Theerthaparai Falls Trail

Grade

Easy

Distance

6 km there and back

Walking time

3 hours

Altitude

425 m

Best months

Oct – May

Start point

Thalayanai Forest Camp

District

Tenkasi

Nearest station

Sankarankovil, ~26 km

Nearest airport

Madurai or Thoothukudi, ~120 km each

About this trail

Theerthaparai is a little-known waterfall on the lower slopes of the Western Ghats in Tenkasi district. The trail starts at the Thalayanai forest camp and runs through deciduous forest and over rustic paths to the base of the falls, which drop from a good height into a quiet, wooded pool well away from the crowds of Courtallam.

The round trip is 6 km and takes about three hours, so it suits beginners, families and school groups. Birdlife is good on the way. The rocks near the water are slippery, and bathing is not allowed in unsafe areas, so stay with the guide near the falls.

Highlights

• Tall Theerthaparai waterfall
• Quiet, uncrowded location
• Deciduous forest walk
• Easy for beginners and families
• Good birdlife

How the day goes

1. ReportingArrive at Thalayanai forest camp.
2. BriefingMeet the guide and register.
3. Forest walkWalk through deciduous forest towards the falls.
4. FallsRest near the falls from a safe area.
5. ReturnWalk back to the camp.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Sankarankovil, ~26 km
• By air: Madurai or Thoothukudi, ~120 km each
• Stay: Not included; hotels in Tenkasi or Vasudevanallur.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Water bottle
• Shoes with good grip
• Spare clothes
• Snacks

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Tenkasi