The Munnar–Marayoor region of Kerala is home to several beautiful waterfalls, each offering a unique experience amid the greenery and mountain landscapes of the Western Ghats. During our trip, we explored four waterfalls in this region: Lakkom Waterfalls, Kachaaram Waterfalls, Irachilpara Waterfalls and Thoovanam Waterfalls Viewpoint.
From an easily accessible waterfall beside the main road to falls that require a short walk through natural surroundings, this journey offered a lovely opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty around Munnar, Marayoor and Kanthalloor.
1. Lakkom Waterfalls
Our first stop was Lakkom Waterfalls, also known as Lakkam Waterfalls. It is located along the Munnar–Marayoor road, approximately 25 km from Munnar and 15 km from Marayoor.
The waterfall comes under the Forest Department, and visitors need to purchase an entry ticket. During our visit, the entry fee was ₹50 per person. After collecting the entry pass, we walked along a well-maintained paved pathway for around 200–250 metres to reach the waterfall.
Lakkom Waterfalls has a height of approximately 50 feet, with water cascading down the rocky landscape surrounded by greenery. One of the interesting features of this waterfall is its origin. The stream begins in the region of Eravikulam National Park and eventually joins the Pambar River, which flows towards Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Cauvery river system.
We visited Lakkom Waterfalls in April and were fortunate to see a good flow of water. However, the waterfall becomes even more active during the monsoon season, when the surrounding landscape is also at its greenest.
2. Kachaaram Waterfalls – Kanthalloor
Our next destination was Kachaaram Waterfalls, also known as Kanthalloor Waterfalls. We had stayed overnight at Kanthalloor and visited the waterfall the following morning. It is located on the way to Marayoor and is a lovely spot for those exploring this beautiful hill village.
After parking our car, we started walking towards the waterfall. Along the way, we came across a viewpoint where we could hear the soothing sound of flowing water and catch a distant glimpse of the falls.
There was no entry fee during our visit. Reaching the waterfall involved a walk of approximately 500 metres, which took us around 15 minutes. The path is unpaved and can be a little tricky in certain places, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. Local tourist jeeps are also available for visitors who prefer not to walk.
The waterfall is around 20 metres high, with water flowing down into a natural pool below. We visited in January, and although it was not the peak season for water flow, there was still enough water to make the place enjoyable.
Kanthalloor itself is worth exploring. This cool-climate village in Idukki is popularly known as the Fruit Village of Kerala because of its fruit and vegetable farms. Apples, plums and peaches are among the fruits grown here.
For a distant view of Kachaaram Waterfalls, you can also visit Bhramaram View Point. We have included some scenic views from Marayoor View Point as well, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow during the monsoon, but visitors should be extra careful because the walking trail can become slippery.
3. Irachilpara Waterfalls – Kovilkadavu
Our third stop was Irachilpara Waterfalls, also spelled Erachilpara Waterfalls, located at Kovilkadavu along the Marayoor–Kanthalloor route.
From the main road, we had to travel approximately one kilometre to reach the waterfall. The access road is quite narrow, and tourist jeeps frequently use this stretch. If you are travelling by car, drive carefully and be prepared to give way to approaching vehicles.
The waterfall is surrounded by natural greenery and offers a peaceful setting away from the busy roads. The best time to visit is generally from October to January, after the monsoon, although the water flow depends on the amount of rainfall received in the region.
We visited in January. The water flow was relatively low at that time, but the waterfall was still beautiful and worth the stop. If you are planning a visit, checking the recent rainfall conditions can help you decide on the best time.
4. Thoovanam Waterfalls Viewpoint – Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Our final destination was Thoovanam Waterfalls Viewpoint, located inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, near Marayoor. It is approximately 16 km from Irachilpara Waterfalls.
Thoovanam Waterfalls is one of the prominent natural attractions in the Chinnar region. The waterfall is formed by the Pambar River and is surrounded by the dry deciduous forests of the sanctuary.
On this visit, we explored the viewpoint rather than undertaking the trek to the waterfall itself. To reach Thoovanam Waterfalls, visitors need to take a guided forest trek starting from Alampetty Check Post. The trek is approximately 4 km and usually takes around three hours to complete.
The viewpoint offers an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding forest landscape and get a glimpse of the waterfall area without undertaking the full trek. We hope to return another time to experience the guided forest trek and see Thoovanam Waterfalls up close.
Final Thoughts
Our journey through these four waterfalls gave us a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Munnar, Marayoor and Kanthalloor region. Each destination had something different to offer, whether it was the easy access to Lakkom, the short trek to Kachaaram, the peaceful surroundings of Irachilpara or the forest landscape around Thoovanam.
If you are planning a trip to Munnar or Marayoor, consider including these waterfalls in your itinerary. The water flow can vary depending on the season and rainfall, so choosing the right time can make your experience even better.
Watch our video to see all four waterfalls and experience the journey with us!
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