Pykara Waterfalls — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

The Pykara is a river 19 kilometres (12 mi) from Ooty in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu with a village by the same name nearby.[1] The Pykara River is considered very sacred by the Todas.[2] It rises at Mukurthi peak, flows northwards, and then turns to the west after reaching the edge of the plateau.[2] The river flows through Mukurthi, Pykara and Glenmorgan dams, and forms part of an important hydro-electric power project. It is a tributary of the Moyar river, which in turn is a tributary of the Bhavani river, which itself is a tributary of the Kaveri river.

The river flows over a series of waterfalls, the last two of 55 metres (180 ft) and 61 metres (200 ft) being known as Pykara Falls.[2] The falls are approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) from the bridge on the main road. There is a forest rest house at Pykara. A boat house on the Pykara reservoir is an added attraction for tourists. Pykara has well-protected, fenced sholas, Toda settlements, large grassy meadows and good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, falls and reservoir attract many tourists.[1]

Pykara's climate is classified as subtropical highland climate (Cwb) under Köppen climate classification. Pykara, due to its location in the Nilgiris, gets rain from both the monsoons. The wet season runs from April to December and the dry season from January to March.

The dam is near the main Ooty–Gudalur road and includes a power station. One of the oldest power plants in South India, the Pykara station still functions, generating about 60 megawatts. The first unit of 6.65 MW was commissioned in October 1932.[4] Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar, Diwan of Travancore, worked with the British regime in 1920s and 1930s in the setting up of the Pykara project. A team of engineers led by H.G. Howard, a chief engineer in the then electricity department, was responsible for carrying out the project.[4] The Bangalore-Chennai industrial region is highly dependent on the Pykara hydroelectric plant. The Pykara Station, declared as a heritage plant in September 1997, triggered the establishment of more hydro-electric power stations in the state. Today, the Nilgiris district alone boasts hydro-electric stations with an aggregate installed capacity of 837 MW. Five decades after establishment of the old plant, the Electricity Board (EB) authorities came up with a plan for the Pykara Ultimate Stage Hydro Electric Plant (PUSHEP), containing three units of 50 MW each. The construction of an underground powerhouse, 17 tunnels and the hydraulic head of 1,039 metres (3,409 ft) are the special features of the new plant. According to the EB, the hydraulic head is the highest in Asia. The access to the powerhouse is a tunnel 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) long.[4]

A boat house on the Pykara Reservoir is an added attraction for tourists. The boat house with restaurant is maintained by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. It consists of several boats and has motor boats which are allowed for 20 minutes and speed boats which are allowed for...

Pykara Waterfall, located about 20 km from Ooty, is one of the region’s most scenic and serene natural attractions. Surrounded by thick forests and shola grasslands, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, peaceful ambiance, and photogenic landscapes—a must-visit for anyone exploring the Nilgiris.

Nature & Scenery: The waterfall is formed by the Pykara River, which descends gracefully in multiple stages over rocky terrain. It's not a single vertical drop but rather a series of cascading falls, especially prominent during and shortly after the monsoon season. The contrast between the gushing white waters and the surrounding green hills is stunning and makes for an excellent sight.

Atmosphere: The ambiance at Pykara is refreshingly tranquil. The sound of rushing water, birdsong in the background, and the gentle breeze through the trees create a soothing natural soundtrack. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature without the typical bustle of city life.

Accessibility & Amenities: From the parking area, there’s a well-laid pathway and a flight of steps that lead to the waterfall viewing platforms. It’s an easy 5–10 minute walk, manageable for most visitors. There are basic facilities near the entrance, including restrooms and small food stalls selling snacks, tea, and souvenirs.

Nearby Attractions: If you're in the area, don’t miss the Pykara Lake and Boathouse, just a few kilometers away. The lake is peaceful and ideal for a relaxing boat ride amidst scenic surroundings, making it a perfect complement to your waterfall visit.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to experience the full beauty of Pykara Falls is during the monsoon or post-monsoon months (July–November), when the water flow is at its peak. However, it remains a pleasant spot year-round due to the cool, misty climate of the Nilgiris.

Things to Remember:

Wear comfortable walking shoes—some stairs and uneven paths are involved

Be cautious near wet rocks—slippery areas around the falls

Great spot for photography—don’t forget your camera or phone

Try to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy...

The journey to the falls involves a walk of approximately 500 meters from the parking area to the ticket counter, followed by descending around 100 steps to reach the viewing point. For those who prefer assistance, electric buggies are available for a nominal fee . 

The waterfall is especially vibrant during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (July to January), when the water flow is at its peak, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green . 

Activities and Nearby Attractions • Boating at Pykara Lake: Adjacent to the falls, Pykara Lake offers boating experiences managed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Visitors can choose between motorboats and speedboats to explore the serene waters .  • Photography and Nature Walks: The area around Pykara Falls is ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, with opportunities to capture the cascading waters and the rich biodiversity of the region. • Pine Forest: Nearby, the Pine Forest provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and is a popular spot for picnics and photography. 

Practical Information • Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM .  • Entry Fee: INR 30 per person .  • Accessibility: While the path to the falls includes steps and uneven terrain, the availability of electric buggies makes it accessible for visitors with mobility concerns. 

Visitor Tips • Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during the monsoon or post-monsoon seasons for the most impressive views of the waterfall. • Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the steps and pathways safely.  • Safety: Swimming is prohibited due to safety measures in place; visitors are advised to adhere to the guidelines and enjoy the falls from designated viewing areas.

Pykara Falls offers a refreshing escape into nature, combining the allure of cascading waters with the tranquility of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to connect with nature, Pykara Falls is a destination...