Pykara, Waterfall and river system in Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India
Pykara is a river and waterfall system in the Nilgiri Hills with two separate cascades dropping from different elevations. The water flows down the steep slopes, forming natural pools at the base of each drop.
A hydroelectric power station was built nearby in 1932 as one of the earliest such facilities in South India. The project harnessed the river's natural flow to supply electricity to the growing industrial region.
The river holds spiritual significance for the Toda indigenous people, whose traditional villages dot the grass-covered slopes around it. Their presence shapes the character of the landscape and reflects a deep connection to the land.
Getting to the waterfalls requires leaving the main road and taking a short walk with some elevation change along the way. Plan for uneven ground and take advantage of available assistance if needed for your comfort.
An underground power facility is connected to the river through a network of tunnels, representing advanced engineering from the mid-20th century. This hidden system works silently behind the scenes of the natural landscape.
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