Catherine falls is a famous tourist spot in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The falls is regarded as the second highest in the Nilgiri Mountain Range. The stunning scenic view is its main attraction. It is less known and less crowded. Catherine falls is ideal for the peace and tranquillity lovers.
Location of Catherine Falls
It is located in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. It is situated in Kotagiri on the Mettupalayam road that diverges at Aravenu. The distance between Kotagiri and the waterfall is about 8 kms.
Etymology of Catherine Falls
The waterfall has been named after the wife of M.D. Cockburn. She is said to have started the coffee plantation to Kotagiri. Catherine falls is also known by the name Geddhehaada Halla which means `Foothills Dale River.`
Beauty of Catherine Falls
It is a double cascaded waterfall. The upper fall descending to the ground provides lucidity to the vision. In the south western side the invisible Mettupalyam road located ahead of the mountains are crossed by the waters of the upper stream of the Kallar River. The height of the Catherine falls is almost 250 ft.
Tourists can get a complete view of the waterfall from the top of Dolphin`s Nose. Tourists can also take a road to the top of the falls. The road winds between the tea estates and the pine trees through the Nilgiri Mountain Range. The drive offers stunning view of the scenic beauty. A closer view of the falls can also be experienced from the Kotagiri side. Tourists can also enjoy trekking in the mountains here. Apart from the St. Catherine Water Falls, tourists can visit the nearby Uyilatty Falls. It is almost 8 km from Kotagiri.
Other Attractions of Catherine Falls
The other tourist attractions of Catherine falls include Dolphin"s Nose, Longwood Shola forests, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, Heritage Train, Kodanad View Point, John Sullivan Memorial, Hidden Valley and Kotagiri.
Dolphin"s Nose is nestled at a distance of 12 Kilometres from Coonoor.
It was named after a rock that resembled a dolphin"s nose in appearance. Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar is situated at a distance of 20 kilometres from Kotagiri. Kodanad View Point is positioned at a distance of 18 kilometres from Kotagiri. The locals also call the view point as "Terminus Country".
