Scenic Waterfalls in and Around Thekkady
Falls in Thekkady offer a refreshing way to experience the region’s landscapes beyond forest safaris and plantation trails. Many travellers include Thekkady waterfalls as part of their relaxed half-day exploration. From dramatic hillside falls to gentle watercourses reached through guided routes, each location presents a slightly different glimpse of the Western Ghats’ natural beauty.
1. Chellarkovil Waterfalls:
Located around 17 km from Thekkady near the village of Chellarkovil, this waterfall is among the most popular natural attractions in the region. The waterfall cascades dramatically from the hills into the plains below, creating a striking view, especially during the monsoon season. During the rainy months, the falls appear at their most powerful, while the surrounding greenery transforms the entire landscape into a vibrant canvas of nature.
2. Pandikuzhi Waterfalls:
If you continue your journey from Chellarkovil Waterfalls for about 6 km, the landscape gently opens into the peaceful valley of Pandikuzhi. Unlike a single dramatic cascade, this spot unfolds through small streams and gentle waterfalls over rocky terrain, surrounded by thick greenery. The calm setting makes it a pleasant pause during a drive through the hills, where travellers can take a short nature walk, capture photographs, or simply enjoy the quiet charm of water moving softly through the valley.
3. Thoovanam Waterfalls:
If you are willing to travel a little farther from Thekkady’s usual sightseeing circuit, a journey of about 126 km from Pandikuzhi Waterfalls leads you to the impressive Thoovanam Waterfalls near the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tucked deep within rugged forest landscapes, the waterfall plunges from a height of nearly 84 ft., creating a striking sight amid the wilderness. Reaching the falls involves a guided trek organised by forest authorities, where the trail winds through dry forests and natural wildlife habitats.
Apart from the well-known cascades, the forests surrounding Thekkady hide several smaller seasonal streams and waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls in Idukki can be accessed only through guided routes or organised nature walks within protected forest areas. These lesser-known spots offer a quieter and more immersive nature experience, where travellers can hear the rustling forest canopy, observe birds and butterflies, and witness waterfalls gently emerging from the hills during the monsoon months.
Plan Your Waterfall Escape: Tips, Timing & Trails
Exploring the waterfalls around Thekkady is best enjoyed with a little planning. October to February is the most pleasant time to visit, when the weather is cool, and the forests remain lush after the monsoon. Early mornings are often the most peaceful, while late afternoons offer soft light for photography and scenic views of the hills. These waterfalls in Idukki are especially enjoyable for guests staying in and around Thekkady, whether it is families looking for relaxed nature outings, couples seeking quiet scenic spots, or nature lovers and slow travellers who prefer unhurried explorations through forested landscapes and gentle streams.
What to Carry:
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as paths near waterfalls may be rocky or slippery
- Drinking water and light snacks for short outings
- Rainwear or a small umbrella, since the weather in the hills can change quickly
- Camera or smartphone to capture scenic viewpoints, flowing streams, and forest landscapes, mornings with soft light and misty trails are especially photogenic
Eco-friendly Reminder:Stick to marked trails and access waterfalls only via authorised guides or organised nature walks to protect the fragile forest ecosystem.
A Retreat Wrapped in Thekkady’s Greenery
After a day of chasing waterfalls, forest trails, and scenic viewpoints around Thekkady, it helps to have a base that feels like part of the natural experience rather than just a place to rest. Abad Green Forest does just that. Situated close to forest roads and viewpoints, our resort offers easy access to waterfall drives, nature walks, and spice plantation routes, making it an ideal retreat for travellers who want to blend exploration with relaxation.
Our resort’s AC Jungle Rooms and Jungle Cottages open out to views of cardamom groves and wooded hills, offering modern facilities while keeping you connected to the greenery that defines Thekkady. Dining at Peppermint Restaurant, our in-house dining space, brings a delightful mix of Kerala specialities and global cuisine, which can be enjoyed indoors or by the poolside amid the calm forest ambience.
Abad Green Forest also enhances your stay with curated experiences that deepen your connection with the region. Take part in guided nature walks to explore spice paths and forest fringes, discover traditional Keralite cooking through interactive sessions, or engage in village interactions and cultural experiences that bring local life and heritage closer. Other facilities, such as a swimming pool, Ayurvedic wellness treatments, indoor games, and children’s play areas, cater to families, couples, and leisure travellers alike.
With its serene setting, thoughtful amenities, and experiences that reflect the rhythm of Thekkady’s landscapes, Abad Green Forest is more than a place to stay; it becomes part of the journey through nature, relaxation, and discovery.
With its serene setting, thoughtful amenities, and experiences that reflect the rhythm of Thekkady’s landscapes, Abad Green Forest is more than a place to stay; it becomes part of the journey through nature, relaxation, and discovery.