Jalagamparai Falls Trail

Grade

Moderate

Distance

8 km there and back

Walking time

5 hours

Altitude

927 m

Best months

Oct – May

Start point

Kottur Rest House, Yelagiri Hills

District

Tirupattur

Nearest station

Jolarpettai, ~25 km

Nearest airport

Salem, ~125 km

About this trail

The trail begins near the Kottur rest house on the Yelagiri plateau and follows a stream downhill to Jalagamparai Falls. On the way you pass dry forest, rocky sections and a few stream crossings, and the birdlife is good, especially in the early hours. The falls are at their fullest in the months after the monsoon.

The route is 8 km in all and takes about five hours. Going down is easy, but the climb back needs steady legs, which is why it is rated moderate. Bathing is not allowed where the rocks are unsafe, so follow the guide.

Highlights

• Stream-side route down to Jalagamparai Falls
• Good birding in the early morning
• Stream crossings on rocky ground
• Climb back to the plateau keeps it interesting
• Easy to add to a Yelagiri weekend

How the day goes

1. ReportingArrive at the Kottur rest house and register.
2. BriefingThe guide explains the route and water safety.
3. DownhillFollow the stream down through forest and rocks.
4. FallsRest at the falls in the safe zone and have a snack.
5. Climb backWalk back up to the rest house at an easy pace.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Jolarpettai, ~25 km
• By air: Salem, ~125 km
• Stay: Not included; hotels in Yelagiri or Tirupattur.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• 2 litres of water
• Shoes with good grip
• Spare socks
• Light snacks
• Cap

Good to know

These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.

More trails in Tirupattur