The land of Kerala is known for being richly endowed with forests, lakes and waterfalls. Streams of water small and large, springing up from the sublime Western Ghats, merge here to form luscious waterfalls. During the monsoons, as the sun plays hide and seek with dark clouds and sparkling water gushes down with full might from rocky mountains, nature gets a new lease of life. Soak in these salubrious sights and rejuvenate your soul with nature this month as Kerala ushers in the Northeast Monsoon.
Here are the 10 most scenic waterfalls you must see when you visit Kerala.
1. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Located at a distance of about 47 km from Thrissur, Athirappilly Waterfalls is the highest and the most beautiful waterfall in the state. It gives spectacular views of the Sholayar hills. The enchanting sights and sounds of deep wilderness and water plunging down will revitalise your senses worn out by the din of the city.
2. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Cascading down a number of steps from a height of about 300 metres, Meenmutty is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Kerala, blissfully ensconced inside the forest. It can be reached by trekking downhill for 2 km through a rocky terrain.
3. Thommankuthu Waterfalls
Thommankuthu Waterfalls is a charming seven-step scenic brook and a mesmeric place to spend some time amid the quietude of nature. Trek through the picturesque hills and rich flora surrounding this waterfall for an unforgettable experience.
4. Nyayamkadu Waterfalls
Nyayamkadu Waterfalls is situated near Munnar about 10 km from the town. The water falls from a height of 1,600 metres. A walk up the Nyayamkadu Gap can give you spectacular views of the Munnar town and its sprawling tea gardens.
5. Keezharkuthu Waterfalls
The beauteous Keezharkuthu Waterfalls descend from a height of about 1,500 metres. It is perfect for rock climbing and mountaineering. The falls can be reached by trekking for 2 km through deep forests.
6. Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
The waterfalls at Soochippara, also known as the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is one of the most charismatic in Wayanad. Falling from a height of 100 to 300 feet, the water hits sharp granite rocks at the base. This place makes for an exciting trekking destination.
7. Vazhachaal Waterfalls
Situated close to lush forests that are home to several endangered and endemic plant and animal species, the Vazhachaal Waterfalls are breathtakingly gorgeous.
8. Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls
The wondrous Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls, on the Pampa River, draws visitors from across the country and abroad. Its water flows down a rocky bed into a pool from 60 to 100 feet height through a number of streams.
9. Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Thusharagiri means ‘snowy peak’ and true to its name, the waterfall looks as if it’s spraying snow down as it emerges from the Western Ghats. If you consider yourself physically agile, you could go on a 5-km trek uphill to see and explore the origin of this waterfall. It is equally worthwhile to lay back and relish the sights and sounds of the sparkling waters without breaking a sweat.
10. Palaruvi Waterfalls
The Palaruvi Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. Palaruvi means a stream of milk in Malayalam and this waterfall is named so because of the misty white colour of the falling water. One has to trek through dense forests to get rewarded with a comely sight of this waterfall.
