...

Thalaiyar Falls

Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls, is a majestic natural wonder located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul district. It stands as the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu and ranks among the top ten highest in India. The name "Rat Tail" comes from its appearance; from a distance, the narrow, si lver streak of water against the black rock cliff resembles a long tail. The falls drop from a height of 975 Feet (297 meters) in a single plunge. It is a horsetail-type waterfall that originates from the Perumal Malai village area. Because there is no direct road to the base, it remains one of the most untouched and pristine spots in the region. Most tourists view it from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal road. For the brave, a full-day trek through mango orchards and rocky riverbeds leads to the bottom. The falls are surrounded by dense shola forests which are home to diverse wildlife. The water eventually flows into the Manjalar Dam. Due to the steep cliffs, the area is considered dangerous, and visitors are advised to stay within designated viewing zones. The sight of the white water crashing against the dark, ancient rocks is a powerful display of nature's force. It is a must-visit for anyone traveling toward Kodaikanal from Dindigul.

General information

  • ...
    Ideal Duration:
    2 to 3 Hours
  • ...
    Place Type:
    Waterfall / Adventure
  • ...
    Entry Fees:
    Free Entry: Viewing from the roadside is completely free.

    Trekking Guide: If hiring a local guide for the base trek, expect to pay 500 INR to 1000 INR.

    Camera Fee: Generally no fee, unless for professional ...
    Free Entry: Viewing from the roadside is completely free.

    Trekking Guide: If hiring a local guide for the base trek, expect to pay 500 INR to 1000 INR.

    Camera Fee: Generally no fee, unless for professional filmmaking.
  • ...
    Timing:
    Viewpoint (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) Best visibility is during broad daylight.

    Closed on Sundays: The trekking route is often restricted on Sundays for maintenance.

    Ideal Visit: Morning 11:00 AM when the sun hits the water. ...
    Viewpoint (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) Best visibility is during broad daylight.

    Closed on Sundays: The trekking route is often restricted on Sundays for maintenance.

    Ideal Visit: Morning 11:00 AM when the sun hits the water.
  • ...
    Special Events:
    Monsoon Spectacle: During October and November, the falls are at their maximum volume, creating a thunderous sound and a much wider "tail" that is celebrated by nature lovers.

    Kamakshi Amman Festival: Local villagers perform special pujas a...
    Monsoon Spectacle: During October and November, the falls are at their maximum volume, creating a thunderous sound and a much wider "tail" that is celebrated by nature lovers.

    Kamakshi Amman Festival: Local villagers perform special pujas at the base shrine during the Tamil month of Aadi.
  • ...
    Best Photo Spots:
    Dum Dum Rock Viewpoint: The iconic spot to capture the entire vertical span of the waterfall.

    Manjalar Dam Banks: Provides a wide-angle shot of the reservoir with the hills in the background.

    The Forest Trail:<...
    Dum Dum Rock Viewpoint: The iconic spot to capture the entire vertical span of the waterfall.

    Manjalar Dam Banks: Provides a wide-angle shot of the reservoir with the hills in the background.

    The Forest Trail: Offers macro photography opportunities of rare ferns and mosses during the trek.

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    View from Dum Dum Rock: Witness the full length of the falls from the safe roadside viewpoint.

    Trek to the Base: A 15 KM round-trip hike starting from Manjalar Dam for seasoned adventurers.

    Photography: Capture the contrast of the white water against the dark mountains.

    Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple: A small shrine at the foothills dedicated to the local deity.

    Explore Mango Orchards: Walk through the lush plantations near the trekking start point.

    Picnic at Manjalar Dam: Enjoy a quiet lunch with the reservoir in the background.

    Nature Observation: Spot vultures and eagles that often circle the high cliffs.

    Visit Perumal Malai: Ex...

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...
    Why Famous:
    Record-Breaking Height: It is famous for being the Highest Waterfall in the state of Tamil Nadu.

    Unique Shape: The Rat Tail appearance is a geographic marvel visible from kilometers away.

    Trekking Challenge:
    Record-Breaking Height: It is famous for being the Highest Waterfall in the state of Tamil Nadu.

    Unique Shape: The Rat Tail appearance is a geographic marvel visible from kilometers away.

    Trekking Challenge: Known among hikers as one of the most Challenging Treks in South India.

    Mythology: Legend says the Goddess Kamakshi was born at the foot of these falls in a bamboo bush.
  • ...
    Architecture:
    Natural Rock Formations: The "architecture" of the falls is entirely natural, featuring a massive Black Rock Cliff face.

    Dimension: The vertical drop is 297 Meters. At the very top, there is a low Concrete Wall built by the forest departme...
    Natural Rock Formations: The "architecture" of the falls is entirely natural, featuring a massive Black Rock Cliff face.

    Dimension: The vertical drop is 297 Meters. At the very top, there is a low Concrete Wall built by the forest department to channel the water and prevent accidents.

    The Basin: At the bottom, there is a large pool measuring roughly 30 by 60 Meters. The viewing platform at Dum Dum Rock is a simple paved area with stone benches designed to withstand heavy monsoon winds and provide a safe vantage point for hundreds of tourists daily.
  • ...
    How To Reach:
    By Air: Madurai Airport (80 KM).

    By Train: Dindigul Junction (40 KM).

    By Road: Take any bus going from Dindigul to Kodaikanal and get down at the viewpoint.

    By Local Transport:...
  • ...
    Near Tourist Places:
    Kodaikanal (22 KM), Manjalar Dam (3 KM), Silver Cascade (18 KM), Bryant Park (21 KM), Pillar Rocks (28 KM), Coakers Walk (20 KM), Kumbakarai Falls (15 KM), Palani Temple (60 KM), Dindigul Fort (42 KM), Guna Caves (29 KM).

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Health & Safety: Do not attempt the trek without a guide; it is steep and slippery.

    Packing: Carry plenty of water and salt (to ward off leeches during treks).

    Accommodation: Stay in Kodaikanal or Dindigul...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

Near Places
...
A. Vellodu Dam

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Abirami Amman Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Anjaneyar Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Ayyanar Falls

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Begambur Big Mosque

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Dindigul Rock Fort

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kamarajar Sagar Lake & Dam

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kuttupatti Falls

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Maavutharu Lake Dam

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Manjalar Dam

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities