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Another gem in the beautiful districts of Idukki in Kerala is the Valara Waterfall. With its mesmerising beauty and unruffled surroundings, it is indeed a tranquil retreat in the middle of lush green forests, away from the busy and noisy life of the city. Located in the northern part of Kerala, this waterfall is one of the finest examples of natural extravaganza and rustiness. Usually, tourists come to this waterfall while on a countryside expedition through the tranquil realms of the state.
Quick Details About Valara Waterfalls
Elevation: 1,000 ft
Where to Stay: Idukki, Munnar
Where to Eat: Ragam Hotel, Salkara Restaurant
Timings: No fixed timing
Best Time to Visit: June to November
Valara Waterfalls Location
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
Valara Waterfalls serves as an ideal tourist destination located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Situated by the roadside, the place serves as a heavenly retreat to lodge amidst the lap of luxury of Marayoor. The destination takes its best form of nature, thus making it an ideal location to celebrate the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
Suggested Read: Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary
How to Reach Valara Waterfalls
Photo: Priya Sivakumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Valara Waterfalls are accessible via road as well as air transport:
By Road: From Munnar, the fall is around 42 km away, taking roughly an hour by car.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 75 km from the town. Taxi and other transport facilities from the airport to the Falls are easily available.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Aluva Railway Station, about 63 km from Valara. You can get buses and taxis locally from here.
Things to Do At Valara Waterfalls
1. Trekking
Photo: Sreerajcochin / Wikimedia Commons
Valara Waterfalls is a place for trekkers. The way to the waterfall unfolds new vistas, offering the trekkers a feel of nature’s beauty in Idukki. The trails go through dense forests, fields of tea plantations, and spice gardens, which are suitable for both beginners and expert trekkers.
Suggested Read: Silent Valley National Park
2. Photography
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
Valara Waterfalls is a photographer’s paradise. A photographer can take Valara waterfalls photos, the beautiful green hills and the rocky landscapes from where the waters cascade. The best time for photography is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tender light of the sun makes the falls and surrounding greenery even more beautiful.
3. Nature Walks
Photo: Amjithps / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nature paths around the Valara Waterfalls offer a peaceful and tranquil way of getting to know Idukki’s different flora and fauna. The well-laid trails will take the visitor through tea gardens, spice plantations, and small patches of forests. The serenity of the surroundings, with the chirping of the birds and rustling of leaves at intervals, make nature walks even more appealing.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Sulthan Bathery
Places to Visit Around Valara Waterfalls, Idukki
1. Mattupetty Dam
Photo: Liji Jinaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Mattupetty Dam is located in the middle of the panoramic belt of the Musgrave Mountains, near Munnar. The place is a popular tourist spot because of its calm beauty and surrounding greenery. This area around the dam is developed for boating. Pedal boats, speed boats, and rowboats are available for hire to visit the reservoir. Additionally, the region is a haven for bird watchers, as the surrounding greenery attracts numerous bird species, making it a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts.
Things To Do: Boating, Bird Watching
2. Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Mike prince / Wikimedia Commons
Spread over an area of almost 97 square kilometres, Eravikulam National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna, along with magnificently striking landscapes. It is a place where the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat species, can be spotted. The park is also famous for Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years and spread a blue carpet over the hills. Guided wildlife safaris in Eravikulam National Park can be enjoyed, not just to catch a glimpse of the Nilgiri Tahr but also other wildlife: elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species.
Things To Do: Wildlife Safari, Nature Walks
Suggested Read: Jatayu Earth’s Center
3. Tea Museum
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
The Tea Museum, developed by the Tata Tea Company, shows the development of tea plantations since the 19th century. The vast expanse of the exhibit displays antiquated tea-processing equipment, photographs, and some old machinery used for tea production. One can witness the process of tea-making, right from the plucking of tea leaves in the garden to its final packaging. Besides, there are tea-tasting sessions for visitors.
Things To Do: Museum Tour, Tea Tasting
4. Anamudi Peak
Photo: Sreedevi512 / Wikimedia Commons
Standing tall at the height of 2,695 metres, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and forms an important part of the Western Ghats. Situated inside the boundaries of the Eravikulam National Park, the peak of Anamudi presents a moderate challenge to the trekkers and would thus be a great place for both amateur and professional trekkers. Various flowers and faunas can be traced here, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and different classes of birds.
Things To Do: Trekking, Scenic Views
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kottayam
5. Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons
Cheeyappara Waterfalls is one of the spectacular attractions of nature located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Known for the splashing waters and the abundant greenery, this waterfall sometimes falls in seven steps, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak. This waterfall, well-connected by road, is one of the favourite halting places of travellers who tour this area. The surroundings of the falls are suitable for trekking, photography, and nature walks.
Things To Do: Trekking, Scenic Views
Other Factors to Consider
Photo: Shaji0508 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost of the Trip
The cost of visiting Valara Waterfalls varies based on accommodation choices. Budget guesthouses and homestays are available within a price range of INR 1,000 to 2,000 per day, offering comfortable stays at affordable rates. Budget hotels and resorts range from INR 2,500 to 5,000 per day. Prices increase during peak seasons, so it is advisable to pre-book for the best deals.
Tips for Travelers to Valara Waterfalls
- Visit During Monsoon and Post-Monsoon Months: The best time to visit Valara Waterfalls is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, which occur after June and last till November.
- Stay Hydrated During Treks: Trekking around Valara Waterfalls is really thrilling, but at any cost, don’t forget to hydrate yourself well since Kerala is basically a place that has a tropical climate. Physical exercise and humidity could make a person dehydrated very soon. So do carry a lot of water to keep yourself refreshed and energetic throughout the trek.
- Carry Basic First-Aid Supplies: When going for treks near the Valara Waterfalls, it is best to carry in one’s possession a small first-aid kit with the few basic things required. A basic survival kit should include band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and personal medications.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Thalassery
Situated in the quiet Idukki District, Valara Waterfalls is an ideal destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. With scenic landscapes surrounding cascading waters, it presents a perfect setup to offer colonisation in the lap of nature. Valara Waterfalls does quite some justice to ensure that the next visit to Kerala is hosted on this trail of natural beauty. Explore end-to-end trip packages to make your process a cakewalk with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Rajeswaran Komathi Ramu / Shutterstock
