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Located around 46 km from Thiruvananthapuram city centre near Vithura, Vazhvanthol Waterfalls is a hidden gem of Kerala that invites nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers for an unforgettable experience. The cascading waters amid the lush forests are located inside the scenic Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Thiruvananthapuram district. The initial trek to this beautiful place starts from Kaanithara and takes you through towering eucalyptus plantations. Amidst the tall trees with large canopies, here you can cherish a sense of tranquillity and panoramic views.
Quick Facts About Vazhvanthol Waterfalls
Location: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala 695551
Elevation: 100m-1717 m from sea level
Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Activities Offered: Trekking, sightseeing
About Vazhvanthol Waterfalls, Kerala
Photo Credit: Lindsey Costa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Starting with a trek from Kaanithara, an excursion to this waterfall offers you a blend of challenges and natural serenity. The visit leads to two beautiful waterfalls. The first one is a serene resting spot where you can absorb nature’s essence. Continuing further, after around half a kilometre, the majestic Vazhvanthol Waterfall comes to sight. However, to reach here, you must first obtain a pass at the Kotadam checkpoint of the forest department. Around the winding path to the waterfall, you will get to explore mesmerising Manjiyam, bamboo and eucalyptus plantations.
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kerala
Places To Visit Around Vazhvanthol Waterfalls
1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo Credit: Alaison bennny / Wikimedia Commons
This Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the 108 sacred Divya Desams that are said to be the abode of God Vishnu as per Sri Vaishnava Puran. Though the temple dates back to the 8th century, its present structure was built under Travancore Maharaja Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. Built-in a fusion of Dravidian and Kera styles of architecture, the place has high walls with Lord Padmanabhaswamy as the main deity. This temple, as per the Guinness Book of World Records, is considered to be the richest Hindu temple in the world.
Location: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram 695023
Timings: 3:30 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Photo Credit: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
This Hindu shrine is located in Attukal city, Kerala and is quite renowned all over the world for its annual Attukal Pongala Festival, which witnesses the participation of more than three million women. It is believed that women participating in this religious activity get all their wishes fulfilled and attain salvation. The festival has time and again been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the single largest gathering of women engaged in a religious activity.
Location: Attukal, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695009
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala
3. Jatayu’s Earth Centre
Photo Credit: Ariyavineeth / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Jatayu Rock or Jatayu Nature Park, this is a rock-themed nature park located in Chadayamangalam in Kerala. Standing at a height of 350 metres above sea level, the place holds the distinction of having the largest bird sculpture in the world. Sculpted by Rajiv Anchal, the sculpture is of the demi-god Jatayu, a vulture, depicted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Opened in 2018, the place has many adventurous games in the park that you can engage in including a long walk, Burma bridges, vertical ladder, commando nets, and chimney climbing.
Location: Jatayu Nature Park, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
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Thiruvananthapuram is a popular tourist place with many luxury and budget-friendly hotels and lodges located within the region that you can opt for as per your budget. There is the Collection O Hotel Indraprastha for a luxury stay. Rohini International Vithura, Hotel Surya and Hill View Stay Inn Ponmudi are other popular hotels located nearby.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala With Family
Where To Eat
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There are several local eateries and restaurants located just a few kilometres away from the waterfalls. There is the Mullapanthal Restaurant in Ernakulam where you can taste delicious local fare. Other eateries for budget-friendly meals are Cake World Vithura and Changadam.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
As the Vazhvanthol Waterfalls ticket price is ₹35 per person, your average cost of trip may get to somewhere around ₹3,500 to ₹7,500, which includes entry charges, accommodation, food, and other expenses.
Tips For Travellers
- The trek from Kannithadam to Vazhvanthol Waterfall is about 4 km long. Be sure to carry enough snacks and water as there are no food options in the jungle.
- Remember to get the permit from the Pannithadam Forest Department regarding trek availability as they are subject to change according to weather conditions.
- Avoid the higher pools as they are often slippery.
- Beware of the monkeys and other animals in the forest area.
Suggested Read: Caves In Kerala
The not-so-hard trekking experience of Vazhvanthol Waterfalls beckons you to leave behind the urban life and immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity. The untouched wilderness of Thiruvananthapuram promises an adventure of a lifetime. Add this hidden gem of Kerala to your next getaway, and connect with TripXL to discover some beautiful attractions at Vazhvanthol.
Cover Photo: Manuela Adler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
