A Guide To Attukal Waterfalls, Pallivasal

Things to do

Hiking and trekking

With its undulating terrain and surrounding verdant forests, the area around Attukal Waterfalls is a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and trekking. The area around Attukal Waterfalls is very quiet and peaceful, and there are several trails ranging in difficulty levels and duration. Many trails pass by the surrounding tea plantations, or you can plan a longer trek to visit the surrounding waterfalls.

Splash about in the pools

After hiking through the hills on a hot day, one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself is to relax by the cascade’s pools. These rocky enclaves brim with chilly water and provide a refreshing spot to soak your feet. That said, please be careful if you plan to dip a toe in, as the walk down to the pools can be quite steep and slick. For safety reasons, it is better to visit the pools when the water level is low.

Photography

Attukal Waterfalls is an idyllic spot if you enjoy photography. From the towering hills shrouded in mist and seasonal blooms, to the time-softened boulders glittering with water droplets, there are so many scenic snapshots to enjoy. Of course, the powerful plunge of water rushing in vertical rivers is the star of the show here, and there are many picturesque spots to stop and take a photo along the trails.

Travel tips

When to visit

Attukal Waterfalls is open year-round, but the water level may be low or even dried up during the hot summers. To see the cascades at their most powerful peak, the best time of the year to visit is right after the monsoon season, which runs normally from June to August. Attukal Waterfalls is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Many visitors recommend going in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Allow yourself two to three hours to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the surrounding hiking opportunities.

What to wear and bring

The path leading to the falls is not well-maintained, and can be very uneven and rough in places. The road may also be wet and muddy if you visit during or after the monsoon season. As such, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes that have a good tread so you don’t slip or fall. A waterproof jacket may also be handy to have with you so that you don’t get wet from the waterfall’s spray.

You may also want to bring items like sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas with you, and a towel will be handy if you plan on taking a dip in the waterfall’s beautiful pools. As there are no restaurants near the falls, you may want to pack food and water with you for a picturesque picnic. A camera of some sort is also a must-have item, because you’ll probably want to take many photographs.

Accessibility information

The uneven terrain may be an issue for elderly visitors or travelers with mobility issues. Visitors also have to cross a wooden bridge (which is not too wide) to reach the falls, which could be an added mobility problem.

Stop for tea

There are many tea plantations surrounding Attukal Waterfalls, and there is a tea shop situated near the wooden bridge, near the falls. Many visitors highly recommend stopping for a cup of delicious tea or coffee here.

How to get there

Attukal Waterfalls is located 5.6 miles (9 km) from Munnar, towards the town of Pallivasal. Unfortunately, there is no public transit along this route, so traveling by car, taxi, or on foot, is the best way to reach the falls.

By foot

The easiest way to access the waterfalls is on foot. From the main road, it is a nearly 2 mile (3 km) walk to the falls, and you must cross a narrow wooden bridge to see the cascades up-close.

By private vehicle

Visitors can also take their car or motorcycle along an access road to reach the falls. However, this road can be a bit rough, as well as steep and narrow, and is not always well-maintained. In the rainy season, the road can also be very slick with rain and mud, making it hard to navigate.

Attukal Waterfalls information

Attukal Waterfalls

Address: Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal, Kerala 685565

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

Department of tourism: Kerala Tourism