Catherine Falls, Kotagiri - Timings, Swimming, Entry Fee, Best Season to Visit

At a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri, 21 km from Coonoor, and 36 km from Ooty, Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Kotagiri in Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu. It is the second largest waterfalls in Nilgiris and one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore. It is also one of the best Coonoor places to visit.

Cascades down from a height of 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 as part of Coonoor holiday packages. 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 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.

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