Catherine Falls, Ooty

The scenic beauty of Catherine Falls is the ideal summer getaway for tourists looking for a peaceful rejuvenation in nature’s lap. The fall, all engulfed by extensive and verdant tea plantations, is a sight-to-behold. With the lullaby of soothing mountain air at the background of the Nilgiris and seated within pure, unspoiled natural bounty, the picturesque Catherine Falls is definitely worth your visit. A hidden gem though not much reckoned is the perfect place to relax and unwind.  

Catherine Falls bear a resemblance to a thin stream of water plummeting from an elevation of 250 feet. What makes the fall more breathtaking is due to its magnificent pool formation at the base.  The hiking trails in the middle of the Shola forest attract adventure-seekers and trekkers throughout the year. You can climb up to the Dolphin’s Nose, a vantage point to soak in the splendid view of the double-cascaded waterfall rushing down the undulating slope.

You can visit this waterfall for a day’s outing, pack a picnic basket, and take delight in some old- fashioned fun. If you have a penchant for photography, Catherine Falls has awesome scenic views to take pictures and capture some of the spectacular views. Visit Catherine falls if you want to break the humdrum of daily life, want some fresh air, and love to hear the sound of gushing water hitting the ground.

The best time to visit Catherine Falls is post monsoons, from October until May when the fall is in full flow. That is because most of the streams in South India, including those of Tamil Nadu, are non-perennial, thus heavily dependent on the monsoons of India. Avoid the monsoon months because of heavy downpours, rendering the fall and its surrounding areas unsafe due to inclement weather. 

Avoid visiting Catherine Falls in the month of March-April when the heat is oppressive and the place experiences little to no rainfall. The fall will eventually dry out with the water level reduced.

- Location: Mettupalayam Road, 8 km from Kotagiri, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, 643217, India

- Timings: The visiting time is from 6 am to 6 pm Monday to Sunday.

- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to see Catherine Falls.

- Height: The fall flows in double steps from an elevation of 250 feet. 

Places to Eat near Catherine Falls

1. Silvertip Café- 

Places to Stay near Catherine Falls

1. De Rock- 

Travelers' Tips for visiting Catherine Falls

1. When planning to visit Catherine Falls, avoid the summers because the waterfall dries due to the oppressive heat. Monsoon isn’t the best time because the roads are not safe and inconvenient due to the rain.