Saturday, October 24, 2015

Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Yelagiri

Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Yelagiri
Jalagamparai waterfalls is one of the important tourist spots in Yelagiri Hills to visit. The river Attaru which is a seasonal river passes through the Yelagiri Hills valley and falls vertically from a height of about 15 meters.  The waterfall is situated in an isolated place and is not crowded most of the time. The best time to visit the Jalagamparai waterfalls is from November to January as the water from the North East Monsoon rains will ensure that there is water in the waterfalls. This waterfall is very near to the Jalagamparai Temple which is an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.



Best time to visit the falls is after the monsoon rains. This could either be reached from Tiruppathur 15 kms away or it is an hour’s trek from the hills. Adjacent to the Jalagamparai falls, there is a Murugan temple, located within a building constructed in the shape of the lingam.



At a distance 37 km from Punganoor Lake, 37 from Athanavur Bus Stop and 13.4 km from Tiruppathur, magnificent Jalagamparai Waterfalls near Jadayanur is created by the River Attaaru running through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills. Bathing in this waterfall cures diseases because it passes through various herbal plants in the hills. The falls has a trek route and also a Motorable road. The falls can be reached after 1.5 hour trek of 6 km from Nilavoor (6 kms from Punganoor Lake). It is little tough trek, but the view of the valley from the falls is truly amazing.



Local guides are available to guide the trek to the falls. The Motorable road passes through Tiruppathur (13.4 km away) which needs 5-10 minutes walk. The isolated location of the waterfalls attracts people in large groups for picnicking. The flow of water in the Jalagamparai Waterfalls has considerably been reduced as compared to recent past years but its charm and picturesque beauty is still intact. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is at its best from November to February when it is gushing with water but the waterfall is dry in summer. It is preferable to visit this cascade post monsoon season, as it remains dry during the summer months. This waterfall is a hot spot for the local romantic couples!



It's perhaps the only distant spot from the main town (over 30 kilometers) and fairly frequented by visitors to the Hills. Larger groups picnic out here, but because of its isolation don't expect too many facilities. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is also an ideal place to go on a day long trek and if you do decide to go there, just make sure you're well-stocked with water and food.



A word of caution: the waterfalls are dependent on the river being full and the river is dependent on substantial rainfall. Yelagiri Hills hasn't any monsoon season of its own; rainfall here is mainly a 'spill-over' of rainfall in nearby Bangalore or Chennai regions. Unless there is rain here, Yelagiri Hills can largely be dry. The Government Silk Farm is famous for its mulberry plantations. The sericulture tour can provide you immense pleasure as you get a chance to see a silk farm up close.


The trek to the Jalagamparai Falls can be an adventurous one! One can be assured of the rural presence in the area, with the goats trekking along with tourists, to reach their village farms. The other wildlife found around the Jalagamparai Falls is monkeys and snakes. On reaching the falls, one must be careful of the slippery rocks along the cascade. Jalagamparai are seasonal falls and their main source is the excess rain water collected in the River Attaru. However, the excessive frequency of visitors has exposed the area to human drawbacks such as littering the area around the cascade.
Geographic Location: 
Jalagamparai Waterfalls at Yelagiri is located at 12°32'31.3"N 78°37'14.8"E or 12.542035, 78.620779.
Dressing Restrictions: 
There aren’t any specific dressing restrictions and you may choose to wear clothes as per your convenience. It may also depend on the season of your visit.
Best time to Visit: 
The Best time to visit the falls would be between the months of September to May. The falls are at its best during the rainy season.
Visiting Timings: 
The timings to visit this falls are between 10 am to 6 pm. However there are no specific time restrictions and you may visit it as per your convenience.
Entry Fee: 
There is no entry fee to visit this place.
Restrictions: 
There aren’t any restrictions on things you can take. You may carry food and water as per your requirement. It is advisable to carry fewer luggages as you may not find a suitable place to keep them.
Suggestions: 
These falls are a great place for hiking and trekking, so if you are in search of a good adventure, this is a great place to be. It is also a great place for photography.
Connectivity
By Air: 
Bangalore is the nearest airport to Yelagiri. Bangalore is 145 km away from Yelagiri. Taxis are available and fare is about Rs 3000 from Bangalore to Yelagiri. Bangalore airport is well connected to most of the major airports in India and many in abroad. Nearest Airports: Bangaluru International Airport (BLR)-125 km & Tirupati Domestic Airport (TIR)-157 km
By Train: 
Jolarpettai is the nearest railhead, which is about 21 km away from Yelagiri. Jolarpettai is a main railway junction, connecting to other railway stations in India.
By Bus:
Regular bus services are available from Tiruppathur to Yelagiri (27 km), Bangalore (140 km), Chennai (250 km), Krishnagiri (40 km) and Vaniyambadi (20 km).