Monsoon is the best time to witness waterfalls in all their glory. The rains transform these water bodies into breathtaking spectacles. A massive waterfall, frothing and bubbling, invites the child in all of us. To top that, Indian monsoons and waterfalls are a love affair one simply cannot afford to miss. So, if you’re seeking a memorable weekend getaway during this rainy season, look no further than Pykara Falls, a hidden gem nestled amidst the lush forests of Tamil Nadu.
Located about 20 kilometers from the beautiful hill station of Ooty, Pykara Falls offers a stunning retreat into nature. Set against a backdrop of dense greenery and hills, it features not one but a series of cascading waterfalls. Whether you love spending time amidst nature or are simply looking for a quick escape from your daily hustle, Pykara Falls promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we explore this splendid monsoon waterfalls and the must visit places around it.
The monsoons are here and typically, a lot of us are looking for a weekend getaway. The Pykara Falls in Ooty is a perfect destination for such a vacation. The Pykara River that begins at Mukurthi Peak and flows through Tamil Nadu, meanders past several dams such as the Pykara and Glenmorgan, before showcasing its most stunning highlights: the Pykara Falls. These majestic falls cascade 55 meters and 61 meters high. To make things more stunning, this waterfall is surrounded by forests, meadows and vibrant wildlife. You can spend an entire day admiring this beautiful sight.
In fact, Pykara Falls is popular as a charming picnic spot too, complete with a boat house and restaurant. It is a place, where in addition to the waterfalls, one can also get a chance to view the Todas, a local indigenous community, in their natural habitat. The Todas consider the Pykara area sacred.
For those willing to venture a bit further for breathtaking views, Catherine Falls is an ideal getaway. Named after Catherine Cockburn, the wife of the man who introduced coffee plantations to Kotagiri, Catherine Falls is a perfect holiday spot for families to unwind. This is a double cascaded waterfall, where the upper one falls to the ground while the second fall is considered one of the highest waterfalls in the Nilgiris. In fact, this waterfall cascades from a height of 250 feet!
Another equally attractive attraction near Catherine Falls is the Rallia Dam. This spot offers nature enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The area surrounding the dam is home to a diverse range of animals, including the bison and the Malabar Squirrel. If you’re passionate about wildlife and eager to see the gentle but huge bisons roam freely in the forest, Rallia Dam is a must-visit for you.
When you’re in Ooty, you cannot miss out on a visit to Sim’s Park. This charming park is spread across an area of 12 hectares and is home to over 1,000 species of colorful flowers and plants. This park is named after the British Officer JD Sims.
Although the park was started as a resort for visitors, it was converted into a garden in the year 1874. It has since become a popular place for tourists to learn more about different plant species.
If you are looking for a fun and educational family outing, a visit to the Government Botanical Garden is a must. This beautiful garden was established by William Graham McIvor. Covering approximately 22 hectares, the garden is divided into several sections and features over a thousand species of plants. These include exotic and indigenous varieties, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal plants and even bonsai. Further, the humungous area comprises of lawns with flowering plants, ponds with lilies, Italian-style flowers and fern beds. It’s the best spot for both relaxation and learning about nature conservation.
As a bonus, you’ll find something extremely fascinating in the heart of the gardens—a fossilised tree trunk estimated to be 20 million years old!
So, whether you’re up for an adventure or simply looking to unwind in a calm, naturally glorious setting, Pykara Falls is an ideal destination. A combination of scenic charm and natural splendor, Pykara Falls and its amazing neighbourhood is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Tamil Nadu.
Pykara Falls is situated about 20 kilometers from Ooty, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
You can reach Pykara Falls by car or taxi from Ooty. The journey is scenic and takes approximately 30 minutes.
There are several accommodation options near Pykara Falls, including hotels and resorts in Ooty.
Yes, you can visit Rallia Dam, Sims Park and the Government Botanical Garden after visiting Pykara Falls.
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