Catherine Falls

The Western Ghats


Catherine Falls is 8km south of Kotagiri off the Mettupalayam road; the last 2km or so are on foot, and the falls only flow after rain.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Western Ghats attractions

1. Dolphin’s Nose

1.14 MILES

About 10km west of town, this popular viewpoint exposes vast panoramas encompassing Catherine Falls across the valley.

2. Lamb’s Rock

2.6 MILES

A favourite picnic spot in a patch of monkey-patrolled forest, Lamb's Rock has incredible views past glimmering tea and coffee plantations to the hazy…

3. Highfield Tea Estate

3.81 MILES

Over 50 years old, this estate (2km northeast of upper Coonoor) is one of the few working Nilgiri tea factories open to visitors. Guides jump in quickly,…

4. Sullivan Memorial

3.81 MILES

Just 2km north of Kotagiri centre, the house built in 1819 by Ooty founder John Sullivan has been refurbished in bright red and filled with fascinating…

5. Sim’s Park

4.24 MILES

Upper Coonoor's 12-hectare Sim’s Park, established in 1874, is a peaceful oasis of sloping manicured lawns with more than 1000 plant species from several…

6. Doddabetta

8.17 MILES

About 7km east of Ooty, Doddabetta is the highest point (2633m) in the Nilgiris. On clear days, it's one of the best viewpoints around; go early for a…

7. Rose Garden

10.04 MILES

With terraced lawns and over 20,000 rose bushes of more than 2000 varieties – best between May and July – the Rose Garden is a sweet place for a stroll,…

8. Botanical Gardens

10.08 MILES

Established in 1848, these pretty 22-hectare gardens are a living gallery of the Nilgiris' natural flora. Keep an eye out for a typical Toda mund (village…