Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is famous for its rolling tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, lush green valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. While many visitors come to enjoy its scenic viewpoints and tea gardens, the region is also home to several waterfalls that look especially spectacular during the monsoon season.
In this travel journey, we explore Attukad Waterfalls, Nayamakad Waterfalls, Elixir Falls, Yellapetty Waterfall, Ripple Waterfalls, and a waterfall near the Hanging Bridge at Ponmudi Dam. Each destination offers a different experience, from easily accessible roadside views to waterfalls hidden among the woods.
1. Attukad Waterfalls
Attukad Waterfalls is one of the well-known waterfalls near Munnar, situated between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is approximately 9 km from Munnar town. To reach the waterfall, visitors need to travel around 2.5 km from the main road along a narrow road that winds through tea estates.
The journey itself is scenic, with tea plantations and green hills surrounding the route. A tea shop near the waterfall provides a place to stop and enjoy the view. There is also an upper viewpoint above the tea shop, for which an entry fee of ₹20 was noted during our visit. Depending on the view available from the tea shop and the bridge, visitors may find it unnecessary to pay extra for the upper viewpoint.
A small bridge offers another perspective of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. During the monsoon, Attukad can transform into a powerful, roaring cascade, with water rushing down the rocky hillside.
We also included footage from our visit in April, when the water flow was considerably lower. Comparing the two visits shows how dramatically the appearance of the waterfall can change with the season.
2. Nayamakad Waterfalls
Nayamakad Waterfalls, also known as Nyayamakad Waterfalls, is another scenic waterfall in the Munnar region. It is located on the Munnar–Udumalpet road, near the Rajamala area and the entrance to Eravikulam National Park.
The waterfall descends over a rocky slope surrounded by tea plantations and forested hills. Its setting makes it a beautiful stop for travellers exploring this part of Munnar.
During our visit, we viewed the waterfall from the main road. Visitors interested in getting closer can explore the trekking route, subject to local access conditions and safety guidance.
The waterfall is particularly attractive during the rainy season, when increased water flow brings out the beauty of the rocky landscape and surrounding greenery.
3. Elixir Falls
Elixir Falls is located inside Elixir Hills Resort in the Munnar region. Surrounded by lush greenery, rocks, and the natural landscape of the Western Ghats, this waterfall adds to the resort's scenic setting.
Unlike waterfalls viewed from busy main roads, Elixir Falls is situated within the resort grounds. It offers a different experience for visitors who want to enjoy the natural surroundings in a quieter setting.
Access to the waterfall may depend on the resort's visitor policies, so it is advisable to check with the property before planning a visit.
4. Yellapetty Waterfall
Yellapetty Grassland is located near Kundala Dam, along the route towards Top Station from Munnar. This area is known for its open landscapes, surrounding hills, and scenic views.
During our visit, we explored a small waterfall hidden among the woods. Unlike a roadside waterfall, reaching this spot involves walking through the wooded area.
Although smaller than some of Munnar's famous waterfalls, it has its own charm. The natural surroundings and greenery make the walk an enjoyable part of the experience.
The water flow varies depending on rainfall and the season, so the waterfall may look quite different during the monsoon compared with the drier months.
5. Ripple Waterfalls
Ripple Waterfalls, located at Sree Narayanapuram in the Munnar region, is a popular nature attraction surrounded by greenery and rocky landscapes.
The cascading water creates a scenic setting for visitors who want to spend some time enjoying nature. The rocks, flowing water, and surrounding vegetation provide plenty of opportunities for photography and video recording.
Compared with a quick stop at a roadside waterfall, Ripple offers an opportunity to spend more time exploring the surroundings. The experience can vary with the season and the amount of rainfall, which influences the water flow.
6. Waterfall Near the Hanging Bridge at Ponmudi Dam
Our final stop is the Hanging Bridge near Ponmudi Dam, where a waterfall can be seen beneath the bridge.
The bridge and surrounding landscape provide a different setting from the tea-estate waterfalls around Munnar. During our visit in summer, the water flow was relatively low. After rainfall, the scenery and water flow may look different.
This stop makes a pleasant addition to a waterfall trip around the region, especially for travellers exploring the surrounding areas of Idukki.
Best Time to Visit Munnar Waterfalls
The monsoon season and the period immediately after good rainfall are generally the best times to see many of these waterfalls flowing strongly. The hills become greener, and the increased water flow can make the cascades more impressive.
However, heavy rainfall can also make narrow roads, rocky paths, and trekking routes slippery or unsafe. Visitors should follow local safety instructions and avoid entering strong currents or approaching unstable edges.
During summer, some waterfalls may have significantly less water, as we observed at Attukad and the waterfall near Ponmudi Dam. Even then, the surrounding tea estates, forests, and mountain scenery make the journey worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the waterfalls around Munnar reveals another side of this beautiful hill station. From the powerful seasonal cascades of Attukad and Nayamakad to the woodland setting of Yellapetty and the greenery surrounding Ripple Waterfalls, each stop offers something different.
Our journey also included Elixir Falls inside Elixir Hills Resort and the waterfall beneath the Hanging Bridge near Ponmudi Dam.
If you are planning a trip to Munnar, consider adding these waterfalls to your itinerary. Their appearance changes with the seasons, making the same destinations feel different on each visit.
Watch our Munnar waterfalls video on Wanderlust Channel to see the locations, road approaches, surrounding scenery, and differences in water flow during our visits.
Thanks for joining us on this journey. Stay safe, take care, and see you on the next adventure!
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