9 best waterfalls in Kerala, India
21.07.2023 - 07:27
/ roughguides.com
Kerala is blessed with natural beauty and some of the best beaches in India (sorry, Goa). Along with ribbons of golden sand and densely forested mountains, the southern Indian state is home to some of the country’s most captivating waterfalls and religious temples. These cascading wonders create a breathtaking spectacle as they tumble down the lush emerald mountains of the Western Ghats. From the majestic Athirappilly, the largest waterfall in Kerala, to the three-tiered 300m-high Meenmutty Falls that gather in a silvery pool near Mananthavady, these are the best waterfalls in Kerala.
Kerala boasts some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in India. From cascading torrents to gentle cascades, the waterfalls offer a serene and awe-inspiring experience. Join us on a journey as we explore the best waterfalls in Kerala, each with its own unique charm and allure. So grab your camera phone, pack some bathers and discover the best waterfalls in Kerala.
Kerala’s largest waterfall, the vast, majestic Athirappilly Falls, plummets 25m (80 feet) down a cliff in the densely forested Western Ghats.
Often referred to as “the Niagara of South India”, the falls have been used as a backdrop for several films, including the 2015 epic Baahubali: The Beginning. They are one of the most popular waterfalls in the country and can be easily visited from the nearby town of Athirappilly.
Fed by the Chalakudy River, the falls flow all year round but are at their thunderous best during monsoon season, between June and September.
Planning your trip to India? With our tailor-made trip to Unmissable India, you will experience the country’s exquisite forts and temples, fabulous food and dusty atmospheric cities as you journey through the Golden Triangle and onwards to the lush southern backwaters of lovely Kerala.
Athirappilly Falls in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala, India © Shutterstock
Situated in the tropical forests of Wayanad in Kerala’s northeast, the mesmerizing Meenmutty Waterfall showcases nature's true grandeur.
These magnificent three-tiered falls tumble from a height of around 300m (980 feet) and are set among Indian mahogany, white cedar and jackfruit trees.
It’s a 2-3 hour trek over thickly forested terrain, rocks and streams to reach the very top of the falls, but on arrival, you’ll be rewarded with a scene that feels like a hidden paradise.
You’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the site, and it’s sometimes closed during monsoon or for repairs so check ahead before visiting.
Rough Guides tip: also check the most beautiful temples in Kerala
Meenmutty waterfall in the way to ponmudi Kerala © Shutterstock
These seven pretty cascades stretch over 12km of the Kannadiyaar River near the town of Thodupuzha in Idukki