Rivers, Waterfalls & Scenic Beauty

Best Waterfalls in Kerala

Kerala is home to some of India’s most scenic waterfalls, nestled amidst lush forests, misty hills, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you seek adventure, photography, or a peaceful retreat, here are the best waterfalls in Kerala that you must visit:

1. Athirapally Waterfalls – The Niagara of India

 Location: Thrissur
 Best for: largest waterfall in Kerala, monsoon beauty, and film locations

Why Visit?

✅ Tallest waterfall in Kerala (80 ft high, 330 ft wide).
✅ Featured in movies like Bahubali, Raavan, and Dil Se.
✅ Surrounded by Sholayar forests, home to elephants and exotic birds.
✅ Best for hiking, photography, and monsoon travel.

 Best time to visit: June – September (monsoon season for full flow)

2. Vazhachal Waterfalls – The Misty Wonderland

 Location: Near Athirapally, Thrissur
 Best for: Scenic beauty and trekking trails

Why Visit?

✅ Just 5 km from Athirapally, yet less crowded.
✅ Located in a lush green forest with picnic spots.
✅ Best for nature lovers and peaceful retreats.

 Best time to visit: Monsoon (June – September) for lush greenery

3. Meenmutty Waterfalls – The Three-Tiered Wonder

 Location: Wayanad
 Best for: Trekking and adventure lovers

Why Visit?

✅ Second-highest waterfall in Kerala (984 ft, 3 levels).
✅ Trekking through dense rainforests to reach the falls.
✅ Ideal for adventure lovers and offbeat travelers.

 Best time to visit: October – May (avoid monsoon due to slippery paths)

4. Soochipara Waterfalls – The Sentinel Rock Falls

 Location: Wayanad
 Best for: Rock climbing, trekking, and swimming

Why Visit?

✅ Three-tiered waterfalls surrounded by tea plantations.
✅ Great for rock climbing and rappelling.
✅ Natural pool at the base, perfect for swimming.

 Best time to visit: October – March for trekking & swimming

5. Palaruvi Waterfalls – The Stream of Milk

 Location: Kollam
 Best for: Medicinal waters and family picnics

Why Visit?

✅ Looks like a ‘milky cascade’ falling from 300 ft.
✅ Believed to have medicinal properties in its water.
✅ Great for swimming and family outings.

 Best time to visit: June – December (post-monsoon for best views)

6. Thusharagiri Waterfalls – The Snow-Capped Beauty

 Location: Kozhikode
 Best for: Waterfall trekking and eco-tourism

Why Visit?

✅ A series of waterfalls set against misty hills.
✅ Trekking trails through spice plantations.
✅ Best for offbeat nature lovers and hikers.

 Best time to visit: September – February for trekking

7. Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls – The Honey River Falls

 Location: Pathanamthitta
 Best for: Giant rock formations and nature walks

Why Visit?

✅ Unique wide waterfalls cascading over rocky terrain.
✅ Located near the Sabarimala pilgrimage route.
✅ Ideal for nature lovers and picnic spots.

 Best time to visit: July – December

8. Lakkam Waterfalls – The Hidden Beauty of Munnar

 Location: Munnar
 Best for: Scenic views and short treks

Why Visit?

✅ Surrounded by dense tea estates and Eravikulam National Park.
✅ One of the less crowded waterfalls in Kerala.
✅ Best for quick refreshment stops and nature photography.

 Best time to visit: October – March (after monsoon for best views)

9. Cheeyappara Waterfalls – The Roadside Marvel

 Location: Near Munnar
 Best for: Scenic road trip stop

Why Visit?

✅ Visible from the highway, no trekking required.
✅ A seven-step waterfall surrounded by forests.
✅ Perfect for a refreshing stopover while driving to Munnar.

 Best time to visit: June – October (monsoon for best flow)

10. Kuthumkal Waterfalls – The Unexplored Paradise

 Location: Idukki
 Best for: Secluded getaways and photography

Why Visit?

✅ One of the most untouched waterfalls in Kerala.
✅ Less touristy, perfect for peaceful nature lovers.
✅ Surrounded by thick green forests and misty landscapes.

 Best time to visit: September – February

 Best Waterfalls in Kerala for Different Interests

✅ For the Largest & Most Spectacular Falls: Athirapally, Meenmutty, Vazhachal
✅ For Adventure & Trekking: Soochipara, Thusharagiri, Meenmutty
✅ For Relaxation & Family Trips: Palaruvi, Cheeyappara, Perunthenaruvi
✅ For Offbeat & Hidden Beauty: Lakkam, Kuthumkal, Thusharagiri