If you love nature, the charm of waterfalls wouldn’t be something that you can resist. The sound of gushing water pouring from a great height, emerging from a strong rock, and cascading down an impressive backdrop creates a fascinating scene before you. And when a magical landscape surrounds the waterfall, the beauty becomes all-enveloping. On top of all, if these waterfalls lie in an offbeat area, you can enjoy the beauty without having to bear the hustle of the touristy crowd. We understand the bewitching temptation it would give you.
India prides itself on having some really mesmerising waterfalls, and Chennai is one of those destinations that is surrounded by such stunning falls in its vicinity. So, when you are visiting Chennai and exploring the historical monuments and incredible temples of this city, you can also drive around and be mesmerised by the enchanting waterfalls that the city offers.
If you are planning road trips to the waterfalls near Chennai, you should get a list of the best ones near the city, along with a map to identify the best waterfalls near Chennai within 50 km or more. Otherwise, you are bound to feel fuzzy en route.
Also known as Tada Falls, these waterfalls are one of the most spectacular waterfalls of South India. The view of lush water falling from a height of 330 feet makes it an astounding scene to capture. You can enjoy a refreshing and calm time under this waterfall and enjoy the good ambience around it.
To reach the falls, visitors should pass through the Varadaiahpalem village, located over 12 km from Tada Falls. With Revv Car Rental in Chennai, you can hire SUVs or other suitable vehicles to reach the starting point of the trek.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 91 km from Chennai, about 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: June to December, especially right after the rains
Facilities: Basic parking available at the base; no food stalls or restrooms—carry water and snacks
Trek Level: Moderate to steep; about 3–5 km trek through forest and boulders
Nearby Attractions: Siddulaiah Shiva temple, Pulicat Lake
Revv Tip: Start your trip early in the morning to avoid heat and crowd buildup. Wear shoes with grip for trekking. Be careful while walking over the slippery rocks.
Are you searching for a pure and refreshing waterfall near Chennai? Then head towards the valleys of Nagari Hills, where you can watch the remarkable Kailasakona Waterfalls. The clean water falling from a height of 40 feet makes it an enticing sight to watch. You can even click splendid pictures around with the greenery surrounding this waterfall. What’s more? You just have to walk some distance to reach the small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. With an approximate distance of 91.4 km from Chennai, this is one of the stunning falls near Chennai within 100 km.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx 91.4 km from Chennai, about 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit: September–December, when the flow is steady
Facilities: Small parking area, temple site, basic stalls, no washrooms
Trek Level: Easy – short walk from parking
Nearby Attractions: Kailasanatheshwara temple, Nagari Hills
Revv Tip: Perfect for families and senior citizens due to easy access. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience.
The Talakona is one of the prominent waterfalls near Chennai. The height of this waterfall is around 270 feet. The most fascinating part of this place is its location in the Nerabailu Village in the Sri Venkateswara National Park. You can enjoy watching the rare wildlife of the state, along with the beautiful views of the waterfalls in the same place. And if you want one more valid point to visit this waterfall, note that the famous temple — Lord Siddeshwara Swamy Temple — is located close to the waterfall for you to explore.
Talakona was declared a Bio-Sphere Reserve in 1990 due to the availability of a wide variety of plant species in the region. You can find several endangered species of animals in this reserve, such as porcupine, sambar, golden gecko, cheetal, Indian giant squirrel, panther, and mouse deer.
Distance & Drive Time: Around 189.9 km from Chennai, 4.5 hours drive
Best Time to Visit: September to January for a good mix of greenery and water flow
Facilities: Parking available; entry fee applicable; restrooms and eateries available at the forest entry point
Trek Level: Easy to moderate; about 1.5 km forest trail
Nearby Attractions: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Lord Siddheswara Swamy temple, wildlife sightings
Revv Tip: Carry snacks and water; ideal for a weekend road trip with an overnight stay in Tirupati.
The Kaigal Waterfall is listed among the top attractions around Chennai and is undoubtedly a captivating location to head to. This lovely waterfall is a proud part of the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and portrays a truly stunning sight during the monsoons. You’ll be surprised to know that there is a Shiva-linga near this waterfall, which makes a spectacular view and adds to the sobriety of this place.
The waterfall is situated in a dense forest where you can see some rare species of birds, trees, and wildlife. Kaigal Falls is a popular picnic spot for people living in the surrounding areas.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 225 km from Chennai, nearly 5 hours
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon months (July to December)
Facilities: Basic parking near the entrance; no food stalls or toilets—carry everything needed
Trek Level: Easy; 1.5 km trail through dense forest
Nearby Attractions: Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiva lingam shrine in the falls
Revv Tip: Avoid during heavy rains due to slippery terrain. Carry extra fuel and drinking water.
You’ll definitely love this popular cascade of waterfalls near the Amirthi Zoo. The location of these waterfalls allows you to enjoy the pristine nature and panoramic view. On top of it, you can even enjoy the fabulous trekking experience near this waterfall.
Distance & Drive Time: Around 160 km from Chennai, approx. 3.5 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March for a comfortable climate and good waterfall flow
Facilities: Entry fee; the zoo and waterfall have restrooms and small food stalls
Trek Level: Easy, short trek through the zoo to reach the falls
Nearby Attractions: Amirthi Zoo, Javadu Hills
Revv Tip: Great option for families with kids. Combine your visit with a wildlife experience.
Literally meaning destroying the sins, the Papanasam Waterfalls have extremely calm but sacred water cascading near the Western Ghats. You’ll find a rush of believers taking a dip in this waterfall to purify their souls, and some of them enjoy a fun time with family at this location.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 330 km from Chennai, about 6–7 hours by road
Best Time to Visit: May to December; best flow during the monsoon
Facilities: Parking available near the base; basic washrooms and changing areas; a few tea stalls nearby
Trek Level: Easy to moderate; 3 km forest trail from the dam/temple area
Nearby Attractions: Papanasanathar Temple, Papanasam Dam, Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Manimuthar Falls, Manjolai Hills
Revv Tip: Begin your journey early to enjoy forest views and spot wildlife along the way. Carry snacks, water, and wear trekking shoes.
The trip to the Puliyancholai Waterfalls is considered to be one of the best road trips to the waterfalls in a rental car near Chennai. Surrounded by the rush of tamarind trees, this place portrays a magical view for the spectators. If you love hiking, you can trek to the Shiva Temple located at a distance of around 12 kilometres from this waterfall.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 340km, about 6 hours from Chennai
Best Time to Visit: June to October (monsoon and post-monsoon); also pleasant from November to February
Facilities: Basic parking available; limited food stalls; restrooms near the entry point; a few local resorts and dorms are situated nearby
Trek Level: Easy; around 1 km walk through forest trails and rocky terrains
Nearby Attractions: Agaya Gangai Falls (via trek), Arapaleeswarar Temple, herbal forest trails, Pithukkuli Cave
Revv Tip: Ideal for a peaceful nature break—start early to enjoy the scenic drive. Carry water, light snacks, and wear trekking shoes for grip on wet rocks.
Let’s talk about this stunning waterfall near Dharmapuri that is often referred to as the ‘Niagara of India’ and is a popular tourist attraction near Chennai. It is one of the safest and lush waterfalls, allowing tourists to enjoy some mesmerizing views of water pouring from 14 of its channels, with heights ranging from 15 to 65 feet. For the love of wildlife and diverse fauna, do indulge in a fabulous experience of bird watching around this waterfall. Coracle riding allowed during the monsoon and winter seasons is one of the primary attractions of this waterfall. You can also enjoy and try out your swimming skills in this waterfall.
Distance & Drive Time: Around 340 km from Chennai, approx. 6–7 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March; avoid the peak monsoon due to high water levels
Facilities: Paid parking, eateries, restrooms, and coracle ride services available
Trek Level: No trekking required; ferry rides give direct access
Nearby Attractions: Melagiri Hills, Pennagaram forest routes, Crocodile Park
Revv Tip: Carry cash for coracle rides. Ideal for full-day or weekend trips.
Now this is one of the most unique waterfalls of the country, where you have to descend around 1300 steps (rather than climbing steps) in order to reach this cascade of water. This extremely dazzling waterfall is believed to wash away your sins if you take a dip in it, as per popular belief. Agaya Gangai waterfall is located in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats, in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 370 km, 7-10 hours from Chennai
Best Time to Visit: July to December
Facilities: Parking available at the Kolli Hills base; restrooms and small shops are available nearby
Trek Level: Steep; over 1,000 steps to reach the base
Nearby Attractions: Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli Hills viewpoint
Revv Tip: Pack light and wear trekking shoes. Start your descent early in the day.
If you are planning to visit the great Nagarjuna Dams near Chennai, you’ll certainly cross the mesmerising Ethipothala Waterfall. The water here falls from a height of 70 feet, making it seem almost milky and totally enriching. You can even enjoy watching the various streams located near this waterfall to ensure that your drive to reach the spot becomes the most cherished one.
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 481 km from Chennai, around 9–10 hours
Best Time to Visit: June to October (monsoon peak) or October to March for most flow
Facilities: Parking available, good restrooms, and a small cafe is available at the ticket counter
Trek Level: Easy; flat walk from parking to viewpoint
Nearby Attractions: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Nagarjunakonda Museum, Anupu Buddhist ruins, crocodile breeding center, Dattatreya & Ranganatha temples
Revv Tip: Start early to beat the midday crowd, carry water and snacks, and avoid venturing into the lagoon. Follow the signage to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism viewpoint for the best views.
So, did you get the best waterfall that you were searching for? All the waterfalls listed above are alluring in their own way. However, with car rental in Chennai from Revv, you’ll surely be tempted to visit the other captivating waterfalls near Chennai, such as the Mallela Theertham Waterfalls, the forceful Thalaiyar Waterfalls, the one that sees lots of bears – The Bear Shola Falls, and the lush Silver Cascade Waterfalls.
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