Submitted by: Sophia Peterson

Kerala is blessed with the bounties of nature. Besides the lush greenery, crystalline backwaters and the aroma of spices, the state is known for its beautiful cascades. Let the cold waters of the silver springs wash away your stress this vacation.

Athirappilly Waterfalls (82 ft.; June-January)

As you approach the Sholayar Forests, the gurgling sound of water lets you know that you are near the largest waterfall of Kerala, the Athirappilly Waterfalls. While the beauty of the falls is awe inspiring, the surrounding flora and fauna is another major attraction. It is the only place of the Western Ghats where you can find the endangered species of hornbills.

How to Reach

The Cochin International Airport is located at 40 km from the place. The nearest railway station is at Chalakudy, almost 30 km away. There is regular bus service from Cochin, Coimbatore and Munnar.

Things to Know

The waterfalls can be visited from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. The ticket counter is open till 5.00 pm. There is an entry fee of Rs15 to the place. The Athirappilly Waterfalls is at its best during the monsoons (June- September). Visitors can also enjoy river rafting, jungle safari, camping, bird watching and trekking at the terrains.

Soochipara Falls (656 ft.; September-February)

As the white waters break through the rocks from a height of 300 feet to 100 feet, the Soochipara Falls turns you speechless. The green envelope of deciduous and evergreen forests sooths your heart and soul, while the adventure sports of trekking and swimming is a gift to the thrill lovers.

How to Reach:-

The Calicut International Airport lies at 102 km and the nearest railway station is at 92 km from the place, the Kozhikode Railway Station. Tourists can hire direct cabs to the waterfalls from Calicut and Sultan Bathery. The waterfalls are a 2 km walk from the parking zone.

Things to Know:-

The visiting hours are from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. There is an entry fee of Rs80 per individual and Rs40 extra for the camera. Plastic is strictly prohibited in the region and someone carrying a plastic bottle needs to get it tagged and pay an amount of Rs50; this amount is refunded on return. Though monsoon is good to check out the real beauty of the waterfalls, there are multiple leeches round the place at this time. The Chembra Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient caves of Edakkal are the nearby attractions.

Palaruvi Falls (300 ft., June-January)

This is one of the coolest waterfalls of Kerala, with its water softly flowing down the hills. The waters of Palaruvi Falls are also known to have medicinal properties for curing skin diseases and hence you will find lot of people bathing in the chilled waters of the pond formed by this waterfall. Tourists can also choose to stay near the spring at the PWD and KTDC bungalows. The blue hills and sprawling greenery encircling the waterfall creates a magnificent environment. Get close to nature with natural walks through the forest or crossing the small streams.

How to Reach:-

The nearest airport to the place is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 72 km from the Kollam city. The nearest railway station is Kollam, 75 km from the waterfalls. Tourists can also hire cabs to reach the spot.

Things to Know:-

The waterfalls can be visited from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. The entry fee is Rs10 for children between 5- 13 years and it is Rs25 above that. There is additional charge for parking cars. On the same trip you can also visit the Thenmala Dam, Ashtamundi Lake, Paravur Lake and Kollam.

Meenmutty Falls (985 ft.; October-May)

This waterfall of Kerala exhibits the whim of nature, as the water dances down the cliffs in three steps. The volume of water rushing down the hills is huge and it is advised not to get too close to the falls at this time. The scenery is charming after the monsoons, with a composed flow of water and pleasant atmosphere. The place is a photographers paradise being an ideal sunrise and sunset point.

How to Reach:-

The Calicut International Airport is closest to the spot, around 110 km. The Kozhikode railway station is the nearest, 97 km from the place. It is a 2 km to 3 km distance for the trekkers.

Things to Know:-

The visiting hours are from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm; tickets are available from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm. The passes are available only after permission from the local authorities and cost Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 60 for foreigners. Plastics and alcohol are prohibited. The nearest tourist attractions include Banasura Sagar Dam, Muthanga Sanctuary, Kalpetta and Pookode Lake.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls (300 ft., June-November)

Another unique creation of nature, the Thommankuthu Waterfalls come down in seven steps. It is an activity packed day for tourists visiting this waterfalls of Kerala. The Thommankuthu Waterfalls is an eco tourism destination of the state. Unravel the mysteries of nature trekking through the dense forests and exploring the caves of the region or relax over the dew drenched grass or at the wooden huts, watching colourful birds or fishing at the clean stream waters.

How to Reach:-

The closest airport to the site is at 52 km, the Cochin International Airport. The Aluva is the nearest railway station at 65 km.

Things to Know:-

Be here from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. The entry fee is Rs10 for kids and Rs20 for adults. Besides numerous springs, the place is also near to the Munnar tea plantations, lying at 67 km.

Celebrate the joy of life this holiday with the splashes of fresh water of the waterfalls of Kerala.

For more info:- http://www.southindiahighlights.com/kerala-tours/

About the Author: Sophia Perterson is a blogger and writes about travel. She loves to explore new places. Kerala is a beautiful and popular destination of India, located in India’s deep southern part. Kerala has become a prominent tourist destination of India as it provides panoramic beauty to its visitors. For more info:

southindiahighlights.com/

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