A not so well-known waterfall on the outskirts of Coimbatore is ‘Vaidehi Falls,’ that was featured in the Vijayakanth-Revathi starrer, ‘Vaidehi Kaathirunthaal,’ directed by R.Sundarrajan. The extremely beautiful Vaidehi waterfall is nestled on the backdrops of the Western Ghats.

Vaidehi Falls is located 35 km (22 miles) from Coimbatore city. The nearest village is Narasipuram. This waterfall used to be called ‘Thollaayira Murthi Kandi.’ ‘Thollaayiram’ in Tamil stands for 900, ‘Murthy’ can be interpreted in different ways, including the Lord; and ‘Kandi’ indicates waterfalls. The waterfall however is more popularly known
as ‘Vaidehi Falls,’ after the movie. One has to wade through thick forest cover to enjoy the serene atmosphere wherein sheets of water roll down the rocky slope into the deep pool.

Umesh Marudachalam, an environmentalist, who often visits the forest, told Covai Post that Vaidehi waterfall is an ideal location to enjoy weekends with family. However, the forest officials have to be informed beforehand and permissions must be obtained before making the trip, because it is located in the dense jungles, and herds of elephant frequent to the waterfalls to quench their thirst.

Umesh informed that forest guards would accompany the visitors to the Vaidehi waterfall. Visitors can slide from the rocky slope, along with the water, and plunge into the pool. Since the water is constantly running, there is no danger of algae or slippery surface. Only a few visitors turn up and therefore one can enjoy the scenic falls
peacefully.

According to I. Anwarudeen, conservator of forests, visitors are permitted to visit the Vaidehi waterfall provided they inform the concerned Range Officer before entering the forest area. Those desirous of visiting the falls can contact Boluvampatty Forest Ranger and get the required assistance to visit the falls.

 The waterfall is fast losing its anonymity with more and more tourists visiting the place. Chartered Accountant Ramachandran, who visited the falls several times, remarked that Vaidehi waterfall is a fine place where the water flows gently over the smooth and sloppy rocks. Since there are plenty of wild animals, it is advised that visitors take the assistance of forest guards and go along with them.

To reach the waterfalls, one has to trek a distance of about 5 KM. Visitors need to park their vehicles before entering into the forest. While moving through the forest, one can hear the chirping of birds and noise of the falling waters. The falls starts from a very high mountain and flows down the rocky slope. There is no wonder that it’s nature’s marvelous architecture.

The forest department maintains strict security around the area. The jungle is full of herbs and medicinal plants. The best and safest time to visit the Vaidehi Falls is from 8.00 AM to 5.30 PM.