Envis Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India

Printed Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Waterfalls in Kerala

 

 

Adyanpara falls: Nestled in the land of perennial springs and lush green mountains, Adyanpara falls is a cascading water fall set in the Kurmbalangod village of Nilambur Taluk in Kerala. Adyanpara water falls from a height of 300 feet.  Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendor of its lush jungles. Kurmbalangod village is rich is wildlife and it attracts numerous variety of birds including the migratory birds and is rich in wildlife. It is a charming and picturesque picnic spot.

 

Alakapuri falls: An Alakapuri waterfall is located in the Kanjirakkolly in the Kannur district, which contains 3 phases.  First phase is known as Elappara waterfalls; second phase is the famous one and is also known as Alakapuri waterfalls and the third phase contains the biggest water fall in the monsoon season. The water falls located between the foot hills of Western Ghats, bordering the Coorg area of Karnataka Evergreen Forests. The second stage of the water falls contains seven stages of shelves of rock. On the both sides of the water fall, hard Rocks look like Salamanders of the forest. The surrounding area of the falls filled with "Kurinji" and which blossomed it in every 8 years of the era. In October 2002 and then in November 2010 the plant produced blue flowers and which looks like a blue bed in that large area. The water here is starting in the area under Karnataka and then it flowing through the Kerala region.

 

Aruvikkuzhi falls: Aruvikkuzhi is a beautiful picnic spot with a waterfall cascading down the mountains from a height of 100 ft that make irregular noise and is mainly connected with various streams. It is located in Kumarakom,  a few km away from Kottayam town.  It is a very beautiful picnic location. This waterfall is surrounded by large rubber plantations that provide shade to travellers. There are several small streams that make noise as it flows. Near to this lie another waterfall called as the Maramala waterfall which also attracts some tourists.

 

Athirappilly falls: Athirappally waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. The magnificent Athirapally falls start calmly from the mountains, crash through gorges overhung with trees and finally plummet over 80 ft to join the Chalakkudy River in its course. Its cool misty waters surrounded by thick tropical rain forests provide a serene haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

 

Aripara falls: Aripara water fall is a tourist spot in Thiruvambadi panchayat in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is located on the Thiruvambadi-Anakkampoyil route, 15 km from Thiruvambadi. The waterfall is a tributary of Iruvanjippuzha.

 

Attukad falls: A landscape of falling water and hills, Attukad, situated between Munnar and Pallivasal.  This waterfall drops from a height of 100 feet. Numerous people come here to enjoy a picnic. Several streams come out of this fall and head to the rubber plantations nearby. The place is also ideal for long trekking and hiking but assumes a cascading and roaring beauty during the monsoons.

 

Chellarkovil falls: Chellarkoil is a small village in Idukki district. Here there are many plains and waterfalls which is very beautiful. This village is border to the coconut groves of Cumbum in Tamil Nadu. A specialty of this waterfall is that it starts to fall from Kerala and touches the land in Tamil Nadu. The view of the green valleys, beautiful mountains and brooks are really breathtaking.

 

Cheeyappara falls: Cheeyappara water fall is located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway in Idukki district. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.  Cheeyappara Waterfall is considered as one of the best waterfalls in Kerala. Not only tourist the locals are also visits this venue regularly. As it is situated away from the city, it gives an opportunity to everyone to make pleasure trip. Sometimes the Great Hornbill known locally as ‘Malamuzhakki Vezhambal’ is often found here. It is one of the significant excursion points lying in the region surrounding Cochin.

 

Chethalayam falls: Chethalayam falls is situated at twelve kilometers distance from Sulthan Bathery, Wayandad district. It is located near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The environment of the Chethalayam falls and its surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.

 

Kaalakkayam falls: Kaalakkayam waterfall located in the forests near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram District. The waterfall is part of the Mankayam stream that originates in the Agasthyavanam forest. A pool formed at the base of the waterfall is indeed worth a dip and the cool water simply enlivens your body. The forest nearby the waterfall is also a great spot to watch birds and also other species of fauna and flora. A trail along the stream to explore the sights on either side is yet another option for those who would love to walk around a bit.

 

Kanthapara falls: The Kanthanpara Waterfalls is situated south-east of the town of Kalpetta, which is around 8 km from Meppadi, Wayanad.  This waterfall drops from a height of more than 30 metres. It is a comfortable hiking place, located close to the main road connecting Kalpetta.

 

Keezharkuth falls: Rainbow waterfall is situated about 25 kms from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. It is also called as Keezharkuth waterfalls. It falls at a height of 1500 m. It is surrounded by forest which is believed to be rich in various medicinal plants. Tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls and also become engaged in activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking etc. The Rainbow waterfalls, which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 mt is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in full swing.

 

Madatharuvi falls: Madatharuvi is a stream that joins the Pampa River in Ranni. It consists of a series of waterfalls and rapids that pass through pristine tropical forests. Untouched by industries the water is pure and fresh with a few species of fresh water fish.

 

Mankayam falls: Close to Kerala's Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram is Mankayam, situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi..With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.

 

Meenmutty falls: Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District, Kerala. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest 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 are worth it.

 

Meenvallam falls: Meenvallam waterfall is situated in Palakkad district and it originates from Tripunithura river. The water falls from a height of around 25 ft and the depth of the water is 20 ft. This waterfall has 10 steps and the 8 steps lies in dense forest. Each of these steps has a height that ranges from 5 to 40 m. All these steps within the forests are not accessible.

 

Mulamkuzhi falls: Mulamkuzhi waterfall is situated in Mulamkuzhi village in Malayattoor in Ernakulam district. This waterfall originates from Mulamkuzhi river and flows through the hill ranges. This water is considered to be medicated and is clear and sweet. The village Mulamkuzhi lies at the juncture of the rivers Periyar and Perumthode. This is a tiny village nearly 15 kms from Malayattur. The crystal clear medicated water of the River Mulamkuzhi and the waterfalls of Venanbravady near Malayattur is an enchanting sight. There is also a confluence of the rivers Periyar and Perumthode. It is a picturesque location and a very famous tourist site.

 

Nyayamkad falls: Nyayamkad waterfall is situated in Idukki district. It lies between Munnar and Rajamala. This beautiful waterfall flows from a hill at a height of 1600 m. This is an ideal place for trekking and as a picnic spot. Some of the nearby attractions include the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project and tea estates. It is an important tourist destination and one can enjoy the beautiful picturesque from here. Nyayamkad Waterfalls is 10 Kms from Munnar.

 

Palaruvi falls: The Palaruvi waterfall is located in Kollam, Kerala. It is the 40th  highest waterfall in India. It is a single drop, horsetail type waterfall with a total height of 91 metres (299 ft). The Palaruvi Falls is across the Kallada River. The waters of Palaruvi Falls apparently have ayurvedic healing properties as the stream flows through some natural herbal groves further upstream.