One of the hidden treasures in the heart of the serene Kannur district in Kerala is the Karakkund or Karakkund Waterfalls. Enclosed within rich greenery is a perennial waterfall that is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Karakundu Waterfalls is located in the northern region of Kerala and provides a picturesque bower with its falling waters and beautiful greenery. This amazing natural attraction is accessed via the countryside, offering visitors the best of the state’s rural charm and allowing them to pass through some of Kerala’s great scenic beauty.
Quick Details About Karakkund Waterfalls
Elevation: 300 feet
Where To Stay: Malabar Residency and Mascot Beach Resort.
Where To Eat: Raandhal and Nawab’s.
Timings: The waterfall can be visited from early morning till evening; no specific timings are enforced.
Best Time To Visit: June to November.
Location
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Karakkund Waterfalls is in the beautiful Kannur District of Kerala, India. The waterfalls are easily accessible from the road, making it an ideal place for individuals looking for a quiet getaway amidst the green vegetation of the Kerala countryside.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Kerala
How To Reach Karakundu Waterfalls
Photo: Shareef Taliparamba / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Karakkund Waterfalls is well connected by roads. The distance from Kannur via local roads is around 1-1.5 hours.
By Air: The nearest one is Kannur International, which is around 50 km away. Taxis and other transport facilities can be found at the airport.
By Rail: Kannur Railway Station, located around 40 km from the waterfalls, is the nearest major railhead. Local buses and Taxis provide a panoramic view of Kerala countryside as one reaches the falls.
Things To Do At Karakkund Waterfalls
1. Trekking
Photo: LassenNPS / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Karakkund Waterfalls is an ideal place for trekkers. The trek to the waterfall is a visit through Kannurs’ lush landscapes, which feature a mix of easy and hard treks. On the trek, you will pass through a dense forest, tea gardens, and spice plantations. Trails are well-marked, and the higher one goes up to the waterfalls, the more one feels immersed in the atmosphere’s serenity and nature’s beauty up front.
Suggested Read: Sreenarayanapuram Waterfalls
2. Photography
Photo: Nativeplants garden / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Karakundu Waterfalls is heaven for photographers. Cascading waters running down between green hills and rocky landscapes offer many shooting spots. The play of light and shadow on the waters and the greenery around gives a different ambience for photographers according to the time of the day. From the powerful rush of water to intricate details of flora and expansive views, the Karakkund Waterfalls offer rich photographic subjects.
3. Nature Walks
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There are many nature walks around the countryside of Karakkund Waterfalls that allow a peaceful exploration of the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna in Kannur. Walking trails are clear and lead people through tea gardens and spice plantations, as well as small remnants of forests with flowering plants of the Thullal and Vellom varieties. The nature walks will be ideal for everyone, including families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to connect with the peace of the Western Ghats.
Suggested Read: Posadi Gumpe Waterfalls
4. Picnicking
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Picnicking at the Karakundu Waterfalls is another perfect idea for relaxing and admiring the beauty imbibed by nature around these falls. You can enjoy a leisurely lunch with your family or friends at any of the numerous picnic areas near the waterfall. Spread a picnic mat and enjoy local delights. Savour the ambience by the waterfall as you bask in the cooling breezes and shade from the surrounding trees.
Places To Visit Around Karakkund Waterfalls
1. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia
Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is a unique and fascinating attraction near Parassinikkadavu in Kannur. The park is known for the conservation of reptiles, particularly snakes. There are many species in the park, ranging from venomous to non-venomous, to break the associated myths and fears. There are also other reptiles, including crocodiles and lizards. The park comprises informative displays and guided tours that provide insight into reptiles’ behaviour, habitat, and importance to the ecosystem.
Things To Do: Snake Exhibitions, Wildlife Education, Sightseeing
Suggested Read: Chinnakanal Waterfalls
2. St. Angelo’s Fort
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
St. Angelo’s Fort, also known as Kannur Fort, is a monument on the Arabian Sea coast in Kannur. This Portuguese fort, built in 1505, has been through many battles and passed hands many times—from the possession of the Portuguese to the Dutch and then into the possession of the British. It has large bastions, underground tunnels, and picturesque surroundings with a sea view. History enthusiasts and tourists frequently visit the fort for its strategic location and panoramic views.
Things To Do: Sightseeing
3. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is in the northern part of Kannur and is close to the Kerala-Karnataka border. The sanctuary extends itself in an area covering 55 square kilometres and is cultivated with numerous ranges of Flora and Fauna. A dense forest and diverse topography at the sanctuary are home to many species, including elephants, deer, langurs, and several species of birds. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy themselves as they have numerous opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and seeing wild animals moving amidst the forests.
Things To Do: Safari, Nature Walks, Trekking
Suggested Read: Muniyara Caves
4. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, just south of Kannur, is one of the longest beaches in India and the only drive-in beach in Kerala. About 4 kilometres long, this beach plays an adventurous role for those coming to drive and is accessible by those who love driving their vehicles right onto the sandy shore. The beach is also famous for its scenic landscape and provides breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the distant Dharmadam Island.
Things To Do: Beach Driving, Swimming and Sunbathing
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Gnoeee / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The expenses at Karakkund Waterfalls vary according to the accommodation. There are many budget guesthouses and homestays available at prices ranging from INR 1,000 to 2,000 a day. The average cost will be starting from INR 2,500 to 5,000 a day and so on for hotels and resorts in the mid-priced range. During peak tourist seasons, prices might shoot up, so it is better to book well in advance to get the best deals.
Tips For Travellers
- The best duration to visit the Karakundu Waterfalls is during the monsoon period, which falls from June until November.
- Continuous physical exertion through trekking could couple with the humid conditions and dehydrate your body at a faster rate. Therefore, make sure to drink and carry enough water regularly during the trek to maintain your energy levels and stay refreshed.
- It is always better to carry a first-aid box containing some basic medicines. Add band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and personal medication, if any.
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Tucked away in verdant stretches of the Western Ghats, Karakundu Waterfalls in Kannur, Kerala, is an enthralling and peaceful getaway. Be it the lovely confluence of gushing waters or enchanting landscapes that a trekker or an adventure enthusiast may want—Karakkund Waterfalls provides the perfect getaway to serenity in nature. View Trip XL for your next trip to Kannur, giving end-to-end holiday packages for a completely hassle-free holiday.
Cover Photo: Nativeplants garden / Wikimedia Commons