of nature’s splendour. At the peak, you will be greeted by the long stretches of rhododendrons along with other species of flora and fauna. The location of the peak is its major UPS, as it is located exactly at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, offering a beautiful view of the entire Nilgiri mountains from its picturesque peak. This is one of the highest peaks in South India, standing at a towering height of 8,650 feet above sea level.
Location: 8.7 km away from Elk Falls
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 6 per person for Adults
4. Avalanche Lake, Ooty
Image Credit: Suraj117 for Wikimedia Commons
Surrounded by the green slopes of the Nilgiris, Avalanche Lake is situated 20 km away from Ooty. One of the most beautiful lakes in Ooty, this place is a favourite among nature lovers and photographers. Avalanche Lake is not just limited to sightseeing. There are many things to do around this lake, like enjoying numerous thrilling and adventurous activities such as rafting, mountain trekking, horse riding, rappelling, trout fishing, and open jeep driving. Apart from this, you can also spot a wide range of wildlife while exploring this lake, like leopards, Gaur, tigers, Nilgiri, Sambar Deer, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer and Nilgiri Langur.
Location: 22 km away from Elk Falls
Timings: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Entry Fee: Nil
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ooty
Best Time To Visit The Falls
Image Credit: Michael Barera for Wikimedia Commons
Although the weather in Elk Falls remains pleasant throughout the year, the best time to visit this waterfall would be in the monsoon season, from June to September, as the waterfall is in its full glory during that time. The view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal you get from this place would be spectacular.
While trekking up to this waterfall, you will pass through the Badaga Habitations, a serenely laid-out woodland area of tea and coffee plantations that is an entirely different world. Also, during the monsoon season, the Kookal Valley near Elk Falls blooms with mellow oranges, some of the most yummy oranges in the world.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Ooty In 2 Days
A marvel of nature located in Kotagiri, Elk Falls is undoubtedly one of the top attractions to visit on your next trip to Ooty. Visiting Elk Falls will be a never-forgettable experience for you as there is no place like this where you will see the stunning view of the waterfall and the spectacular views of the surrounding tea and coffee plantations. So, pack your bags and start the journey that will take you to this majestic place so that you can witness the power and mystery of nature with your eyes.
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Cover Image credit : By Heshan93 for pixabay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elk Falls
Where exactly is Elk Falls located in Tamil Nadu?
Elk Falls is located at Uyilatty village near Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu. One of the top tourist destinations to visit during the Ooty tour, this waterfall is situated 8 km away from Kotagiri, 28 km from Coonoor, and 30 from Ooty.
Is there any historical monument to see near Elk Falls?
Yes, there is a historical monument to see near Elk Falls. There is a European house, also known as Kannerimukku, near Elk Falls, which was constructed by the British collector Sullivan. This house is renowned as the first British residence in Tamil Nadu, built during the colonial times of the British in India in the year 1819. At present, it is one of the most popular historical monuments to see in Kotagiri.
Can we visit Elk Falls?
Elk Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Ooty. If you visit this place during monsoon, you will know the worth of this place as during that time the waterfall comes in full gush. This place also offers a spectacular view of the Echoing Valley of Kookal, and hiking up to the waterfall through the Badaga Habitations, a woodland area of tea and coffee plantation, is all worth the visit to this waterfall.
What activities are available at Elk Falls?
Beyond its beauty, Elk Falls offers different adventures and thrilling activities to the visitors starting from trekking to explore the hidden spots for some stunning panoramic views to rappelling and rock climbing in the rugged terrain around the waterfall.
What is the entry fee to visit Elk Falls?
There is no entry fee to visit Elk Falls in Kotagiri. However, if you go for some adventure activities there, you need to pay the charges for them.
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