Chethalayam Waterfalls

Probably many people may consider the long trek to the waterfall as the best part. The woods are thick and there are plenty of birds and butterflies.

• Chethalayam Falls are a beautiful sight nonetheless. The ideal place to relax while absorbing soothing views and listening to the melodious chirping of birds. This is one of Wayanad’s lesser-known falls, located 12 km away from town. Though it tends to dry up between monsoons, it’s a lovely place to visit and trekking enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the climb up the rocks.

• Chethalayam Falls, Sulthan bathery is one of the first things that comes to the mind of many people, while discussing Sulthan bathery. It’s true that there are quite a few other interesting things to see and do too. However, like all other attractions, the Chethalayam Falls in Sulthan bathery also has its own brand of unique charm. In fact, countless visitors just can’t stop gushing about the place. In short, rest assure that a trip to Chethalayam Falls Sulthan bathery will leave you with a lifetime of fond memories.

• This waterfall is situated close to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is inhabited by the spotted deer, sambhar, gaur, elephants and sloth bear, amongst others.

Chethalayam Waterfall is located in Wayanad district at a distance of 15 kms from Sulthan Bathery. It lies in Pulpalli Main Road. In order to reach this waterfall, one can trek from Chethalayam for about 4 kms. This place is ideal for trekking and bird watching. This waterfall is a small waterfall and the water here is crystal clear. During summer season the water gets dried up and is the best time for trekking. A nearby tourist spot is Wayanad wildlife sanctuary where one can see animals such as elephants, deer etc and several species of birds

• This is one of the smallest and seasonal yet most famous waterfalls in Kerala, popular amongst trekkers. One has to trek for about 4 Kms from Kidangand to reach the falls.

• Though it tends to dry up during summer, it is a lovely place to visit and trekking enthusiasts will have an enjoyable time climbing up the rocks to the waterfall.

Ideal Trip Duration: One day trip
Nearest City: 37 kms from Kalpetta
Best Time to Visit: Post monsoon season is the best time to visit the falls

Vazhachaal Waterfalls

• The Vazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. The Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Its cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience for visitors.

• Vazhachal Waterfalls is a hidden gem in Kallara region of Kerala. The gushing fall is located at just about 5 km from the main Athirappilly Falls and the entire area looks picture perfect with lush greenery all around. It is one of those places where you can head for a fun-filled picnic day or just treating yourself with amazing natural beauty. 

• Vazhachal Waterfalls, Kallara is one of the first things that comes to the mind of many people, while discussing Kallara. It’s true that there are quite a few other interesting things to see and do too. However, like all other attractions, the Vazhachal Waterfalls in Kallara also has its own brand of unique charm. In fact, countless visitors just can’t stop gushing about the place. In short, rest assure that a trip to Vazhachal Waterfalls Kallara will leave you with a lifetime of fond memories.

The Vazhachal Falls are located just 3 km to the official entrance of Athirappilly Falls and it has its origin from Chalakudy River. This waterfall, cascading on the edge of the Sholayar forest range has been categorized as one of the finest present in India. There are several water parks and natural gardens located near to the region of the waterfall.   

The months from June to October are considered as the best seasons to visit this place because of the pleasant weather conditions. Private taxis and buses are also available that connect this place from the Chalakudy Bus Station.

Ideal Trip Duration: one day trip
Nearest City: 7 Kms from Athirapally & 75 Kms from Kochi
Best Time to Visit: September to January
Travel tip: This is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen.

Keezharkuth waterfalls

• The Rainbow waterfalls at Keezharkuth in Idukki, which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 m is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in full swing. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants.

• Keezharkuthu waterfalls is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking. The waterfalls is situated at near Malayinchi at Udumbannoor Village in Idukki.

• One of the most popular waterfalls in kerala, also known as the rainbow waterfalls at Keezharkuth, are extremely beautiful. The water cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 m. It is an ideal place for rock climbing & mountaineering. The falls are located in deep forest and can be reached by trekking through the forests for over 2 Kms.

Ideal Trip Duration: One day trip
Nearest City: 30kms from Idukki
Best Time to Visit: This place is good to visit throughout the year.
Travel Tip: Nearest town to the falls is Udambannoor, which is connected by Bus with Idukku, Munnar and Thodupuzha.

Palaruvi Waterfalls

• Palaruvi literally translates as a "stream of milk" and you'll know why these falls are named thus, almost as soon as you set your eyes on them. With pure white, foamy streams gushing down from a height of 300 feet, these falls are a popular tourist spot on Kerala. The water of these falls are believed to have therapeutic properties, particularly since the pass through medicinals herbs and shrubs which can be found upstream. With awe-inspiring surroundings of the tropical forest and only the sound of the gushing water and chirping birds to keep you company, paradise is always close at hand here.

• It is one of the most beautiful and 40th highest waterfall in India. The word Palaruvi means stream of milk in Malayalam. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The water falls into a small pool which is ideal for swimming. You have to trek through dense forests to reach the waterfall and the experience is definitely memorable.

• Palaruvi Waterfalls, Kollam is one of the first things that comes to the mind of many people, while discussing Kollam. It’s true that there are quite a few other interesting things to see and do too. However, like all other attractions, the Palaruvi Waterfalls in Kollam also has its own brand of unique charm. In fact, countless visitors just can’t stop gushing about the place. In short, rest assure that a trip to Palaruvi Waterfalls Kollam will leave you with a lifetime of fond memories.

• Water of Palaruvi pools is believed to have healing properties. Many locals, who never otherwise venture out to any waterfall, visit here to just take a dip in the medicinal waters. Hence you may see large crowds, especially so, during peak season of overflowing fresh water. 

• As a testimony, some Ayurvedic Physicians consider Palaruvi dips akin to herbal bathing and therefore suggest it to patients. Their substantiating fact is that water reaches the falls after flowing through areas of medicinal herbs. 

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day trip
Nearest City: 72 kms from Kollam
Best Time to Visit: June to january
Travel Tip:
1. Thenmala Dam is about 11 Kms from Palaruvi Waterfalls and can be visited together.
2. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is about 31 Kms from Palaruvi Waterfalls and can be visited together.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls

Thommankuthu is famous for its seven-step waterfall. It is an ideal place for adventure tourism in Idukki. Major attractions at Thommankuthu are forest trekking and bathing in the waterfall.

• Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Kannadi is one of the first things that comes to the mind of many people, while discussing Kannadi. It’s true that there are quite a few other interesting things to see and do too. However, like all other attractions, the Thommankuthu Waterfalls in Kannadi also has its own brand of unique charm. In fact, countless visitors just can’t stop gushing about the place. In short, rest assure that a trip to Thommankuthu Waterfalls Kannadi will leave you with a lifetime of fond memories.
• A seven-step scenic brook, making the entire valley look beautiful, is amongst the best waterfalls in Kerala and a mesmerizing place to spend some time amidst the tranquil nature. Trekking into the surrounding picturesque hills is another popular activity at this place.

• Those who love to visit places with waterfalls, heavy streams, and natural beauty, then Thommankuthu is the best place where you can see all three at one place.

Thommankuthu waterfalls is located in Idukki District of Kerala State. It comes under Kerala Forest Department, Kothamangalam Division, Kaliyar Range. Kannadiyaru is the name of the river flowing through Thommankuthu. It starts 20kms inside the Plakkulam forest area and flowing through the Kaliyar forest.

• It is believed that the name “Thommankuthu” derived from one tribal leader “Thumban” who was washed away in the river. Main attraction of the river is the chain of waterfalls and mysterious caves. During the Monsoon Season in Kerala, one could see both the beauty and the rage of the river.

• There are three main waterfalls in Thommankuth. For the first waterfall one should walk 600m from the entrance, next is 1km far from the first waterfall.  The last one called Ezhunilakuthu. There are few waterfalls above the Ezhunilakuthu, but to see that one need to walk again quite a distance which would be stressful. The authorities have built a wooden watch tower which is quite useful for the bird watchers.
• The waterfall and stream is live after the monsoon in Kerala. During the heavy monsoon time, the river overflows and the three waterfalls become live.  Bathing, crossing the river etc are completely banned during Jun and Jul.

Ideal Trip Duration: One day trip
Nearest City: 25 Kms from Idukki and 48 Kms from Munnar
Best Time to Visit: Monsoons are beautiful, but stay away from the fall. Post monsoon is preferred too.
Travel Tip: This place is connected by bus from Munnar and Thodupuzha. There are no accommodation facilities available near the falls.

Meenmutty Waterfalls

This stunning falls which is a prime attraction of adventure seekers is cuddled up in the verdant Mepadi forest range, under the South Wayanad Forest Division, quartered at Chitragiri on the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• In Malayalam, Meenmutty means, 'Where fishes are blocked'. Meenmutty is the best places in Kerala where one can experience scenic views of nature and is set amidst the dense jungles of the western ghats.

• One of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the state is Meenmutty. Cascading down through multiple tiers from a height of about 300 meters, it is a spectacular fall situated inside the forest. It is the second largest waterfall in Kerala. The falls can be reached by trekking down the hill for about 3 Kms through a rocky terrain.

• In the Meenmutty falls trek are exotic caves which house Neolithic age carvings. Officials are also present to enlighten the visitors about the splendid site. Other nearby attractions include the Chembra peak, Edakkal Caves, Kanthanpara waterfall, Soochippara waterfall, Muthanga Sanctuary, Kuruva Islands, Tholpetty Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Kalpetta town and Thirunelli.

• The most suitable time to head for Meenmutty is from October to May. Exploring the serene waterfall during the monsoons might not be a good option. The Meenmutty Waterfalls are currently closed due to off season.

• The spot is easily accessible on account of numerous signboards along the way. Buses are available from Kalpetta.  Taxis and private vehicles are one of the most common means of travel to Wayanad. The nearest railway station from Wayanad is at Calicut while the nearest airport is the Karipur airport in Kozhikode.

Ideal Trip Duration: One day trip
Nearest City: 28kms from Kalpetta (Wayanad)
Best Time to Visit: Post Monsoons
Travel Tip: Hiring a private vehicle from Kalpetta or Meppadi is a good option.

Athirappilly Waterfalls

The cool spray that covers a large area near the falls makes Athirapally a scenic location.

•  Remember the falls in the movie Ravan? This offers spectacular view of the Sholayar hills as it is the highest waterfall in Kerala. The sound of the water plunging down will be music to your ears, and the sight would invoke a deep sense of wilderness in you because nowhere else would you see something as beautiful as this.

• Athirapally is the land of rivers and forests and great waterfalls! The destination houses the largest waterfall in Kerala, the Athirapally waterfall, a major tourist attraction. This patch in Sholayar ranges so beautifully intertwined with lush green forest cover and sizzling silver cascades and located central to Cochin and River Nila (Bharathapuzha),is a treat for the eyes during the monsoon. Swollen Chalakkudy river, Charpa, Vazhachal and Athirapally are ideal places where the monsoon is to be enjoyed.

• Local communities along the Chalakudy river banded together to stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam upstream from Athirapally Waterfall. The proposed dam would have submerged more than 140 hectares of forest, dried up extensive riparian areas downstream and destroyed Athirapally Waterfall, one of several scenic waterfalls important to the local tourism industry. The dam also would have destroyed the critical habitat of many important species, including the rare Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, the endangered Great Indian Hornbill, the Lion-Tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Langur.

                                                                             Ideal Trip Duration: Half Day to Full Day

                                                                             Nearest City: Thrissur(47 kms) and Kochi (70 Kms)                                                                               Best Time to Visit: September to January

                                                                               

Kumarakom Backwaters

Kerala is known for its panoramic backwater stretches, lush green paddy fields, highlands and beaches. A major backwater stretch lies in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, offers boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Kumarakom is a serenely beautiful and scenic backwater destination, a charming peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake that is dotted with plenty of traditional rice boats and canoes, leaving a scene that is immensely pleasing to the eye.

When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly one of the most invigorating and fascinating places to unwind in Kerala. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters and mangroves with nestling birds of a hundred varieties will all serve to calm and inspire your mind.

The backwater houses a variety of species of both flora and fauna. It’s rich in marine life especially the exclusive kumarakom karimeen or pearl spotted fish, konju or tiger prawns, njandu or crabs, chemmeen or prawns and many more. As and when the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom gets transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams and lagoons break their banks to nourish the shrubs that sprout from every available space. The place is renowned for its mangrove shores and the bird sanctuary.

Kumarakom is well-equipped with a range of luxury and budget resorts with unique leisure options like ayurveda massage, yoga, meditation, swimming, fishing and boating. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as wind sailing and water skiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quiet lake, and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest ferstival of Onam when locals enjoy in festivities and tourism blooms.