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. Consider exploring these natural wonders by booking one of the many exciting Munnar travel packages available.
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 Attukad Waterfalls
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 Attukad Waterfalls
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.
Trekking
Located in between Munnar and Pallivasal, this waterfall secreted away behind thick forest foliage is a remarkable trekking destination in the Western Ghats. It’s an hour’s brisk walk on rocky terrains from a bridge connecting to the road head near the falls.
Wildlife Sightings
Spot interesting flora and fauna typical of the adjoining Eravikulam National Park. Endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri marten, striped-necked mongoose etc are common to spot in these forests.
Birding
Enthusiastic birders will find the waterfall site of great interest as a variety of avifauna flocks the waters at dawn and dusk. You can hope to spot endemic birdlife like-- Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and Kerala laughing thrush in the thickets around the falls.
Rappelling
The rocky stretches around the falls offer great sites for rappelling. You can sign up with an adventure tour operator based out of Munnar to come rappelling in the mountains around this spectacular waterfall, or simply come with your own gears.
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