8 best waterfalls in Kerala

Athirappalli
Situated on the Chalakudy River, Kerala&rsquos largest waterfall, Athirappalli, drops a sheer 80 feet along the rock wall. The waterfalls, located at the entrance of the Sholayar forest range, can be reached from Thrissur, about 63km away. The forest is home to four endangered species of hornbills. The Vazachal waterfalls is about 5km away.

Kalakkayam
A circuitous route (nearly 50km) from Thiruvananthapuram will take you to this waterfall near Kuriadi village. The waterfalls arises from the Manakayam stream that originates in the forests of Agasthyavanam. Ask for local assistance to reach the waterfalls through the dense forest. You can also take a walk along the trails that hug the streams.

Meenmutty
Located about 45km away from Thiruvananthapuram, this Meenmutty falls is located near Neyyar Reservoir. You have to trek through the forest to reach the base of the falls. During monsoon, the water flow increases many times and the hidden whirlpools are dangerous. So do not try to step into the water or bathe here. Accidents have happened in the past.

There is another waterfalls of the same name in Wayanad, where the waterfalls cascades down the hills in three stages, covering a 1,000 feet drop. It can be reached from Kozhikode, about 97km away.

Palaruvi
In local parlance, it means stream of milk. And that is what it exactly looks like during the monsoon, as it dances down the verdant rocks, from a height of 300 feet. A popular picnic spot, it has a KTDC motel. You can visit the falls between 8am and 6pm. The waterfalls is 75km from Kollam town.

Soochipara
Also known as the Sentinel Rock waterfalls, it is situated about 25km away from Kalpetta in the Wayanad region. The pointed granite rocks at the bottom of the cascade are known as Soochipara (needle rock).

Thommankuthu
The waterfalls flows across seven steps along the rock wall to collect in a picturesque pool at the bottom. Avoid bathing during the monsoon. You can go trekking in the surrounding forests. The waterfalls is about 17km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district and nearly 52km from Kochi.

Thusharagiri
As waterfalls rushes through the green hills, its misty white water looks like a snowy spray and hence the name. Located about 50km away from Kozhikode, the surrounding rubber and spice plantations are popular with trekkers.

Vazachal
Located about 5km away from its twin, the famous Athirappalli waterfalls, Vazachal is about 68km from Thrissur.

Caution The flow of water increases manifold during the monsoon. So be cautious while negotiating the paths around the waterfalls. Avoid bathing in the pools as they can be deep and dangerous during this time.