Tourists’ entry barred near Jalagamparai falls in Yelagiri Hills due to heavy flow

The Forest Department has closed Jalagamparai falls at Yelagiri Hills in Tirupattur for tourists on Saturday due to heavy rains in the hills that led to excess discharge of water in the falls.

Located deep in thick forests, Jalagamparai falls in Nagalathur Reserve Forest (RF) witnesses water gushing from its catchment areas in the hills. Excess rainwater from the falls will get discharged into Pamban river, a tributary of Thenpennai river. “As the water flow in the falls is high, tourists were prohibited from visiting the falls. We will observe the flow of water in the falls for the next three days before lifting the ban on tourists to the falls,” K.R. Cholarajan, forest range officer (Tirupattur), told The Hindu.

Forest officials said that unlike Bheeman falls, which is open for tourists due to less water flow, Jalagamparai falls is much closer from the plains as the falls is located around four kms from Jolarpet town. The falls are surrounded by scenic thick green cover in Yelagiri Hills. “Tourists can make a short trip to the falls before returning on the same day. More food joints, bus services and parking space should be available to draw more tourists,” said K. Vinod, a tourist.

Forest officials said that excess rainwater has also reached the famous Swamimalai temple, around four kms from Jalagamparai falls, due to rain. As part of their visit, many tourists including women and children to the falls also trek to the temple before they make their return journey.

Forest officials said that spotted deer, sloth bear, and peacocks are commonly found around these waterfalls. Each waterfall, on an average, gets around 300-500 visitors every day. It gets doubled during weekends and holidays.