Kovai Kutralam Falls Coimbatore
Kovai Kuttralam waterfall is Situated in Suruvani hills,
at about 35 KM from the Coimbatore city and is situated in the road of Siruvani
Dam from Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu, India.
Kutralam Falls are located on the Kutralam river, which
is a tributary of the Palar river. Kutralam Falls is a beautiful waterfall that
is surrounded by lush green forest.
Kovai Kutralam waterfalls are managed by the state forest
department. This waterfall is surrounded by a sprawling forest cover which is
home to a great iety of flora.
Its better to have our own mode of transport as
government busses stop at the first check post where one road goes towards
Siruvani Dam and another towards Kovai Kuttralam.
which is around 4 KM before the second one, beyond which
no vehicles are allowed as it is a protected forest area. From the second check
post, a 1 KM walk takes you right to the falls.
The elevated pathway was a bit flexible and hence was
fun, but the monkeys all along the pathway make you nervous. There is a small
observatory for a clear view of the surrounding hills and valley.
History Of Kovai Kutralam Waterfalls :
Government approved the construction of the dam in
February 1915 but the work could not be started immediately; The work could
have been started only if one correlated the information from the
Archaeological Department.
Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board, and the District Gazette. The residents of Boluvampatti and Alandurai also opposed the project, as they felt that it could have a bad effect on their village. But he was convinced that the benefits of bringing Siruvani water to the city that was about to grow.
The construction of Kovai Kutralam Water Falls started in
1927. Siruvani is located in a very forested area and wild animals frequent
this place. Therefore, all those involved in the construction work stayed at
the guest house near Iruttu Pallam.
Together they used to come to work at the dam site riding
on horses with the gunmen providing security. Even today, people are afraid to
go alone to Siruvani Dam as there are too many wild animals there. Forest
officials are always stationed with those visiting the dam.
The initial cost
of construction was Rs. 2,17,725 (for 23 feet). The reason for the selection of
the site was that it had perennial streams. The main sources of supply are
Siruvani, Muthikkulam Falls, Gobiaru, Solaiyaru, Pattiyaru, and Veeraru, and
the area below Pambaru Falls was identified for construction.
There were plans to commission a hydroelectric project at
Kovai Kutralam Water Falls, but the move was shelved as the Pykara project in
the Nilgiris was mooted at that time. The major and minor construction works
continued till 1984 and the total cost was Rs. More than 26.12 crores came.
In 1931 the water withdrawal from the dam was 113 lakh
liters for a population of over 95,000. In the 1970s, summer withdrawals were
reduced from 186 lakh liters to 130 lakh liters as the flow in Muthikulam was
halved.
It is a good place to watch birds and wildlife within the
area. The place feels fresh and lively in every sense of the word. Children can
play in the shallow region which has slow flowing water.
Trekking Kovai Kutralam Falls involves a scenic trail
through the forested hills. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy the journey to the
falls, which offers beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature.
Kovai Kutralam Falls Coimbatore Timings : 10.00 am to 3.30 pm (Mondays closed)
Kovai Kutralam Coimbatore Entrance Fee : Rs 50
Best time to visit Kovai Kutralam Coimbatore
: March to October
Kovai Kutralam Coimbatore Address : Booluvampatti, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, India
How to Reach Kovai Kutralam
Coimbatore : By Road : Booluvampatti bus stop .
By Rail : Coimbatore Railway Station ,
By Air : Coimbatore International Airport .
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