Suruli Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and one of the major tourist attractions of Theni as well. It is a perfect destination to get up close and personal with the nature and cool off in its pristine waters.
Read More on Suruli Falls
Legend of Suruli Falls
Mention of Suruli Falls can be found in ancient Tamil epic by Ilango Adigal, called Silappathikaram. This goes on to show how old and aged the waterfalls are. The water of Suruli River is said to have medicinal properties and can cure diseases, which is even more why tourists flock here to take a dip of the healing water.
Best Time to Visit Suruli Falls
Unlike most places, the best time to visit Suruli Falls is during the monsoon. From June to October, the whole of India experiences the southwest monsoon, and throughout this period, the falls area is flooded with both crowds of tourists and raging streams of water. The monsoon rain is what feeds most of the rivers of South India, as they are non-perennial. And thus during this season, all of them, including Suruli Falls, is at their prettiest. The Summer Festival conducted by Tamil Nadu Tourism Department is held at Suruli Falls as well. If you want to attend that, plan your trip corresponding to the dates of the festival.
During the peak summers, it is easier to walk around the waterfall, but the stream will be thin and dried up.
Wear properly covered shoes, since you will have to trek a little on a possibly slippery road if you visit during monsoon.
Carry a change of clothes if you plan to dip. There are separate changing rooms for men and women near the falls.
Suruli Falls, with all its gorgeous beauty, is one of the best places to visit in Theni. Washed by the rains, this place looks like heaven during the monsoon season.
About Suruli Falls
Coming down from the Meghamalai Range, Suruli River falls into two stages to form the waterfalls of the same name. From a height of 150ft, Suruli Falls cascades down in a raging whiteness to gather into a pool and then fall for another 40ft after a short distance. At the foot of the falls, hundreds of enthusiastic tourists take a dip every day. Many of them are devotees; some of them are looking to cure their long-suffering ailment, while the rest are there just to enjoy the falls.
Entry fees for Suruli Falls are only INR 5. It is a customary payment to the Government for the maintenance of the area.
Attractions near Suruli Falls
Near Suruli Falls, there are several rock-cut caves as well, along with the walls of the cliffs, which represent Indian rock-cut architecture dating back to the 11th century. One of the more popular ones is the Kailasanathar Temple Cave at 800 metres, through which runs a spring known for its healing powers.
Near Suruli Falls, you will find the dargah of Abubacker Masthan, a Muslim mystic from the 1630s, whose remains were buried in this shrine. Also pay a quick visit to Suruli Velappar Temple dedicated to Lord Karthikeya or Subramaniam, as he is known in South India.
Entry Timings
Suruli Falls is open to all 24 hours of the day. But it is not very safe to be there after sunset because it is within a forested area and there are risks of coming across wild animals. From 7:00 - 8:00 AM in the morning to 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM is the ideal time to visit.
How to reach
The nearest bus stand is at Cumbum. From there, there are government buses which will reach you to the falls in less than 30 minutes at minimal rates. From the road, you will have to trek a small distance to reach the falls. There are buses from Uthamapalayam as well.
