Polur Falls (Pulavicharu Falls)
Pulavicharu Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfalls located in Polur village that comes under Kodaikanal taluk. While remaining largely unknown, Pulavicharu falls has a great potential to become one of the highlights of Kodaikanal.
The surrounding areas around the waterfalls are filled with views of pristine mountain beauty with some breathtaking views of the Palani hills. This falls has become one of the finest highlights of the Kodaikanal tourism experience as the road to the waterfalls covers some of the most attractive destinations of the hills.
This being seasonal waterfalls, has magnificent, clean mountain water running along its course. The water catchment area of this falls originates from evergreen rainforests, unpolluted, and is believed to have healing properties by the local villagers. The best time to visit the falls is during the southwest monsoon from July to December. Also this place is totally away from the city crowd. Hiking and trekking opportunities are available.
Mannavanur Lake
Undeniably the most serene place that you can visit before reaching Polur Falls from Kodaikanal, Mannavanur Lake is nothing less than a natures paradise. This lake, as the name suggest is located in Mannavanur village, which is around 11 kms away from Polur Falls.
This picturesque lake, can be seen as you drive down to the village and the drive to the lake is equally enchanting with eucalyptus and pine trees surrounding the road on both the sides. As Mannavanur Lake is located inside a sheep farm, flocks of sheeps can be seen grazing around the area. This place is also known for the vegetables cultivation. Here a wide array of vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, potatoes and even broccoli, French and butter beans are cultivated.
The Southern Regional Research Centre, which is a regional centre of the Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), a premier institution of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR), New Delhi is located at Mannavanur. The SRRC was founded on 16 November 1965 and has been active for over 45 years. It is located 30 kms away from Kodaikanal. This centre is the animal science research centre under ICAR for both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The centre breeds sheep and rabbits for wool and meat, including Angora, Chinchilla, White Giant and others.
The area around Mannavanur Lake is perfect for relaxing as a picnic spot. Apart from picnic and walks, one can also go for coracle rides. Forest department offers coracle ride with a nominal charge. Horse riding is also a popular activity to do here.
How to reach
Polur Falls is located at about 44 kms from Kodaikanal. It is well connected through roadways. The nearest railway station is in Kodai Road (80 kms). The nearest Airport is Madurai (135 kms).
Mannavanur Lake is located at about 32 kms from Kodaikanal. It is well connected through roadways. The nearest railway station is in Kodai Road (80 kms). The nearest Airport is Madurai (135 kms).
Tourist information:
Department of Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism,
Poet Tyagaraja Rd, Kodaikanal – 624101
Tel: 04542 241 675 / 241 338
Mob: 91769 95867
Shreevats Sanjay
Regional Director (South)
Indiatourism, Chennai.