Catherine Waterfalls - Tamilnadu

Catherine Falls is a two-step falls located amidst the forests of Kotagiri village in Nilgiris district. The upper falls are considered to be the second-largest falls in the region and are formed by the river Kallar. This waterfall is about 250 feet high and is named after the wife of M.D. Cockburn, who is considered to be the pioneer of coffee plantations in Kotagiri. The local name of Catherine Falls is “Foothills Dale River." The downfall is serene and quite furious, too.
This amazing fall can be witnessed from the dolphin's nose. There is a road to the top of the falls. It can be an adventurous and thrilling experience to hike to the top of the falls.

Catherine Waterfalls Tourist’s information:

This fall can be witnessed from the dolphin's nose. Those who are interested in visiting these falls can take the Mettupalayam road branching off at Aravenu. As this waterfall is located in a rural area, not many food stalls are present. So it is better to take snacks and energy drinks in the backpack while trekking to these falls.

Time to visit Catherine Waterfalls:

The best time to visit this falls is between morning and noon. It is risky to visit this falls during the rainy season and evening.

Other places to visit in Catherine Waterfalls:

There are lots of spectacular places to visit in and around Catherine Falls. There is yet another waterfall nearby named Uyilatty Falls or Elk Falls. The spectacular Rangaswamy Peak is located very near these falls. There is also Biconical Peak, which is considered to be the most sacred peak among the locals.

How to Reach Catherine Waterfalls:

This falls is located in a small village named Aravenu on the Kotagiri/Mettupalayam Road. To reach here, one has to take the moon road, and to reach the falls, one has to trek for about 2–3 km from the village. From Coonoor, this falls is located at a distance of 20 km, and from Kotagir, it is 8 km.

How to reach:

By Air: About 70 kilometres from Kotagiri, Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the closest airport to Catherine Falls.
By Train: The closest train station is located 33 kilometres from Kotagiri at Mettupalayam. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway's Ooty (Udhagamandalam) railway station is another nearby station.
By Road: Road connections to Kotagiri are good, and there are numerous transport alternatives from adjacent cities.

FAQ:

1.Which time of year is ideal for visiting Catherine Falls?

October to May, during the post-monsoon season, is the ideal time to explore Catherine Falls. The weather is nice and the falls are at their greatest during this time, providing a breath-taking sight.

2.Does Catherine Falls have an entry fee?

Catherine Falls does not require a fee for entry. However, there can be additional expenses if you take local transportation to get to the falls or hire a guide.

3.In Catherine Falls, what kinds of activities are there?

Trekking, hiking, photography, picnics, wildlife viewing, and other activities are available at Catherine Falls.

4.Visiting Catherine Falls: Is it safe?

Indeed, it is usually safe to visit Catherine Falls. Take care, though, as the trails can become slick during the monsoon season.