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Kiliyur Falls is the waterfall of Yercaud, the hill station in the Shevaroy (Servarayan) Hills above Salem. The water that overflows from Yercaud Lake runs down through the forest and drops about 300 feet (91 m) into the Kiliyur valley.
It is only about 3 km from the lake, but you cannot drive to the foot of the falls. The last part is a steep walk down a rough path and stone steps, which keeps the crowds smaller than at most hill-station sights and gives the visit a bit of adventure.
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Getting down to the falls
From the road head, a path of roughly 200 to 250 steep, uneven steps leads down through trees to the base of the falls. Most people take 20 to 40 minutes to go down and longer to come back up; allow about an hour for the round trip on foot, plus time at the bottom.
The path is manageable for reasonably fit adults but is not ideal for small children, older travellers or anyone with knee problems. After rain the steps become slippery, so good shoes matter more than usual. There are no shops near the falls, so carry water and a snack.
When Kiliyur Falls has water
Because the falls depends on the lake overflow and local rain, its flow changes a lot through the year. Yercaud gets rain from both the south-west and north-east monsoons, and the falls is at its fullest during and just after the rains. Most guides suggest visiting from about October to February, when there is still good water and the path is safer than in the wettest weeks.
In the hot months before the monsoon, Kiliyur can shrink to a thin stream trickling over bare rock. If you are travelling in summer mainly for the falls, set your expectations accordingly or ask us about the current flow.
Safety at the pool
The rock around the base of the falls is smooth and wet, and the pool has uneven depths and submerged rocks. Visitors do stand in the spray, but this is not a managed bathing spot with lifeguards or railings. Be cautious:
- Do not climb the rock face beside the falls or go near the edge at the top.
- Do not swim in the pool, especially during heavy flow after rain.
- Avoid the path in heavy rain or late in the day; it gets dark early under the trees.
- Follow any closure notices; access can be restricted when the flow is dangerous.
Combining it with the rest of Yercaud
Kiliyur sits close to the main sights, so it is easy to add to a day that includes Yercaud Lake and its boat house, Lady’s Seat and the other viewpoints, and the Servarayan Temple, which at about 1,628 m is the highest point in Yercaud. Coffee, oranges and pepper are grown on the estates around the town.
A good plan is to do Kiliyur in the cooler morning, rest at lunch, and save a viewpoint for sunset.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Yercaud is about 237 km from Pondicherry, around 5 to 6 hours by road via Villupuram and Salem, with the last stretch up a ghat road of hairpin bends. It makes an easy two- or three-day break. Our Yercaud hill getaway covers Kiliyur Falls and the main viewpoints with a car and driver. For other ideas, see our waterfalls and hill stations pages.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to Kiliyur Falls?
Roughly 200 to 250 steep, uneven steps lead down from the road to the base of the falls. Allow about an hour for the walk down and back.
When is the best time to visit Kiliyur Falls?
Just after the monsoons, roughly October to February, when there is good water and the path is drier. In summer the falls can be very thin.
How far is Kiliyur Falls from Yercaud Lake?
About 3 km. You drive most of the way and then walk down the steps to the falls.
Can you swim at Kiliyur Falls?
It is not a managed bathing spot. The rocks are slippery and the pool has uneven depths, so swimming is not advisable, especially after rain.