ATTUKAD WATERFALLS

It is one of the four main waterfalls of Munnar and is very popular among adventure seekers, as the dirt mountain path through the forest gives chills on every step towards Attukad Waterfalls. Take your swimwear as the pool at the bottom of the fall has enough water to dip and bath. It is highly recommended that you visit Munnar during Monsoon season if waterfalls top the list of ‘places to visit in Munnar.

The ethereally beautiful hill station of Munnar in ‘God's own country’ Kerala is also where you will find some of the most vivacious waterfalls in the Western Ghats Mountains. Whether you are traveling free soul, nature photography enthusiast, birder, or just a vacationer in the Nilgiri side of Kerala, visit to the iconic mountain springs around Munnar cannot be missed, one such being the Atukkad Falls.

It is located in the mountainous Idukki district on the way from Munnar to Pallivasal where the Attukad Falls cascading down roaringly is a thrilling spot to halt by. There’s abundant greenery as far as the vision goes, and resounding peacefulness found amidst untouched nature.

The lush jungles are inviting for an adrenalin-thumping trek inside deep woods, but if you are only in the mood to relax, feel free to settle by the falls with a picnic basket and a good book! Unlike most mountain destinations, Attukad Falls in the Western Ghats is recommended for a visit during the monsoons as well as in the clearer seasons.

The road to the falls remains comparatively safe to travel during frequent showers, while the verdant surroundings turn brilliantly scenic after the rains. It’s a treat to the senses to walk the wet earth and listen to the rain falling through the foliage.

The cool and deep, speedily running waters of the pool formed at the base of the falls is just right for an enjoyable swim. The mountain stream too turns wild and untamed during this season, thus doubling up the pleasure. There are also a number of top reviewed luxuriant resorts set in the woods near here. 

How To Reach

Munnar is the most popular tourist town near Attukad Falls, which can be accessed conveniently by car or auto rickshaw or public transport buses. Moolakadai bus station and the Kerala State Road Transport Depot in Munnar town are the two specific places from where frequent transport to the Falls is available. The waterfall is situated at a distance of 9 km from Munnar town. 

By Car - Hire a car either individually or in sharing with other tourists from one of the car outlets at Moolakadai bus station in Munnar town. The car route follows the Aluva-Munnar Road, on to the Attukad Waterfall Road. 

By Autorickshaw- Autorickshaws can be hired at inexpensive rates from the Moolakadai bus-stand, or any other part of Munnar town. 

By Bus- Look for the bus en route to Palivasal from the Moolakadai bus stand or the KSRTC Depot. Get down at the bridge near the Attukad Falls on Attukad Falls Road, and trek the rest of the way to the falls. 

Best Time To Visit

The monsoons, when the waterfall is at its most vigorous form, from mid-June to September is the best time to visit this site. Here’s what to expect in the other seasons:

Summers (March-June)

Daytime temperatures near 30-35 degrees and intermittent showers keep it favorable for spending time outdoors. 

Monsoons (July-August)

The Attukad falls and other springs near Munnar flows with renewed waters in great vigor and colorful bush flowers deck up the banks of the waters that form a pool at the base of the cascade. 

Winters (December-February)

The days are pleasantly cool, making them ideal for trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling near Attukad Falls.

Other Essential Information

Location: Drive to the bridge overlooking the falls on Attukad Waterfall Rd in Pallivasal, Kerala- 685565.

Height: The Attukad Waterfall drops from a height of 100 feet.

Attractions Near Attukad Waterfall:

1. Punarjani Traditional Village- Located at a distance of 5.6 km from Attukad is one of the most important centers of Kerala’s cultural heritage. Here, you can watch daily shows of Kerala’s various performance arts. Be it a Kathakali dance show or Kerala’s awe-inspiring martial arts show of Kalaripayattu, a visit to the Punarjani Traditional Village will leave you impressed.

2. Kannan Devan Tea Museum- Located at a distance of 8.2 km from Attukad falls, a visit to this site will enlighten you about how the entire tea plantations of Munnar have come into being. It is also a great place to buy quality tea at reasonable prices when in Munnar. 

3. Devikulam- A bit far from the falls, located at a distance of 10.6 km from Attukad, Devikulam is a stretch of velveteen meadows where you will be tempted to walk barefoot. Visit Devikulam to take a tour of unending tea and spice plantations, walk by the banks of the Devikulam Lake of Sita Devi Lake, and stop by at the little hamlet at the base of the hills.

Places to Stay Near Attukad Waterfall:

1. Green Tea View, Munnar: Located near to the Munnar Tea Museum, this idyllic homestay in the woods provide cosy accommodation, a shared lounge, and a terrace overlooking the greenery. You also get to enjoy an a la carte breakfast at this accommodation.

2. Windermere Estate: Inspired by the way of life at the plantations, the Windermere Estate homestay offers 18 lovingly designed rooms, handcrafted after the original Planter’s Bungalow. Take rambling walks around the garden, sip on fragrant teas, and treat on thoughtfully personalized, locally sourced cuisine at Windermere. The resort is 0.9 km away from Attukad Waterfall. 

3. Forest Tent Camping: Enjoy Asian breakfast, relax in the well-kept garden property, and go scouting in the forests in this campground property, at a distance of 9.3 km from the Mattupetty Dam.

4. 17 C Camping, Munnar: This exquisite camp site is in Lockhart Estate and has BBQ and evening entertainment.

Places to Eat Near Attukad Waterfall:

1. Hornbill Restaurant: Located on Bison Valley Road close to Pothamedu viewpoint, this romantic mountain restaurant is located at a spa retreat serving global and continental food as well as Kerala-special thalis served on plantain leaf spreads. Check-in at this restaurant for the sheer joy of holding a cuppa of aromatic Munnar coffee against the lush tea estates seen cascading across the hills. 

2. Hill Spice Restaurant: Located on Poopara Road near Bison Valley, this restaurant is set on a small resort dining room adjacent to a long balcony overlooking the hilly backdrop, is as quaint as it is classy. You will be served Keralean as well as continental dishes at Hill Spice. Special mention goes to deserts. If you get a sudden craving for cream topped pastries and fruit cakes when roaming amidst the hills, this is the place you head to!

3. Copper Castle Restaurant: Located in Kannan Devan Hills on the Bison Valley Road, this restaurant serves tasty chicken sizzlers and fish chips, offers panoramic mountain vistas from the window seats, and has a strong Wi-Fi. Check-in here to have a delicious lunch and to catch up on work on the internet. 

Tips for Visiting Attukad Waterfall:

1. Start your journey early in the morning from Munnar or Palivasal, so that a few more attractions near the waterfall can be covered, like-- Eravikulam National Park safari in the afternoon, and a drive to the magnificent viewpoints like Echo Point and Pothamedu.

2. Come prepared for light showers with a rain poncho or a rain jacket, and a cover for your backpack.

3. Tough trekking shoes are essential for walking on the dirt track down to the falls, because the path is rocky and can get very slippery after rain.

4. Bring towels and slippers if you plan to take a bath in the clean waters at the base of the cascade.

5. Bring binoculars and cameras with powerful lenses to catch sight of the vibrant avifauna found in these jungles surrounding the falls.