Ambanad Waterfalls: A Travel Guide To One Of The Most Astonishing Waterfalls In Kerala

A mesmerising view of a waterfall in Kerala surrounded by lush greenery during the day.

Ambanad Waterfalls is a hill station near Punalur Taluk in the eastern part of the Keralian district of Kollam. It is one of the most famous tea and orange plantation locations in the Kollam district. Ambanad Waterfalls is situated in Aryankavu panchayat which is 12 km away from the Kazhuthurutty. If you’re an adventurous tourist who loves to trek on hill stations and loves the chirp of waterfalls then Ambanad Waterfalls is for you.

About

A view of the Ambanad Hills, which is one of the best places to visit in Kollam.

Photo: Radhakrishnancdlm / Wikimedia Commons

Ambanad Waterfalls is a popular tourist destination well known as ‘Mini Munnar’, whose tea estate was set up by the Britishers. It is the only tea estate in the whole of the Kollam region. In the 1800s, the East India Company introduced cloves to this nation. The crop harvesting every year required a lot of labourers who migrated from this location, who would then reside there for a month until the harvesting was done.

Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kollam

How To Reach Ambanad Waterfalls

A view of a white car on the road in the middle of a green grassland with a lake in front.

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By Air: The nearest airport to this location is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, approximately 100 kilometres away. Grab a taxi or rent a car which is easily available to drive to reach the destination.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Ambanad Waterfall is Kottayam railway station, just 35 km from the location. Travellers can hire a taxi or a local bus to reach the falls.

By Road: This waterfall destination is connected to roads, with major transport services from cities like Kochi and Kottayam. A private taxi or rented car offers flexibility to travellers visiting this location.

Things To Do

Photography

Photography is one of the best things to do near Ambanad Waterfalls for amazing views.

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Use this spot to photograph the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Ambanad Waterfalls. The vast view of the cascading streams against a lush landscape is perfect for wildlife photographers trying to get the perfect shot. Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, using a DSLR or a smartphone, the sights will not disappoint.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollam

Trekking

Trekking is one of the most exciting to do around Ambanad Waterfalls for travellers.

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Go on an adventure along the Forest Trail through the thick trees that around the Ambanad Waterfalls. Rather than just a walk, the entire trip is an exploration of the rich biodiversity of the area. With protected paths beneath towering trees and the soothing sounds of wildlife, this road is thrilling and joyful for both nature lovers and adventure seekers, leading right to the fall.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best activities to do near Ambanad Waterfalls to refresh.

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To refresh and energise all the senses after your hike, take a swim in the naturally created pool at the base of the waterfall. The lovely waters, encircled by smooth rocks and lush foliage, provide a tranquil place to swim and relax.

Suggested Read: Adventure Park Kollam

Places To Visit Around Ambanad Waterfalls

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit around Ambanad Waterfalls.

Photo: Mckurup / Wikimedia Commons

This tourist destination, a waterfall, is situated in the Keralan state’s Kottayam district. The distances between this waterfall attraction and Pallickathode are 2 km and 7 km, respectively. At thirty feet high, this waterfall only flows during the monsoon and dries up in the summer.

Vagamon

Vagamon is one of the best places in Kottayam for to witness lush greenery all around.

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Vagamon, also known as Meenachil and Kanjirappally taluks of Kottayam district, as well as Peerumedu Taluk of Idukki district (majority area includes Vagamon town), is an Indian hill station and revenue village situated in the state of Kerala, India. Vagamon, renowned for its natural beauty, is the border of the Kottayam-Idukki districts, 25 kilometres (16 miles) east of Erattupetta in the Western Ghats. The longest cantilever glass bridge in India is the Vagamon Glass Bridge.

Suggested Read: Kollam Temples

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a stunning place in Kottayam for amazing views of crystal clear lakes

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Located on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kottayam taluk, Kottayam district, Kerala, India, lies the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also called Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. Numerous migratory bird species visit the bird sanctuary, which is located in the Kerala Backwaters. Originally named Baker’s Estate, the Englishman George Alfred Baker created the bird sanctuary on a rubber plantation.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is one of the oldest temples in Kottayam for devotees to visit.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

An ancient Shiva temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India is called Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple. According to temple tradition, this temple was the place of worship for the sage Vyasa and the Pandavas. The place’s name comes from the term Manoor, translating to “the land of deer.” Along with the Shiva temples in Vaikom, Chengannur, Kaduthuruthy, Ernakulam, Vazhappally, Vadakkumnathan, and Sreekanteswaram, Thiruvananthapuram, this one is one of the most important Shiva temples in Kerala.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kollam

Where To Stay

A view of a bedroom with a bed lined with white sheets and lamps on the side table.

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Ambanad Waterfalls has a lot of accommodation options available. The most popular one out of all is the Thenmala ecotourism which offers eco-friendly accommodation near Thenmala. But, if you are looking for a more comfortable option then The Lake View Ashok Resort will be a perfect fit for you.

Where To Eat

A view of a bowl with rice and vegetables, which you can enjoy around Ambanad Waterfalls.

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When you visit Ambanad Waterfalls there are a few wonderful dining options to fulfil your starvation. There are local eateries in Punalur and thenmala offering a range of traditional Kerala food. Other restaurants offer eatouts made of fresh ingredients. No matter whether it is sitting down to a meal or having something lighter while going about your way, there are many culinary options available.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kollam

Other Factors To Consider

Other factors such as tips to keep in mind while travelling to Ambanad Waterfalls.

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Tips For Travellers

  • Carry sufficient amounts of drinking water and snacks as facilities at the location might be limited.
  • Wear comfortable footwear which is suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Respect the customs and rituals of the location by avoiding littering and preserving the natural beauty of the destination.
  • Check the weather conditions before you plan the trip, especially during the monsoon season.
  • Take guidance from the local guides to get better information about the history of the place.

Ambanad Waterfalls amazes travellers with its natural charm and serene environment, providing a perfect getaway into Kerala’s lush green landscapes. Whether you seek adventure or thrill, this destination promises an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s bounty. Visit the waterfalls today to capture the beauty of the greenery that Kerala offers to all its tourists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ambanad Waterfalls are renowned for their natural beauty and tranquil surroundings, offering visitors a serene retreat amidst Kerala's lush greenery.
You can reach Ambanad by air via Kochi International Airport, by rail to Kottayam Railway Station, or by road through well-connected highways.
No, there are no entry fees to visit Ambanad Waterfalls, making it accessible to all visitors.
The best time to visit is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the water flow is at its peak, creating a spectacular sight.
Carry essentials like water and snacks, wear suitable footwear, respect local customs, check weather conditions, and engage with local guides for a richer experience.

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