Suruli Waterfalls is located 56 km away from Theni and comes under Theni district in Tamil Nadu. It is also acknowledged in Silappatikaram written by Ilango Adigal which is one of the five great epics that belong to Tamil literature. The falls attract travellers for its 2-stage cascade where the medicinal river Suruli starts its journey from the Meghamalai mountain range before reaching the point where the waterfalls descend in Theni. The falls then drop from a height of 46 m before meeting a pool after which it continues to flow for a short span. This is a top natural attraction that is worth exploring.
How To Reach Suruli Waterfalls
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The major airport or railway station near the waterfalls is Madurai. However, people mostly visit Chinna Suruli from Theni. You can hire a car for the day’s sightseeing from your hotel or guest house at Theni and visit the falls. It will take you around an hour and a half to reach Chinna Suruli Falls from the heart of Theni.
By Road:The falls are reachable by road from Kambam and Gudalur towns. You can trek about 1 – 2 kms through dense forests to reach the falls from the nearest road.
By Air:The nearest airport to Suruli Falls is Madurai Airport.
Places To Visit In And Around Suruli Waterfalls
There are many places and tourist attractions near the Suruli Waterfalls that are worth visiting on a holiday here.
1. Meghamalai
Photo: DAIVASIKHAMANI / Wikimedia Commons
Meghamalai, also called the High Wavy Mountains, is a series of mountains in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, close to Kumily, in the Western Ghats. Cardamom and tea plantations can be found scattered around. Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, the mountain range boasts a diverse mix of plants and fauna. The region comprises cloudlands, highways, Venniar, and the manalar estates of the Woodbriar Group. It is currently primarily covered with tea plants. There are mostly unspoiled remnants of evergreen forest with restricted access.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Kambam Valley
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The “Grapes City of South India,” Kambam Valley, is renowned for its Paneer Thratchai grapes, which account for 85% of India’s total production. Unlike elsewhere, these grapes thrive all year round, having been introduced in 1832 by a French monk. Acknowledged for its swift expansion and premature maturity, it was granted a Geographical Indication designation in 2023. Nutrient-rich grapes from Kambam Valley are used to make wine, spirits, and other products. Its appeal is increased by its position in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Chinna Suruli Falls
Photo: அ.உமர் பாரூக் / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the lap of wild, green forests, Chinna Suruli Falls is a picturesque destination to visit from Theni. It cascades all the way down from Meghamalai to form a pool of cool, sparkling water at the foothills of the mountain. Located around 54 kilometres away from the main centre, near the Kombaithozhu village, Chinna Suruli Falls is a lovely and serene destination to visit in and around Theni. It can be included in your itinerary of local sightseeing if you are visiting Theni and its nearby attractions.
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50
4. Kumbakkarai Falls
Photo: SarThePhotographer / Wikimedia Commons
Kumbakkarai Falls is a picturesque and serene waterfall located in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The town of Periyakulam, a municipality in the Theni district of the Madurai area, is approximately 9 kilometres from the district of Dindigul. One of the numerous well-known falls in the same area is Kumbakkarai Falls, which is situated in the foothills of the Kodaikanal Hills. This waterfall comes from the Kodaikanal Hills and cascades down the rocks in two stages. There is also a Murugan statue installed at the spot.
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
5. Vaigai Dam
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Vaigai Dam is also a fantastic destination for picnics and casual afternoon visits with friends and family. Located across the Vaigai River in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, Vaigai Dam is a major source of irrigation water for Madurai district as well as Dindigul district. The dam also provides drinking water to Madurai and Andipatti. The Tamil Nadu government has also constructed an Agricultural Research Station for research and cultivation of a variety of crops including rice, sorghum, black gram, cowpea and cotton.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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There are many hotels where you can stay near the waterfalls. Visitors can choose from budget-friendly options like guesthouses and homestays, or opt for luxury resorts and hotels. Some of the popular hotels near Suruli Falls include the Sri Vengateswaraa Resorts, the Western Ghats Villas, and the Suruli Resorts. It is advised to pre-book the rooms, especially during peak season.
Where To Eat
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There are many restaurants in the nearby locations that are known for their delicious cuisine, with several local delicacies that visitors must try. Some of the popular dishes near Suruli Falls include dosa, idli, vada, and biryani. There are several restaurants and eateries near Suruli Falls that serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine, including the Suruli Mess, Spice Garden Restaurant, DownTown Diner, Ashwins Cafeteria, Ebony’s Cafe and the Hotel Ponram.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Suruli Waterfalls is from June to October as the weather is ideal during this time. There are also plenty of changing rooms and showers near the falls. In addition, one can take a tour and experience a voyage through the Megamalai slopes. By October, the monsoon rains are over, but they leave the waterfall filled to the brim, which makes it look even more mighty and beautiful.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip:
Suruli Waterfalls is a budget destination which can be reached depending on the mode of transportation. The charge for the waterfalls is almost between ₹10 to ₹20. You would be spending ₹100–₹300 per person for food with reasonable local outlets near your place. You may also have to pay parking charges that are usually between ₹20 – ₹50. In total, with journey and food costs your trip to Suruli Waterfalls is expected to range between ₹500 — 2.5K per person respectively.
To summarise, Suruli falls is an ideal getaway for all the nature seekers who wish to enjoy the serene beauty of the Western Ghats. This gives the place a wide variety of travel options from budget bus rides to private transport, complemented by mouth-watering local cuisine in the surrounding eateries. Are you prepared to visit Suruli Waterfalls and enjoy its beauty? Book your holiday with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Hubert Stoffels / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only