Are you looking for a refreshing and scenic getaway in the hills of Tamil Nadu? If yes, then you should not miss Pykara Falls, one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Ooty. Pykara Falls is a stunning cascade of water that flows from the Pykara River, creating a mesmerizing sight and sound. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pykara Falls, including its history, culture, location, activities, and tips. Read on to discover why Pykara Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
History and Culture of Pykara
Pykara is not just a waterfall, but a whole village, a river, and a lake that share the same name. The name Pykara comes from the word “Pai-kara”, which means “the mouth of the river” in the local language. Pykara is also the name of a goddess who is worshipped by the Todas, an Adivasi community that lives near Pykara. The Todas consider Pykara as a sacred place and perform rituals and ceremonies there. Pykara is also a popular spot for film and music lovers, as it has been featured in many movies and songs, such as Roja, Saajan, and Dil Se.
How to Reach Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls is located about 20 km from Ooty, the main town of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. You can reach Pykara Falls by various modes of transport, such as car, bus, taxi, or bike. The road to Pykara Falls is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the hills, forests, and tea plantations.
The timings of Pykara Falls are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 5 per person. There is also a parking fee of Rs. 10 for two-wheelers and Rs. 15 for four-wheelers. You can also find some shops and stalls near the entrance that sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Things to Do and See at Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls is a sight to behold, as it consists of two cascades that fall from a height of about 55 meters and 61 meters, respectively. The water is crystal clear and cold, and the sound is soothing and relaxing. You can enjoy the beauty of Pykara Falls from a distance, as there is a fenced area that prevents visitors from going too close to the waterfall. You can also take some amazing photos and videos of Pykara Falls from different angles and perspectives. Some of the activities and experiences that you can enjoy at Pykara Falls are:
Picnic:
You can have a picnic with your family, friends, or partner at Pykara Falls, as there are some benches and tables available near the waterfall. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy some from the nearby shops. You can also find some monkeys and birds around, but be careful not to feed them or disturb them.
Meditation:
You can meditate at Pykara Falls, as the atmosphere is calm and serene. You can sit on a rock or a bench and listen to the sound of the waterfall, and feel the breeze and the mist on your face. You can also practice some yoga or breathing exercises, and feel the positive energy and vibes of Pykara Falls.
Photography:
You can capture some stunning shots of Pykara Falls, as the waterfall offers a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. You can also experiment with different settings and filters, and create some artistic and creative photos of Pykara Falls. You can also take some selfies and group photos, and share them on your social media platforms.
Places to Visit Near Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls is not the only attraction in Pykara, as there are some other places to visit near Pykara Falls that are worth exploring. Some of these places are:
Pykara Lake:
Pykara Lake is a beautiful and serene lake that is formed by the Pykara Dam. The lake is surrounded by green hills and pine forests, and offers a panoramic view of the landscape. You can enjoy boating on Pykara Lake, as there are different types of boats available, such as speed boats, motor boats, and row boats. The boating charges vary from Rs. 150 to Rs. 750 per person, depending on the type and duration of the boat. The timings of Pykara Lake are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 5 per person.
Pykara Dam:
Pykara Dam is a hydroelectric dam that is built on the Pykara River. The dam is an engineering marvel, as it generates electricity for the nearby areas. The dam also regulates the flow of water to Pykara Lake and Pykara Falls. You can visit Pykara Dam and see the machinery and the turbines that produce electricity. You can also see the water gushing out of the dam and creating a spectacular spray. The timings of Pykara Dam are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Pine Forest:
Pine Forest is a dense and lush forest that is located near Pykara Lake. The forest is home to many pine trees, which give a distinct aroma and appearance to the place. You can walk or drive through the Pine Forest and enjoy the shade and the coolness of the trees. You can also spot some wildlife and birds in the Pine Forest, such as deer, monkeys, peacocks, and parrots. You can also take some photos and videos of the Pine Forest, as it has a unique and enchanting charm.
Best Time to Visit Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls is a year-round destination, as it offers different experiences and views in different seasons. However, the best time to visit Pykara Falls depends on your preferences and expectations, such as crowd, climate, scenery, etc. Here are some factors to consider while choosing the best time to visit Pykara Falls:
Crowd:
Pykara Falls is a popular attraction in Ooty, and attracts many tourists and locals throughout the year. However, the crowd is more during the peak season, which is from April to June and from September to November. If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy some peace and solitude, you can visit Pykara Falls during the off-season, which is from July to August and from December to March.
Climate:
Pykara Falls has a pleasant and moderate climate, as it is located in the hills of Tamil Nadu. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the rainfall is moderate. However, the climate can vary depending on the season and the altitude. The summer season, which is from April to June, is warm and sunny, and the winter season, which is from December to March, is cold and foggy. The monsoon season, which is from July to August, is wet and humid, and the post-monsoon season, which is from September to November, is cool and breezy. If you want to enjoy the best climate and weather, you can visit Pykara Falls during the post-monsoon season, as the waterfall is at its fullest and the landscape is at its greenest.
Scenery:
Pykara Falls has a stunning and scenic scenery, as it is surrounded by hills, forests, and valleys. The scenery can change depending on the season and the time of the day. The summer season, which is from April to June, is bright and colorful, and the winter season, which is from December to March, is misty and mysterious. The monsoon season, which is from July to August, is lush and vibrant, and the post-monsoon season, which is from September to November, is clear and crisp. If you want to enjoy the best scenery and view, you can visit Pykara Falls during the morning or evening, as the sunlight and the shadows create a magical effect on the waterfall.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Pykara Falls
Pykara Falls is a wonderful and memorable destination, but it can also be challenging and risky if you are not prepared and careful. Here are some tips and recommendations for visiting Pykara Falls that can enhance your safety, comfort, and enjoyment:
Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes, as the terrain and the weather can be rough and unpredictable. Avoid wearing sandals, flip-flops, or heels, as they can cause slips and falls. Wear sneakers, boots, or hiking shoes, as they can provide grip and support. Wear layers, jackets, hats, and scarves, as they can protect you from the cold and the sun.
Carry enough water and snacks, as there are no restaurants or cafes near Pykara Falls. You can find some shops and stalls near the entrance, but they may not have a variety of options or quality. Carry some fruits, nuts, biscuits, or sandwiches, as they can provide energy and nutrition. Carry some water bottles, juice boxes, or thermos flasks, as they can keep you hydrated and refreshed.
Avoid littering and polluting, as Pykara Falls is a natural and sacred place. Do not throw any garbage or waste near the waterfall, the lake, or the forest. Use the dustbins and the bins that are provided near the entrance and the parking area. Do not use any plastic or non biodegradable materials, as they can reduce the environmental impact and damage. Do not use any soap, shampoo, or detergent, as they can contaminate the water and harm the aquatic life.
Follow the rules and regulations, as Pykara Falls is a protected and regulated area. Do not cross the fence or the barricade, as they are there for your safety and security. Do not climb or jump on the rocks or the waterfall, as they can be slippery and dangerous. Do not swim or bathe in the water, as it can be cold and deep. Do not feed or tease the animals or the birds, as they can be aggressive and harmful.
Respect the local culture and customs, as Pykara Falls is a sacred and cultural place. Do not disturb or interrupt the Todas or their rituals, as they can be offended and annoyed. Do not touch or damage their temples or their huts, as they can be sacred and valuable. Do not take any photos or videos of them without their permission, as they can be intrusive and disrespectful.
Pykara Falls is a magnificent and marvelous destination that can offer you a refreshing and scenic getaway in the hills of Tamil Nadu. Pykara Falls is not only a waterfall, but also a village, a river, a lake, and a dam that have a rich history and culture. Pykara Falls is also a place where you can enjoy various activities and experiences, such as boating, picnicking, meditating, and photography.
Pykara Falls is also a place where you can visit some other places, such as Pykara Lake, Pykara Dam, and Pine Forest. Pykara Falls is a place that you can visit anytime of the year, as it has a pleasant and moderate climate and a stunning and scenic scenery. Pykara Falls is a place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, as it can give you a memorable and unforgettable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Ooty and plan your trip to Pykara Falls today. And don’t forget to share your feedback or experience with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you. Happy travelling!
