Catherine Falls - It Is Surrounded By Beautiful Views Of Forest

CATHERINE FALLS

AT

NILGIRIS

Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Kotagiri in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is the second largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and also one of the best waterfalls in Ooty. This water fall has both lower and upper falls. The upper fall is the second highest in the region and is known to take a leap of about 250 feet.

The stunning Catherine Falls is a double-cascaded waterfall located at Aravenu. The River Kallar descends down the rocks as Geddhehaada Halla stream, to form the Catherine Falls. Also known as Geddhehaada Halla by locals, this waterfall is named after Catherine Cocburn, the wife of M.D. Cocburn, who had introduced coffee plantation to the areas of Kotagiri and Yercaud. 

Catherine Falls is surrounded by beautiful views of forest, tea plantations and the Mettupalayam plains. The falls is clearly visible from the top of Dolphin's Nose and this is the only place where you can get to full view of the falls. Though it's not possible to reach the foot of this waterfall, one can go to top of the falls for a truly spectacular view. From a small town called Aravenu on the Kotagiri/Mettupalayam Road, one has to go via Moon Road to reach the falls. About 2-3 km trek is required from the nearest road to reach the falls. The journey to Catherine Falls itself is an unforgettable experience as one has to drive through the pine forests and lush green tea gardens of Nilgiri Hills.

Many trekking lovers trek to this place from Kotagiri & Aravenu as well. Kotagiri is well connected by buses with Ooty & Coonoor. Prior permission has to be taken from the District Forest Officer. Nearest road to Catherine Falls can be reached from Kotagiri by private vehicles.

Apart from the St. Catherine Water Falls, tourists can visit the nearby Uyilatty Falls or Elk Falls, which is around 8 km from Kotagiri. Moreover, Kotagiri is home to the Rangaswamy Peak, which is around 1785 metres high. This biconical peak is a sacred hill among the residents of Nilgiri. It is believed that Lord Rangaswamy, who lived in Karamadai in Coimbatore, came here after a quarrel with his wife.

Best time to visit Catherine Falls is from October to May, right after the monsoons, when the falls is in full flow.