Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life and want to escape to a serene and scenic place? Do you love nature and adventure and want to explore a hidden gem of Tamil Nadu? If yes, then you should definitely visit Monkey Falls, a natural waterfall located near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India.
Monkey Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in the region, attracting thousands of tourists and locals every year. It is situated at the foothills of the Anamalai Hills, also known as the Elephant Hills, in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The waterfall is fed by the Aliyar River, which originates from the hills and flows through the sanctuary.
The waterfall is named after the monkeys that inhabit the area, and you can spot them playing and jumping around the rocks and trees. The waterfall has a height of about 60 feet and a width of about 40 feet, and it forms a natural pool at the bottom, where you can take a dip and enjoy the cool and clear water. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and mountains, creating a picturesque and peaceful atmosphere.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Monkey Falls, such as how to reach, best time to visit, trekking options, places to visit nearby, and tips for visiting. We will also share some interesting facts and stories about the waterfall that will make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. So, let’s get started!
How to Reach Monkey Falls
Monkey Falls is located about 65 km from Coimbatore, 27 km from Pollachi, 6 km from Aliyar, and 29 km from Valparai. You can reach the waterfall by various modes of transportation, such as:
By Road:
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Monkey Falls is by road, as the waterfall is well-connected by highways and roads. You can either take your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a bus from Coimbatore, Pollachi, Aliyar, or Valparai.
The road trip to the waterfall is scenic and enjoyable, as you will pass through the Anamalai Hills and the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see various flora and fauna. The road condition is good and smooth, except for some curves and bends. The parking fee for vehicles is INR 20 for two-wheelers, INR 50 for four-wheelers, and INR 150 for buses.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Monkey Falls is Coimbatore Junction, which is well-connected by trains from various parts of the country. From the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the waterfall, which will take about 2 hours and cost you around INR 500 for a taxi and INR 50 for a bus.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Monkey Falls is Coimbatore International Airport, which is connected by flights from various domestic and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the waterfall, which will take about 2.5 hours and cost you around INR 1000 for a taxi and INR 100 for a bus.
Best Time to Visit Monkey Falls
The best time to visit Monkey Falls is during the monsoon and winter seasons, from June to February, when the weather is pleasant and the water flow is abundant. The waterfall looks spectacular and majestic during these seasons, and you can enjoy the refreshing and rejuvenating experience of bathing in the pool. The average temperature during these seasons ranges from 20°C to 30°C, and the rainfall is moderate to heavy.
However, you can also visit Monkey Falls during the summer season, from March to May, when the weather is hot and dry, and the water flow is low. The waterfall looks calm and serene during this season, and you can enjoy the relaxing and soothing experience of sitting on the rocks and listening to the sound of the water. The average temperature during this season ranges from 25°C to 35°C, and the rainfall is scarce.
Trekking at Monkey Falls
One of the most exciting and adventurous activities that you can do at Monkey Falls is trekking. The waterfall offers various trekking options and routes, depending on your preference and skill level. You can either trek to the top of the waterfall, or trek along the river, or trek through the forest. The trekking routes are:
To the top of the waterfall:
This is the most popular and challenging trekking option, as you will have to climb up the steep and slippery rocks and boulders, with the help of ropes and guides. The trekking distance is about 1 km, and the duration is about 30 minutes. The difficulty level is moderate to high, and you will need to have good physical fitness and stamina. The reward for this trek is the stunning view of the waterfall and the valley from the top, and the thrill of standing at the edge of the cliff.
Along the river:
This is the easiest and most relaxing trekking option, as you will have to walk along the river bank, with the water flowing beside you. The trekking distance is about 2 km, and the duration is about 45 minutes. The difficulty level is low to moderate, and you will need to have basic physical fitness and endurance. The reward for this trek is the scenic and peaceful view of the river and the forest, and the fun of crossing the bridges and streams.
Through the forest:
This is the most adventurous and rewarding trekking option, as you will have to walk through the dense and green forest, with the chance of spotting various wildlife and birds. The trekking distance is about 3 km, and the duration is about 60 minutes. The difficulty level is moderate to high, and you will need to have good physical fitness and courage. The reward for this trek is the amazing and diverse view of the forest and the hills, and the thrill of encountering the monkeys and other animals.
The entry fee for trekking is INR 20 per person, and the timings are from 8 am to 6 pm. You will also need to get a permit from the forest department, which is located near the entrance of the waterfall. You can also hire a guide or a porter for trekking, who will charge you around INR 100 to INR 200 per person.
Some tips and precautions for trekking are:
1. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as the terrain is rough and uneven.
2. Carry enough water and snacks, as there are no shops or stalls near the waterfall.
3. Carry a first-aid kit and a flashlight, as there are no medical facilities or lighting near the waterfall.
4. Avoid trekking during the rainy season, as the rocks and paths become slippery and dangerous.
5. Do not litter or damage the environment, as the waterfall is part of a wildlife sanctuary.
6. Do not feed or tease the monkeys, as they can be aggressive and harmful.
Places to Visit Near Monkey Falls
If you want to extend your trip and explore some more places near Monkey Falls, then you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the nearby attractions that you can visit are:
Arivu Thirukoil:
This is a spiritual and cultural center, located about 4 km from Monkey Falls. It is dedicated to Sri Dhyana Ganapathy, the god of wisdom and meditation. It also houses a museum, a library, a herbal garden, and a meditation hall. The entry fee is INR 10 per person, and the timings are from 9 am to 6 pm.
Aliyar Dam Reservoir Park:
This is a recreational and scenic park, located about 6 km from Monkey Falls. It is situated at the foot of the Aliyar Dam, which is a major source of irrigation and hydroelectricity in the region. The park has a large lake, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. It also has a garden, a playground, an aquarium, and a mini theme park. The entry fee is INR 30 per person, and the timings are from 9 am to 6 pm.
Valparai:
This is a hill station and a tea plantation town, located about 29 km from Monkey Falls. It is situated at an altitude of about 3500 feet above sea level, and it offers a panoramic view of the Anamalai Hills and the Western Ghats. It is famous for its tea estates, waterfalls, dams, and wildlife. Some of the places to visit in Valparai are Balaji Temple, Sholayar Dam, Nallamudi Viewpoint, Loam’s View Point and Chinnakallar Falls. The entry fee and timings vary for each place, and you can check them online or at the spot.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve:
This is a wildlife sanctuary and a national park, located about 40 km from Monkey Falls. It is spread over an area of about 958 km², and it is home to various endangered and endemic species of animals, birds, and plants. Some of the animals that you can see here are tigers, elephants, leopards, bears, gaurs, sambars, langurs, and hornbills. The entry fee is INR 50 per person, and the timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.
Tips for Visiting Monkey Falls
To make your visit to Monkey Falls more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and advice that you should follow:
The safety precautions:
Monkey Falls is a natural waterfall, and it can be dangerous and unpredictable. You should be careful and cautious while bathing in the pool, climbing the rocks, or trekking the trails. You should not go near the edge of the waterfall, as it can be slippery and steep. You should not swim in the deep or fast-flowing water, as it can be strong and turbulent. You should not jump or dive into the water, as it can be shallow and rocky. You should always follow the instructions and warnings of the guides and the authorities, and avoid any risky or illegal activities.
The facilities available:
Monkey Falls is a remote and rustic place, and it does not have many facilities or amenities. You should not expect any luxury or comfort here, and be prepared to adjust and adapt. You should carry your own food and water, as there are no restaurants or shops near the waterfall. You should carry your own toiletries and towels, as there are no restrooms or changing rooms near the waterfall. You should carry your own garbage bags and dispose of your waste properly, as there are no dustbins or cleaners near the waterfall.
The activities to do:
Monkey Falls is a fun and exciting place, and it offers many activities and experiences that you can enjoy. You can bathe in the pool and feel the refreshing and rejuvenating effect of the water. You can trek to the top of the waterfall and enjoy the stunning and majestic view of the waterfall and the valley. You can trek along the river or through the forest and enjoy the scenic and peaceful view of the river and the forest. You can spot the monkeys and other wildlife and enjoy the thrill and adventure of encountering them. You can also visit the nearby attractions and explore the culture and nature of the region.
Monkey Falls is a hidden gem of nature near Coimbatore, and it is a perfect destination for a refreshing and adventurous getaway. It is a beautiful and popular waterfall, surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. It offers various trekking options and routes, depending on your preference and skill level. It is also close to many other attractions, such as Arivu Thirukoil, Aliyar Dam Reservoir Park, Valparai, and Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
If you are planning to visit Monkey Falls, then you should follow this guide and know everything you need to know about the waterfall, such as how to reach, best time to visit, trekking options, places to visit nearby, and tips for visiting. You should also know some interesting facts and stories about the waterfall, such as its origin, legends, or festivals.
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