If you plan a trip to Coimbatore, a famous tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, remember to visit the hidden gem Monkey Falls. About 70 km from Coimbatore Railway Station, Monkey Falls is named so due to several monkeys in the area. This Falls is a beautiful natural waterfall that cascades with noise and forms a pool of clear and clean water at its bottom. You can enjoy a dip in the pool or some fun activities with your fun-loving and adventurous friends and family. Know more about Monkey Falls, what to expect when visiting here, what to see around, how to reach and the best time to visit Monkey Falls.
About Monkey Falls
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Monkey Falls is located in the foothills of Valparai, the heart of Annamalai Hills, also famous as the Elephant Hills; from there flows River Aliyar, the source of this beautiful waterfall. The waterfalls are part of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. This sanctuary is another key attraction for visitors here as it is filled with lush greenery and diverse wildlife, along with the waterfalls you can enjoy. Some of the most unique varieties of birds are believed to be seen here, making bird watching a significant activity among tourists and even locals.
At Monkey Falls, one can experience the various creations of nature and a beautiful distraction from the monotonous routine of city life. Whether you want a peaceful place or an adventurous getaway, this place has something for all of you. The serene ambience of the waterfalls amidst the forests and nature and the adventure of diving in the natural pool and seeing the monkeys playing nearby can also trek to the mountains and enjoy the panoramic view of the waterfalls from the top. The Monkey Falls is a must-visit for all nature lovers.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Valparai
Activities To Do In Monkey Falls
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Monkey Falls is the perfect place to feel one with nature, relax, and rejuvenate. The calm and clear water creates a pool at the base, which is ideal for swimming and bathing. The lush greenery, scenery, and peaceful environment make it a nice place to picnic with family members. Often, families can be seen arriving here with home-cooked meals to enjoy in the open, sitting by the falls.
For those who are looking for some adventure, there are some trekking paths around the falls that offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. You should observe the biodiversity around the Falls, including various species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals.
Places To Visit Around Monkey Falls
Here is the list of top places to visit around this serene waterfall. Make sure to cover all the essential ones on your trip.
Aliyar Dam And Reservoir Park
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About 6 kilometres from Monkey Falls, Aliyar Dam and Reservoir Park is a beautiful park where you can spend some quiet time in nature. It is located around the bottom of the Aliyar Dam. This park offers a stunning view of the Falls and its neighbouring hills. It also has boating facilities, which most travellers enjoy. You can also come here to enjoy the serenity in nature and capture the beauty of the waters with your lens. This dam is also significant as it is one of the area’s primary sources of hydropower generation.
Location: About 6 km away from Monkey Falls
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
Suggested Read: Coimbatore To Ooty Road Trip
Valparai
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Valparai is a hill station famous for its impeccable view of the western ghats and the Anaimalai Hills, situated about 25 kilometres away from the Monkey Hills. This is also known for its tea and coffee plantations. You can find other attractions such as the Balaji Temple, beautiful waterfalls such as the Chinnakallar Falls, and places where you can enjoy panoramic views from the Nallamudi and Loam viewpoints. The drive to the Valparai hills is a beautiful experience as it offers a great view of the town’s plantations, varieties of wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
Location: About 25 km away from the Falls
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
The Wildlife Sanctuaries And Tiger Reserves
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There are many places to spot various animals here. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary, nestles multiple wildlife species, including elephants, sambars, bulls, langurs, tigers, and birds, among other endangered species. It is a good place to observe the various animals and is a hit among wildlife enthusiasts. The Grass Hills National Park is another location within the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a beautiful place to observe flora and fauna and is famous for its lush grasslands. It is a perfect place to relax and take a stroll around. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is an ideal place to spot various species of tigers. You can also do adventurous activities here, like bamboo rafting and trekking.
Location: Around the area of the Falls
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
Suggested Read: Waterfalls Near Coimbatore
How To Reach Monkey Falls
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By Road: Monkey Falls is about 65 km from Coimbatore, 27 km from Pollachi, 6 km from Aliyar, and 29 km from Valparai. You can take your vehicle, taxi or bus from Coimbatore, Pollachi, Aliyar or Valparai. The waterfall is well-connected by highways and roads.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Monkey Falls is Coimbatore Junction, well-connected by trains from various parts of the country.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Falls is Coimbatore International Airport, which is connected by flights from various domestic and international destinations. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to the waterfall, which will take about 2.5 hours.
Practical Tips For Visitors To Keep In Mind
- Safety: While the water looks serene and inviting, it is essential to be extremely careful while standing under the falls or swimming in the falls. During the monsoon season, the water gushing down the Monkey Falls increases as the river’s water level rises.
- Amenities: Basic amenities such as restrooms and changing rooms are available near the falls. Visitors who want to stay longer are advised to bring their own food.
- Best time to visit: Though Monkey Falls can be visited throughout the year, the best time to visit them is during and immediately after the Monsoon season, from June to October. In the monsoon season, the beauty of the Falls is unparalleled, as the gushing water from the river makes the falls reach their prime.
Further Read: Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu
Monkey Falls is a hidden gem in the heart of the Anaimalai hills in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is a perfect natural hub for adventure lovers and those looking for a refreshing experience. If you are looking for an escape from city life, you can take a walk amidst nature or dip in the clean and clear waters of Monkey Falls. There are various other natural attractions around the Falls that are loved by tourists and locals, such as the Azhiyar Ashram and Arivu Thirukoil, which are spiritual centres for meditation and other self-reflection activities. Book your trip to Coimbatore with us today.
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Cover Image Credit: Siva301in for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Monkey Falls
Why is Monkey Falls called so?
Monkey falls are called so because of the numerous monkeys in the area. You can see several monkeys playing around on your visit to the falls. It is recommended to stay cautious of them as the monkeys do not hesitate to snatch and running away with people’s belongings.
What is the best time to visit Monkey Falls?
The best time to visit Monkey Falls is June to February. However, the Monsoon season and the period immediately after that will allow you to observe Monkey Falls at its prime. During the monsoon, as the Aliyar swells, Monkey Falls receives a good water supply.
Is it ideal for bathing in the Monkey Falls lake?
Yes, the waters are clean, so bathing or taking a dip in the pool is a good experience. However, you should be cautious while standing directly under the fall, as sometimes the water current is strong and may carry some rocks along with it.
Are there any accommodation options available near Monkey Falls?
Several hotels and accommodations near Anaimalai Hills near Monkey Falls. One can book them according to their needs, tastes, and budget. You can book a budget hotel or a luxury resort near Monkey Falls.
What are the food options available nearby?
You can get local South Indian cuisine in the local eateries, and various multi-cuisine restaurants are also available. However, on your tour to Monkey Falls, you are advised to carry some ready-to-eat snacks and drinks. The nearest hotel and restaurant is at a distance of about 3-4 km from Monkey Falls.
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