Thalaiyar falls is one of the beautiful tourist destinations located in Devadanapatti of Theni District in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The waterfall is also known as `Rat Tail falls`. The fall is almost 975 ft in height and has been listed as the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu. In India it is the third highest waterfall and the 267th highest in the world. It is located in the Palni Hills.
Tourism in Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar falls attracts tourists from varied places of the country. The waterfall can be visited during a trip to Kodaikanal. The astounding view of the Thalaiyar falls can be enjoyed from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint located on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road. From a distant place across the valley, the falls seems like a long thin white strip of cascading water. The waterfall is located at the backdrop of black rock cliff projecting out of the foothills. A view tower has been built in a small park nearby that provides a view of the falls. It is believed by the devotees that Lord Muruga used to visit the Rock on his entourage to Palni. The local people here observe many rituals and regularly offer prayers in this rock. A drum noise is created while prayers hence the name `Dum Dum Rock` has been given.
Thalaiyar falls consists of a solid wall on both sides of the edge of a peak. This helps in concentrating the flow of water thus forming a better rat tail shape. Tourists can reach the fall by walking along the wall. One can walk along the wall and go near the centre of the Thalaiyar falls. Just beneath one wall is a huge flat rock about 5 feet (1.5 m) wide.
Trek to Thalaiyar Falls
Trekking can also be done here during the dry season beginning at the Manjalar Dam. While trekking, one passes through Mango orchards and potato fields around the Manjalar Reservoir. This leads to the stream near which, there is a small temple. Tourists can move downward to the edge of the rock. Looking downwards one can see a small river at the foot. The river that reaches the fall travels almost 9 km downstream from Perumal Malai village. The complete hike there and back covers about 15 kilometers. It takes a full day.
Visiting Information to Thalaiyar Falls
The most favorable time to visit the falls is during the dry season. Kodaikanal Road Railway Station and Madurai International Airport are the nearest to reach Devadanapatti.
