Among the tranquil spots in the district of Palakkad, Kerala, resides the Pathrakadavu Waterfalls—an all-time picnic spot. The majestic waterfalls provide a beautiful view. The surrounding area has some of the finest natural beauties. It is an ideal spot for people to enjoy the scenery of the Western Ghats. Lovers of nature and adventure are sure to be drawn to its colossal cascades. Pathrakadavu Waterfalls with its magnificent beauty should be listed in every visitor’s itinerary, yet remains unnoticed by many who tour the state’s calm locations.
Quick Details About Pathrakadavu Waterfalls
Elevation: 550 ft above sea level
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Where To Stay: ITL Holidays and Resort, Vision Nature Resort
Where To Eat: Saravana Bhavan, Noorjahan’s Open Grill Restaurant
Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Common / Image For Representation Only
One of the cascading landscapes, the Pathrakadavu Waterfalls is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. The majestic waterfalls provide a splendid view. The surrounding area has some of the finest natural beauties. It is an ideal spot for people to enjoy the scenery of the Western Ghats.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Palakkad
How To Reach Pathrakadavu Waterfalls
Pathrakadavu Waterfalls are easily accessible by road and rail. It is also quite near to the airport.
Photo: Anish nellickal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Palakkad, the main city nearby, is connected to the Waterfalls by roads, around 50 km towards the east. It takes an hour to reach by car to reach.
By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, around 80 km away. Transport services like taxis are available to easily reach the site.
By Rail: The nearest major station is the Palakkad Junction, about 45 km from Meenvallam. Commuters can take either a local bus or hire a taxi to complete their journey to the waterfalls.
Things to Do
1. Trekking
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
The Pathrakadavu Waterfalls is a great place to trek. Visitors pass through thick forests while trekking and end it at the rocky landforms with rich greenery. The diverse and rich flora and fauna make the trekking journey more thrilling. The waterfalls can be accessed through different levels of trekking. It can be challenging for both beginners and advanced-level trekkers.
Suggested Read: Beaches Near Palakkad
2. Photography
Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The green hills and rocky terrains at the Pathrakadavu Waterfalls are a photographer’s dream. The best lighting conditions for photography at the waterfalls would be early morning and late afternoon when soft sunlight casts its magic on the falls and surrounding greenery. The mist from this waterfall adds vivid touches to the surrounding flora.
3. Nature Walks
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Soothing and refreshing nature walks exist around the Pathrakadavu Waterfalls. Well-maintained footpaths lead through forests, spice plantations, and patches of lush greenery. A variety of plant species, birds, and small animals are easily noticeable. The nature walk is suitable for all ages, ideal for a family or nature-enthusiast outing. The walkways provide rich information about the local plants and animals.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Palakkad
4. Picnicking
Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
Situated amidst tranquillity and verdant surroundings, the Pathrakadavu Waterfalls offer picnic retreats. Enjoying a meal amidst nature with a cool refreshing ambience, enhanced by the spray of the waterfall, adds to the charm of the picnic spot. The seating area near the waterfalls makes it a convenient spot for a relaxed picnic. The scenic beauty, combined with the sound of falling water and bird songs, makes for a peaceful outing.
Places To Visit Around Pathrakadavu Waterfalls
1. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sprawling across 89 square km, Silent Valley National Park is located on the Nilgiri Hills, in the Palakkad district of the state of Kerala. It is protected as a pristine wilderness invaluable for its excellent biodiversity. It is also possible to spot elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, and various bird species. It offers innumerable opportunities for nature photographers due to its unique biodiversity of landscapes.
Things to Do: Wildlife Viewing, Nature Walks
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Palakkad
2. Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Palakkad, Kerala these gardens and dam are popular tourist destinations for their picturesque natural beauty. Constructed across the Malampuzha River, this multi-purpose reservoir is enchanting with its view of the surrounding hills and gardens. The landscapes around the dam have lush green lawns, flower beds, and sculptures, attracting family picnics. The Yakshi Statue erected here, designed with a classic Kerala art appearance, gives a cultural imprint on the park.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, Boating
3. Palakkad Fort
Photo: Navas Puthanazhi / Wikimedia Commons
At the center of the town of Palakkad in Kerala is the Palakkad Fort, also known as the Tipu Sultan’s Fort. Built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore. The adjacent museum is replete with artefacts, and weaponry, and displays pertinent to the history of the fort and the cultural heritage of Kerala. The surrounding gardens and parklands offer panoramic views of the town of Palakkad. Easily reachable by road from Pathrakadavu, Palakkad Fort is ideal for history lovers, as it offers a peek into the colonial past and architectural grandeur of Kerala.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, History Exploration
Suggested Read: Temples In Palakkad
4. Nelliampathy Hills
Photo: Kjrajesh / Wikimedia Commons
The Nelliampathy Hills is a serene getaway nestled near the district of Palakkad in Kerala amidst lush green surroundings and tea estate plantations. Blessed with cool climatic conditions and pristine natural beauty. Trekking enthusiasts can walk through the trails winding in dense forests and over hills, with wildlife sightings and panoramic views. Visitors enjoy their day on the tea estates and learn the process of tea-making while smelling the scent of fresh tea leaves.
Things to Do: Trekking, Bird Watching
5. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sathidevimmadhavam / Wikimedia Commons
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. It is a sanctuary full of biodiversity, with a virgin, shady, and natural forest. Sprawling over an expanse of 285 sq km, it houses a great range of flora and fauna. These can be experienced through guided safaris deep into the forest and grasslands. Visitors encounter wildlife like elephants, Indian bison, and the elusive leopard. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy riverside habitats via these nature walks, also good site for bird-watching and photography. Calm boat rides across Parambikulam reservoir amidst scenic surroundings give the perfect escape into the wilds of Kerala.
Things to Do: Wildlife Safari, Nature Walks
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Palakkad
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The trip cost to Pathrakadavu Waterfalls depends on accommodation, food, travel, and activities. Budget accommodations range from INR 1,000 to 2,500 per day for guesthouses and homestays with basic facilities, suitable for budget travellers. Mid-range hotels and resorts with more comfort can cost between INR 3,000 to 6,000 per day. Pathrakadavu Waterfalls is affordable for different budgets.
Tips For Travellers To Pathrakadavu Waterfalls
- People should visit the Pathrakadavu waterfalls from October to May when the climate is dry.
- Do carry enough water during the trek. The tropical climate of Kerala can be dehydrating.
- Always carry a small first-aid box that contains essential medicines like painkillers and plasters, antiseptics, and personal medicines.
- The ground can be rocky and slippery, so wear good shoes.
- Do not litter and rather enjoy the intrinsic environment.
Located in the serene Palakkad district, Pathrakadavu Waterfalls is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers. The secluded scenic landscapes, lush greenery, and cascading waters make it a perfect retreat into nature. Pathrakadavu Waterfalls promises a memorable experience filled with natural beauty on your next visit to Kerala. Explore comprehensive tour packages for a worry-free experience with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Petrusarif / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only