The Western Ghats is home to some of the most wonderful tourist attractions that are loaded with breathtaking beauty and scintillating scenery. Among all the hill stations in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is the best tourist attraction. From scenic vistas to lush green forests; from valleys laden with green carpets of grass to fragrant flowers; and from mighty waterfalls crashing down on the rocks to mountain streams flowing through the forests – the list of nature’s blessings at Wayanad is impressive!
Wayanad is one such fantastic place that offers a bouquet of exciting and enthralling tourist activities for people with all kinds of interest. Hiking, mountain trekking, camping, forest walks, bird-watching, wildlife safaris, tribal area tours, bicycle tours and many more adventures are there to explore. The nature resorts also offer in-house spa and traditional Kerala Ayurvedic spa and therapies to the visitors.
The following post is about the waterfalls in Wayanad. There are six waterfalls in and around Wayanad that are popular among the tourists. Find all about these splendid waterfalls and make sure you cover all of them on your visit to Wayanad.
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Accessible via a jungle trek route of 2 KM, Meenmutty Waterfalls is the best one in the region. The trekking starts on the Ooty road in Wayanad and becomes tricky and slippery in rains. The milky-white water jets fall down from a height of more than 1000 ft. There are separate viewing decks for the three tiers of the waterfalls. Located in a secluded spot the Meenmutty waterfall is an ethereal sight that soothes your nerves and senses and fills your heart with exhilaration.
Soochipara Waterfalls
This is yet another one of the most prominent waterfalls in Wayanad and is also known by the name of Sentinel Rock Falls. It is located near Kalpetta and is a three-tiered waterfall. It has a height of 200 m or 656 feet. Adventure lovers can also enjoy rock climbing here on a nearby cliff. There is a dedicated parking area at the starting point of the journey. The tourists have to walk for 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Soochipara Waterfalls. So, it is fairly easily reachable as compared to the one mentioned above. The water from this waterfall joins the Chulika or Chaliyar River.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
A stunning waterfall located in Kalpetta with tranquil surroundings. Offering wonderful views of greenery all around, Kanthanpara Waterfalls is 30 ft high and is easily accessible from the roads. There is almost no tourist rush, and it is perfect for the tourists travelling with kids or elderly people.
The nature all around is beautiful, and one can feel rejuvenated with the minute water droplets falling on the face.
Chethalayam Waterfalls
The Chethalayam Waterfalls are located in Sulthan Bathery and is the smallest, but the most energetic waterfalls in Wayanad. It is famous among the trekkers and adventure lovers that battle with the natural elements to enjoy the adrenaline rush. The water jets are surrounded by the lush green landscape that soothes the eyes. During the summer season, the waterfalls dry, leaving a path for the trekkers, mountain climbers and hikers. The water starts streaming with the onset of monsoons.
It is 37 KM from Kalpetta and 12 KM from Sulthan Bathery. From the starting point, the tourists have to trek for about four kilometres which is a tedious one. You will pass from many exciting vistas on your way encompassing trees, wildflowers and mountainous landscape. The sounds of waterfalls will keep on calling you and motivating you to move ahead. So, don’t forget to bring your reliable pair of shoes.
Palchuram Waterfalls
Palchuram waterfalls are located on the border of Kannur and Wayanad. This waterfall has a height of 300 m and has four tiers. It is the largest and one of the most prominent waterfalls in the region. It is a mere 5 km from Kottiyoor which is located on Mananthavady Road. The path gets narrower when one moves away from the main road. It is located right in the middle of the evergreen forest and is a tranquil and refreshing site to behold.
Kadachikunnu Waterfalls
The Kadachikunnu Waterfalls is accessible from the Meppadi-Vaduvanchal Road. The tourists have to trek for 2 km in the forest to reach this waterfall. The peak point of the trekking route offers stunning views of Nilambur Forest and Wayanad region. This is one of the lesser-visited waterfalls here, which means that the tourist rush is not high.
You can also enjoy a nice picnic on your way towards and back from the waterfalls. This is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad for adventurous souls.
This completes the list of the best waterfalls in Wayanad. These waterfalls offer the best and the most untarnished form of nature here. The monsoons get heavy here, and the trekking paths become slippery and wet. However, this doesn’t deter the tourists from exploring the beauty of waterfalls on its peak.
We suggest planning your trip in groups so that you can enjoy the safety in each other’s company. Further, always check the weather warnings and notifications from the authorities before starting the journey. You can find all kinds of information online on the official tourism portals of Kerala. Rest, whenever you go Wayanad, don’t miss these waterfalls; they will offer you some amazing memories to cherish forever!