Top 5 Waterfalls to Visit on a Family Vacation to Kodaikanal

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by asoulwindow

Top 5 Waterfalls to Visit on a Family Vacation to Kodaikanal

‘The Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal provides a quiet and intimate setting. Standing amidst sylvan beauty, and situated 120 kilometres northwest of Madurai, Kodai is protected by the great Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Retaining its old-world charm, the place is embodied with stunning views and vibrant waterfalls. As such, Kodai rings a bell with honeymooners, retreaters and families throughout the year.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India
As we snaked up the road to Kodaikanal, the amazing views kept us busy. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

While there are several places to visit in Kodaikanal, some of the biggest attractions here are the gushing waterfalls. Strewn against a backdrop of lush green plains and pastures, further elevated by an earthy scent and a unique sense of prevalent peace, travellers throng to these sites in search of picnic spots and a quick refreshing dip.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India Pine forest
From left to right- My mother, my father and me in Pine forest. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!  Pic by: Mrs. Rita Singh

I visited Kodaikanal with my parents and maternal aunt. The trip is still fresh in our memories. When planning family vacations to this beautiful hill station, here’s a list of the 5 most popular waterfalls to visit.

BEAR SHOLA FALLS, KODAIKANAL:

Lying inside an uninhabited forest reserve, the water from the river Parappar plunges from a tall rock to form the Bear Shola Falls. In its early days, bears used to migrate to this burbling location in search of drinking water, and hence the name. Situated in close proximity (2 kilometres) to the mesmerising Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls comes alive during the monsoons.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Onion Utthapam
Don’t forget to binge eat vegetarian South Indian fare when in Kodaikanal. This is Onion Utthapam with sambhar and coconut chutney. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

PAMBAR FALLS, KODAIKANAL:

Only 3 kilometres away from the Kodaikanal Bus Station, and a quick stroll down a steep forest path, you’ll find the incredible Pambar Falls. The site offers picturesque views all around and is popularly referred to as the ‘Grand Cascade’ – due to the stream that cascades over a series of step-like formations. This is also where the popular Liril advertisement was shot way back in 1985.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India (3)
My mother buying some snacks. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

THALAIYAR FALLS, KODAIKANAL:

Also known as Rat Tail Falls, it derives its name from the fact that it can be spotted as a thin silver line spearing through the great Palani Hills. One the most elevated falls in the country, you can catch a clear glimpse of it from the Dum Dum Rock Viewpoint. Trekking to the top of the falls, though immensely rewarding, requires time and effort.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India (2)
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

SILVER CASCADE FALLS , KODAIKANAL:

You can spot these falls 8 kilometres before you reach Kodaikanal. Trapped amidst a green blanket, and serving as the perfect ‘selfie spot’, the sparkling clean water of these falls summons its name.

Cascade falls. Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India
Cascade Falls. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India. Pic by: Pixabay

The immensely popular Kodaikanal Lake creates the Silver Cascade Falls, when the overflowing water from the lake plunges onto a rocky formation.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India (4)
My maternal aunt enjoying the misty valleys. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

FAIRY FALLS, KODAIKANAL:

About 5 kilometres away from Kodai Lake, and after a short trek through the wilderness, you’ll see the misty Fairy Falls. These seasonal falls are caused due to overflowing reservoir water from the Kodaikanal Municipal Reservoir. It also acts as the source of the Pambar River and falls. A popular picnic spot for families, Fairy Falls is also quite popular for swimming.

Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Monkey
Beware of monkeys though! Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

WHERE TO STAY IN KODAIKANAL?

You can spend many days sightseeing in Kodaikanal, and the check-list above only enhances the entire excursion and experience for you and your family.

Cascades falls, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, Incredible India
Cascade Falls. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India. Pic by: Club Mahindra

However, when looking at a list of Kodaikanal Resorts , you should definitely check out the Club Mahindra Kodaikanal Resorts namely Club Mahindra Kodaikanal and Le Poshe, Kodaikanal.

Set amidst verdant greenery and mountains, the resort offers an endearing stay along with a host of fun-filled holiday activities. Embrace the natural beauty of Kodaikanal with Club Mahindra. For further affirmation, you can look up the Club Mahindra reviews section on their website.

Exotic fruits. Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India
When in Kodaikanal, do not forget to sample exotic fruits. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

The view from my #SoulWindow is misty!

Adventure Guna caves. Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India
I walked through this misty forest en route to view pillar rock. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

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Tourist package. Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu. Incredible India
This is what tour operates will hand you out as soon as you arrive in the hill, station. Tourist packages. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. Incredible India!

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2 thoughts on “Top 5 Waterfalls to Visit on a Family Vacation to Kodaikanal”

  1. Pingback: TAGORE HILL, PAHADI MANDIR AND OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO IN OFFBEAT RANCHI, JHARKHAND! | A Soul Window - Top Travel Blog from India!

  2. Thanks for the post. But no photo of a single waterfall? Sorry to bother but I was waiting for some pics of the waterfall too…Can u please add them? Amazing write-up though 👍

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