20 Best Waterfalls Near Chennai That Should Be On Your Travel Itinerary In 2020

Posted On July 18, 2020

As someone said, “There is no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music”. I love waterfalls and this quote strongly resonates with me. If you are a water person like me, love waterfalls, there are many options. You may not find many waterfalls in Chennai but there are great waterfalls near Chennai.

India has the luxury of different terrains and there are many places near and around Chennai for those that want to experience the wondrousness of the waterfall. Some you can view from a distance and some that you can take a dip in, up, close and personal. Here is a list of the top 20 waterfalls near Chennai that should be on your travel itinerary in 2020. 

Top 20 Waterfalls Near Chennai

1. Kutralam falls

Courtallam pronounced Kutralam is the host to one of the most picturesque waterfalls. During the monsoon, it is certainly breathtaking. It is the host of many falls. It is located in the Western Ghats and is the host to many film shootings and honeymoon getaways. Monsoon brings multiple people to the falls.

Best time to visit: June to September

Approx Distance from Chennai: 621 kms

2. Tada Falls

Also called Ubbalamadugu Falls, this is a falls that is a great destination for adventurers and regular travelers. The sound of the water hitting the rocks will stay with you after you are back in the hustle and bustle of your city. If you like trekking, this makes for a treat destination.

Best time to visit: October – January

Approx Distance from Chennai:  94 Kms

3. Monkey’s Falls

If you are already traveling to Coimbatore, visiting these falls will be one of the best decisions you will make. Just about 65 km from Coimbatore, it shows the greatness of the world we live in. As the name suggests, you will find many monkeys swaying across the trees.

Best time to visit: October to March  

Approx Distance from Chennai: 565 Kms  

4. Kaigal Falls

Located near the village of Kaigal, this is famous and must-visit waterfalls near Chennai. This breathtaking waterfall is also called Dumukurallu by the locals and has the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighborhood. Go there, sit for a bit, and enjoy the pond near the falls.

 Best time to visit:  September to December 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 223 Kms  

5. Ulakkai Aruvi Waterfalls

The Ulakkai Aruvi falls is a must-visit if you travel to Kanyakumari or Nagercoil. It is just about 35 kms from Kanyakumari and about 17 Kms from Nagercoil and has a breathtaking view. It is bang in the middle of forested hills. It is a place that must be seen and makes for an adventurous outing.

Best time to visit: June to October 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 691 Kms   

6. Hogenakkal

The Hogenakkal waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in India. It is a beautiful fall that is absolutely mesmerising and incomparable. It is named after Kannada names ‘Hoge’ meaning snake, and rock that is defined by ‘Kal’. The beauty of the place is that it is from the Kaveri river.

Best time to visit: August To October 

Approx Distance from Chennai: Distance:    

7. Shivanasamudra Falls

Siva Samudram also called Shivanasamudra falls is in Karnataka and the Mandya district. It is a name for Siva’s Sea. It is beautiful and is one of the best places if you are a water person to have a picnic and kick back and have a relaxing day.

Best time to visit: August To October 

Approx Distance from Chennai:  446.7 Kms 

8. Law’s Falls

Located about 7 kms near Coonoor, this stunning fall is surrounded by thick forests. It is the perfect place if you just were to spend some time relaxing with friends or family or both. Here adults and children can enjoy alike in the wonder that is our nature.

Best time to visit: September to December 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 534 kms 

9. Mallela Theertham

In the middle of the forest, is the beauty that is the Mallela Theertham waterfalls. You must have to step out to Chennai to see the beauty of this waterfall. The roads do get a little slippery during the monsoons, so ensure you are careful as you head there.

Best time to visit: October to February 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 523 Kms 

10. Kailasakona Waterfalls

Located in the Nagari Hills, this is a famous fall near Chennai. A fall you can play and get wet in. It has a 40 feet drop. It is just in the outskirts of Chennai that is on the Tirupati road, in Chittoor. This makes for an easy day out a trip if you like to travel.

Best time to visit: October to February  

Approx Distance from Chennai: 92 Kms    

11. Bear Shola Falls

This beautiful and breathtaking waterfall is near Kodaikanal, and is a perfect picnic spot if you are willing to travel outside Chennai. If you are lucky you will also see bears drinking water off the falls, which adds to the beauty. This place is best viewed during the monsoon.

Best time to visit: July to October 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 512 Kms 

12. Agaya Gangai Falls

This pleasing falls has a height of 300 feet and looks like the Ganges is falling from the sky and hence has that name. You will need to make a bit of a trek to reach this place. However, it certainly is a trek that is worth the view. It is a waterfall from the river Aiyaru and has a magnificent view.

Best time to visit: June-August

Approx Distance from Chennai: 367 Kms

13. Talakona Waterfalls

270 feet-high and a favorite hangout for locals, these waterfalls is located in Nerabailu village in AP. Located around the Venkateswara National Park and is a place of beauty in its own right. If you are looking to get away for a day or two from Chennai, Talakona Waterfalls could be a great destination.

Best time to visit: October To January

Approx Distance from Chennai: 193 Kms 

14. Kodiveri Waterfalls

If you visit the city of Coimbatore, take some time out to visit the Kodiveri waterfalls. It is just 75 kms away from that city. However, what it does is give you the best view of the Bhavani river. It is a great place if you are looking to unwind and relax.

Best time to visit: July To September 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 451 Kms 

15. Ethipothala Waterfalls

If you are out to visit the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, this is certainly a must-visit place. This beautiful waterfall is remarkable and leads to a lagoon that combines three different streams. It has an APTDC observation deck as well. You can get there to see the crocodile breeding centre.

Best time to visit: July to February

Approx Distance from Chennai: 481 km 

16. Suruli Waterfalls

Located in the Megamalai hills this breathtaking waterfall is one of those situated in the middle of really dense forests. So, if you like the hills, forests and water this is the waterfall to view. The great thing about falls is that it does not disappoint throughout the year.

Best time to visit:  June to October 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 543 Kms

17. Puliyancholai Falls

One of the most scenic spots in Kolli hills, Puliyancholai falls is one of the best looking and accessible waterfalls near Chennai. Rocks, water, a place to picnic, it provides all the required things that give you a sense of refreshment. It has trekking and adventurous activities that you may want to do.

Best time to visit: June to July 

Approx Distance from Chennai: 336 Kms

18. Thalaiyar

40 kms from Kodaikanal, this is a mindblowing waterfall in Tamil Nadu that is visible from a distance. Otherwise known as the Rat Tail Falls is magnificent to look at. Trek to the falls or view it from a distance, either way, you know you are up for a treat if you make your way here.

Best time to visit: October To March

Approx Distance from Chennai: 485 Kms

19. Silver Cascade Falls

This incredible fall is near Kodaikanal, just about 8 kms from the bus station. This is a place that is part of the tour if anyone wants to tour Kodaikanal. If you are a nature lover and do not mind the monkeys, then do visit and have a great time.

Best time to visit: 520 Kms

Approx Distance from Chennai: October to May

20. Vaideki Waterfalls

If you are into adventure and trekking this is must-visit waterfalls near Coimbatore. Look no further if you want to see one of the most stunning and picturesque views of the water. It is a place in the heart of a forest and requires permissions to visit, but worth it all the way.

Best time to visit: September to April

Approx Distance from Chennai: 533 Kms

Being outdoorsy myself, I think waterfalls are one the most fascinating parts of nature. The experience of standing at the base of waterfalls just rejuvenates my soul.

These wonderful waterfalls become attractive tourist destinations for many travelers. I have added the most beautiful waterfalls in the world to my bucket list and will soon try to visit them. Do share your experience and suggest great waterfalls around the world that one must visit!