A trip through the numerous forests and hill stations in Kerala will take you to some of the best waterfalls and dams you have ever seen in your life. The water gurgling down the rocky precipices, framed by lush green foliage is a sight you would never want to miss.
Be it the falls at Athirappally, Soochipara, Thusharagiri and Thommankoothu, these places show you a facet of nature that is calm, soothing and wild, all at the same time. The beautifully landscaped road to Athirappally gives you glimpses of the milky white waters that gush past rocks and boulders, roaring a rhythm that will make you forget all worries.
Famous Kerala Waterfalls – Destinations
Athirapilly – Thrissur
Athirapilly waterfalls, a very popular and scenic picnic spot located near Chalakudy, Trichur district in Kerala, presents a stunning visual extravagance to visitors. The twin waterfalls of Athirapilly-Vazhachal are situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kms apart.This shimmering cascade of silvery water, falls from a height of approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below.
The Athirapilly falls are located amidst dense forests and the entire region looks ‘picture-perfect’ in every way. You will first catch a glimpse of the waterfall as you drive along the road leading to the falls. You can have a spectacular view from the top of the Athirapilly waterfalls when you walk through the rock pathway that leads from the main entrance. And for those with an adventurous streak, there is a third fantastic view from the bottom of the Athirapilly waterfalls which can be reached with a little bit of trekking on slippery mountain trails. It’s a beautiful trail and you can relish the water from the falls sprinkling all over you. The view of the entire landscape at Athirapilly is amazing.
Athirapilly is a beautiful picnic spot where you can enjoy nature in all her splendor and majesty. But the falls can be treacherous, especially during the monsoons due to the slippery grounds, changing currents and the presence of huge rocks.
The Chalakudy river, which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division, becomes a powerful waterfallAthirapilly. The forest division has 5 territorial ranges – Athirapilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar. The river which runs its course smoothly in the higher ranges of the mountains, turns furious near the Ittyani rock and gushes down huge rocks in three paths in Athirapilly. This rumble and tumble of the river from a height of nearly 80 mts is indeed a sight to behold. The river is blocked by a dam down below at Imburmuzhi and the water is used to irrigate nearby agricultural lands.
Vazhachal – Thrissur
Vazhachal waterfalls is located 68 km from Thrissur in Kerala, towards the east of Chalakudy, near the entrance of the Sholayar forest ranges.The beautiful waterfalls of Athirapilly,located 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal are 5 kms apart. Athirapilly and Vazhachal waterfalls are the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges. The Athirapilly waterfalls joins the Chalakudy river after plummeting down at a drop of 80 feet.
Scenic picnic spotVazhachal is part of the Chalakudy river. Both the waterfalls with their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of the thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.Athirapilly and Vazhachal waterfalls is one of the most sought after picnic spots in Kerala. Located in Thrissur district, 1000 ft above sea level, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, Athirapilly is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala state.Athirapilly and Vazhachal are accessible by a good motorable road from Thrissur (63 kms).The nearest railway station to the waterfall destinations is Thrissur (63 kms) and the nearest airport, Cochin International Airport (58 kms).
Thusharagiri – Calicut
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats of Kerala are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains.Thushargiri waterfall destination exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls comprising Thusharagiri on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.
The best roar of Thusharagiri waterfalls can be enjoyed from September to November. The waterfall with its gentle spray is sure to soothe every eye. The cascading waters of the waterfall slide past with surfy smiles. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into the three waterfalls creating a snowy spray which gives it the name, Thusharagiri.
Three FallsOf the three Thusharagiri waterfalls, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers can start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Waynad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut.
The place Thusharagiri offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing activity through the river path and numerous waterfalls. There is another dam located at 60 km from Calicut. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity. The place also has a crocodile farm run by the state forest department.
Meenmutty – Wayanad
Cascading over three stages and falling from a height of over 300 meters, Meenmutty is the tallest waterfall in Wayanad,Kerala. A long days trek through the million shades of green will take you to the spectacular Meenmutty waterfall. The murmurs of the river follow your footsteps through the forest all the way to the falls. The force of water striking the dark rocks and splashing high up, to shimmer in the sun’s rays is breath- taking scenery. The Meenmutty waterfall is situated at the triple point where two other districts Malappuram and Nilgiri join Wayanad in its beauty.
Several WaterfallsMeenmutty Waterfalls is situated in Wayanad District,Kerala and is 12 km east of Meppadi. It is a spectacular fall cascading in three tiers, from a height of more than 300 m. A trekkers paradise,Meenmutty waterfall has the distinction of being the second largest waterfall in Kerala. Nearby interesting waterfall destinations are Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Sentinel Rock Waterfall and Soochipara Waterfalls. It is well connected by road with Kalpetta.
The three-tiered Meenmutty waterfall is most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is a vast waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome.but the waterfalls is worth it.
Thommankuthu – Idukki
If you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Thommankuthu waterfall destination is just the right place in Kerala. 20 km away from Thodupuzha, this site draws the attention of several tourists. The exhilarating beauty of Thommankuthu waterfalls captures the heart and soul of every traveller. Thommankuthu waterfall near Thodupuzha in Kerala is a beautiful seven-step waterfall offering salubrious weather conditions. Amidst verdant foliage, this shimmering waterfall is a perfect place to spend time in the lap of nature. Thommankuthu waterfall tours will allow tourists to savor the wild beauty of forest and stream. If you are looking for an adventurous vacation, Thommankuthu waterfall tours offer all the adventure you can handle.
Adventure Destination
This exotic place of Thommankuthu waterfall destination is congenial for trekking or mountain climbing. Tourists looking for adventure can trek the mountain, which is around 12 km of climbing. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the lake. Fishing and horse riding are other options available in this pleasant valley of Thommankuthu waterfall destination. If you are interested in visiting this amazing Kerala highlight, you can board a bus from Thodupuzha, 18 km from Thommankuthu waterfall destination. For lodging, there are many hotels, rest houses and restaurants at Thodupuzha. The nearest airport is Nedumbassery Airport, which is 80km away. The nearest railway stations are at a distance of 60 km, situated at Kochi and Kottayam.
Thommankuthu waterfalls is one of the upcoming tourist destinations in Idukki, Kerala’s most nature-rich district. Situated about 20 km from Thodupuzha town,this splendid waterfall comes down in seven steps with a cascade and pool at each step. This enchanting place with its natural splendour is also an ideal venue for adventure tourism.
Palaruvi – Kollam
The famous Palaruvi waterfalls is located at about 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam – Shencottah road in Kerala.The term Palaruvi – literally meaning ”stream of milk” in Malayalam – is one of Keralas most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi waterfall through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.
Scenic SurroundingsThe mist-clad blue hills and green valleys surrounding Palaruvi waterfalls form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest around Palaruvi waterfall in Kollam.The nearest railway station to Palaruvi waterfall is Kollam,at a distance of about 75 km.The nearest airport to Palaruvi waterfall is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at about 72 km from Kollam town.
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