Meenmutty Waterfalls, Thiruvananthapuram, is a beautiful location with calm surroundings deep inside Kerala’s lush forests. The destination also forms one of the most enchanting picnic spots in Kallar. These waterfalls are also known as Kallar Waterfalls, with greenery all around, and are known for their pristine beauty. Meenmutty Waterfalls flow down the dense green surroundings of nature. It is a surreal location where nature pours its beauty to form Meenmutty Waterfalls masterpiece. Situated at 300 meters above sea level, one can also click some of the lovely pictures of the mesmerizing views of Kerala.
Location
Photo: Karki Abhijeet / Wikimedia Commons
It is located in Kallar in the Thiruvananthapuram district. About 29 km from Kalpetta, Meenmutty is nestled amidst lush green surroundings and virgin forests, and its name literally means the falls that cascade down here.
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How To Reach
Photo: Shubhammaurya94 / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Meenmutty is well connected by roads. It will take nearly 1 to 1.5 hours for Kalpetta to hit Meenmutty via NH766 towards Vythiri and to Meppadi.
By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, located about 95 km from Meenmutty. From there, hire a taxi or book a cab in advance to reach the destination. It will take 2.5 hours of road distance.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station to Meenmutty is the Kozhikode Railway Station, about 97 km from the homestay. One may hire taxis or local buses from the railway station to drive through a pictorial route showing rural Kerala.
Things To Do
1. Trekking
Photo: Rajesh Kunnath / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Trekking to the Kallar Waterfalls involves walking through dense forests and hilly terrains. The trek normally starts from the nearest accessible road and then winds through coffee plantations and spice gardens, after which you go through lush greenery. While hiking, you will encounter all sorts of flora and fauna. It is heaven for nature enthusiasts. Here, the trek is of moderate difficulty, with steep climbs and rock-faced paths, and during the monsoon season, the paths are really slippery.
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2. Waterfall Rappelling
Photo: Saipullah Srg / Wikimedia Commons
In waterfall rappelling, you have to rappel down the vertical face of the Waterfall in front of the falls with ropes and harnesses. This activity enunciates proper safety equipment and guidance under the vigil of expert instructors. The adventure in rappelling starts with a safety briefing and demonstration of various techniques. It is invigorating and refreshing to go through the spray of the water and feel the force of the waterfall beside you.
3. Nature Walks & Birdwatching
Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Though nature walks around Kallar Waterfalls can be serene and immersive in nature, some are merely leisurely or more programmed based on interests. Notably, this place has very high biodiversity, so you should encounter many floral species, insects, and wildlife. It is perfect for bird lovers who will get an opportunity to view several kinds of bird species. As you stroll through the forested trails, birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant roar of the waterfall create a peaceful ambience.
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4. Scenic Vistas & Photography
Photo: Karki Abhijeet / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Meenmutty Waterfalls in Thiruvananthapuram is surrounded by several viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. These viewpoints are often accessible by short hikes from the main trail. All the views are most suitable for taking excellent photographs of the place with a verdant forest background. Each viewpoint stands different in terms of perspective view, and these viewpoints give you an appreciation for the natural beauty of this location.,
Places To Visit Around
1. Soochipara Waterfalls
Photo: Jenith / Wikimedia Commons
Soochipara Waterfalls, also named Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a stunning three-tiered falls near Thiruvananthapuram district. The falls require a small trek from the top through an extremely scenic path lined with dense forests and tea plantations on both sides. This is an average, not-so-tough type of trek suited to the majority of visitors and ends with the view of water falling from a height of about 200 meters into a large pool, ideal for swimming and bathing.
Things to do: Nature Walks, Photography, Swimming
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2. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Asif K Karim / Wikimedia Commons
Edakkal Caves are renowned for their ancient petroglyphs and are a potential site of archaeological and historical importance. The natural caves have carvings of the Neolithic period, human and animal forms as part of symbolic and geometrical shapes. One must take a moderate trek up the Ambukuthi Hill to reach these caves. These caves are estimated to be around 6000 years old and have significant viewpoints to prehistoric human civilisation.
3. Banasura Sagar Dam
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, situated at the foot of the Banasura Hills. This dam, which is part of the Banasura Sagar Project, supplies water both for irrigation and to generate hydroelectricity. Visitors can indulge in pedal boating, speed boating, and even kayaking on the big reservoir, set against hill backdrops. Several hiking trails exist in this area, among them the most popular—Banasura Hill—for a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the dam and landscape.
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4. Chembra Peak
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Thiruvananthapuram, standing at an approximate height of about 2,100 meters above sea level, which is located amidst the beautiful surroundings of Thiruvananthapuram. The chief highlight en route to the top of this trek is the heart-shaped lake called Hridaya Saras, often considered a romantic spot. One can view the valleys, mountains, and forests from the top.
5. Kuruva Island
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
A group of serene islands formed by the Kabini River in Thiruvananthapuram is Kuruva Island or Kuruvadweep. This river delta has a protected, unique ecosystem with rich biodiversity. Island boating comes in the form of a serene cruise in a bamboo raft or country boat along the rivulets and offers a close view of luxuriant greenery, as well as the riparian landscape of rivers. This is an excellent center with nature walks where different plant species are found.
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Where To Stay
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The village of Meppadi has guest houses and resorts near the falls. More options are available in Kalpetta, about 29 km from here.
Where To Eat
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Small eateries/restaurants in Meppadi village offer good Kerala cuisine. More options are there at Kalpetta.
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kerala
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
Kallar Meenmutty Falls is a pocket-friendly destination. This area offers different types of accommodation, from budget homestays to mid-range resorts. Budget travelers can spend ₹1,000-2,000 per day for accommodation and local transport. Mid-range facilities can cost about ₹2500-5,000 per day.
Tips For Travellers
- Seasonal Considerations: The best time to visit the falls is during monsoons and post-monsoons from June to November. Avoid the summer season, March to May, as the water flow decreases considerably.
- Health and Safety: Be hydrated, and carry a first-aid box with basic medicines. Inform somebody about your trekking plan and expected return time.
- Local Guidance: Local guides should be engaged while trekking or doing adventure activities to avoid any threat to safety and to get knowledge about the local flora and fauna.
- Transportation: One can easily avail of car or taxi rentals, which is advisable as public transport is not easily available in far-flung areas.
Situated in the lush forests of Kerala, Meenmutty Waterfalls or Kallar Waterfalls can aptly be called a paradise. Plan your visit from June to November to see Meenmutty Waterfalls at its best. Make sure to note the timings of Meenmutty Waterfalls so that you get to experience the best while visiting. For a hassle-free holiday, plan a trip with Trip XL, giving end-to-end holiday packages.
Cover Photo:Irshadpp / Wikimedia Commons