Banatheertham Falls – Karaiyar Dam

Situated in the Western Ghats, Banatheertham is part of the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and lies above the Karayar dam. A 20-minute boat ride (costing Rs 20) takes one from the dam across the lake. A 10-minute trek takes one to the magnificent waterfalls. Not many people knew about the waterfall as it was inside the forest. However, Roja (released in 1992) changed all that and hundreds now visit the waterfalls every day. Unlike Courtallam, which is season-oriented, the Banatheertham fall is perennial, with December and January being the peak season. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfalls present a magnificent sight…