FIVE MUST VISIT WATERFALLS NEAR CHENNAI
1. TADA FALLS:
Tada falls near Chennai is also called as Ubbalamdugu Falls is in Tada sub-division, Nellore on the border of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh.
How to reach from Chennai ?
By Bus:
From Koyambedu Bus Stand, take SETC bus number 114 heading to Nellore, Tirupathi, or Srikalahasti (e.g., APSTRC bus). The fare is approximately 65-80 rupees per person. Disembark at Varadaiahpalem village, the last human settlement before Tada Falls. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
By Train:
Take a train from Chennai Central Railway Station to Tada Railway Station (trains available every 2 hours). From Tada Railway Station, it's a 26 km distance to Tada Falls. Board a bus to Varadaiahpalem village from there.
By own/rented vehicle:
Choose a vehicle with high ground clearance, preferably an SUV, as the road from Varadaiahpalem village to Tada Falls (12 km stretch) is rough and uneven, with muddy tracks.
Best Time to Visit: August - January
Timings: 8AM - 4PM
Note:
- Not recommended for elders, children, or those unable to trek strenuously.
- Start the trek early for a safe return; the return journey takes around 3 hours.
- Carry sufficient water, snacks, and first aid, as no shops are available on the trekking route.
- Consider hiring a local guide from Varadaiahpalem village.
- Beware of monkeys; carry food in a closed bag.
- Restrooms available only near the parking area, not along the trek.
- Bring some cash with you.
2. KAILASAKONA FALLS:
This waterfall is near Chittoor, on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. Besides the falls, there is a Shiva Linga within a cave in the hills at this location. The water flow is consistent throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the monsoon season.
As you approach the falls, you'll find several roadside hotels offering authentic Rayalaseema foods, with Ragi and Country Chicken gravy being among the best dishes. Budget-friendly stays, including OYO options and rest areas maintained by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, are available near the falls.
There is a parking facility with an entry fee of about 10 rupees. It takes 5 minutes to reach the falls from the main gate, and there are steps for trekking, making it accessible for families and children. Weekdays are preferable to weekends to avoid crowds. The water is fresh with medicinal values, but entry may be restricted during the rainy season.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5qrzABWxxirBoveq7
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5qrzABWxxirBoveq7
How to reach from Chennai ?
By Bus: Chennai to Tiruapthi or Chennai to Puttur and need to get off at Kalisakona road stop to reach.
By Train: Chennai to Puttur and reach Puttur bus stop for direct buses and other alternatives.
3. TALAKONA WATERFALLS:
Talakona is located in the Tirupati District of Andhra Pradesh and is the tallest waterfall in the state, measuring 270 ft in height. It is advisable to start your visit in the morning to enjoy the pure bliss of fresh air and clouds passing through the mountains en route to the falls. The route offers transparent freshwater and a chance for a free fish pedicure.
There are well-maintained steps and paths courtesy of AP Eco Tourism, but be cautious of monkeys in the area. Restaurants and hotels are only available near the Shivan Temple, approximately 4-5 km away from the falls check post. You can either finish your breakfast there before heading to the falls or have lunch after the trek.
No shops or hotels are present near the falls. The main waterfall at the top provides a powerful and relaxing experience. There are also small falls and natural pond formations where jumping is advisable only if you know how to swim, as the ponds can be quite deep. It's recommended to wear slippers, especially in the main falls area where the standing surface can be slippery. Also they will charge 100rs-200rs for DSLR.
Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/veUTM2m2bxztRMBG9
Best Time to Visit : SEP - JAN
Timings: 6 AM - 7:30 PM
Aare Waterfalls in Nagalapuram, around 100 km from Chennai, can be reached by taking a right turn to Pichathur once you reach Nagalapuram. Pichathur has many shops where you can buy food and other necessary items as there are no shops near the falls. If you head straight towards Picathur Lake, you will reach Aare Falls. The small offroading experience via Pichathur offers a pleasant, greenery-filled journey.
It's advisable to carry cash as you might need to pay at the check post for visiting and parking. Near the parking area, you can find a tender coconut shop where safety jackets are also available. The trek to reach the main falls takes around 45 minutes, and along the way, you might encounter small ponds for refreshing. In the middle of your trek, you'll find a board for Temple Falls, where there's a small Shiva temple and a small falls area suitable for having food without any monkey problems.
The pond at the main falls is quite deep, so safety jackets are advisable for non-swimmers. There are no restrooms in the falls area, so women, please make necessary arrangements. The charges are 50 INR per person, 50 INR per bike, and 200 INR for car parking. The falls have water flowing throughout the year, with increased flow during the monsoons. They also charge 500 INR for DSLRs. Better to prefer own vehicle.
Timings: 8 AM to 3 PM
5. Moola Kona Waterfalls:
Located 120 km away from Chennai, these falls can be reached by following the Google Maps route that leads straight to the falls. The last 5 km involves off-roading, so it's advisable to plan accordingly. Public transport is not available to the falls. At the check post, there's a fee of 20 INR for two-wheelers and 50 INR for four-wheelers.
Be cautious with your belongings, as monkeys may attempt to take them. The trek to the falls is minimal. Initially, you'll encounter a pond with a small temple, providing clean and fresh running water for a bath. There's also an opportunity for a free fish pedicure here. The main falls have water during the rainy season in Andhra Pradesh.
However, there's a pond at the foot of the main falls with fresh water, similar to what you find at the starting point. The water for the falls comes from various small streams in the mountains, providing an enjoyable experience.
On the way to the falls, you might come across Hyderabadi Biryani hotels, offering a unique experience of enjoying biryani inside a forest with friends. Many ponds are scattered around, providing the option to savor biryani while placing your legs in a pond, creating a delightful experience where you'll be enjoying your meal while fish swim around.
Timings: 8AM to 5 PM
- The aforementioned waterfalls are inhabited by numerous monkeys, so take precautions to safeguard your belongings and food.
- Do not offer food items to the monkeys.
- Avoid littering plastics and waste in the forest.
- Women should make their own arrangements for changing clothes, as many of the falls lack proper restroom facilities.
- Do not carry any alcohol with you, as there are checkposts at each of the mentioned falls.
- These falls are among the safest, requiring minimal trekking, and are well-organized and maintained by the government, ensuring the safety of your vehicles.
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