A spectacular 300-foot waterfall reached by a steep flight of around 1,000 steps, set deep in the valley near the Arapaleeswarar Temple.
- Category
- Waterfall
- Location
- Near Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli Hills
- Best time
- June to September for the strongest flow; post-monsoon for easier trekking
- Timings
- 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (last descent around 3:00 PM)
- Entry fee
- ₹20 per person (approx.)
Agaya Gangai (meaning “Ganges from the sky”) is the crown jewel of Kolli Hills. Fed by a stream from the Panchanathi forest, the river Aiyaru plunges around 300 feet into a forested gorge, and the trek down of roughly 1,000 stone steps rewards you with one of Tamil Nadu’s most dramatic waterfall views. On sunny afternoons the spray often throws up a rainbow against the emerald greenery — a photographer’s favourite.
Getting there
The descent begins near the Arapaleeswarar Temple and is essentially a steep trek of around 3 km through jungle terrain. The path is well laid but demanding — budget around 30–45 minutes to climb back up. Local guides and palanquin (doli) carriers are usually available at the top for those who need help.
Good to know
- Aim to begin the descent by early afternoon — the last entry is around 3:00 PM.
- Carry drinking water and wear proper grip footwear — steps can be slippery.
- The pool at the base is popular for a dip, but currents get strong after rain.
- Start early; the climb back is tiring in the afternoon heat.
Safety first: during and just after heavy rain the falls can flood quickly. Check the advisories page before you set out.