Keralam Kundu Waterfalls. - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting
About Keralam Kundu Waterfalls.
The water gushes down over 45 meters to fall into a huge rocky pit which was formed over many centuries by water falling over it.Keralamkundu Waterfall is a unique fall located in Malappuram District of Kerala state in Southern India. The water gushes down over 150 feet of a rocky cliff and falls onto a huge stone pit which was formed over many centuries by water falling on top of a gigantic rock. A rough translation of the name from Malayalam is ‘Kerala Pit Waterfall’.
Journey to the waterfall
The waterfall is situated in the buffer zone of Silent Valley National Park, 6 km from a small village called Karuvarakkundu. The falls are also known by the names Kalkundu Waterfall and Karuvarakkundu Waterfalls. To reach the falls you have to hire a Jeep and travel through three kilometres of asphalt road followed by another three kilometres of rock paved road from Karuvarakkundu. From the end of the road, a hike of one kilometre through lush greenery will get you to Keralamkundu waterfall.
Exploring the premises of Keralamkundu Waterfall
The waterfall premises are very well maintained. The surrounding forest and the unpolluted environment adds to its charm. There are four or five small falls in the same stream before the larger one with the stone pit. There is an iron bridge on top of the falls which offers a birds eye view. Climbing down stairs placed in the sides of the waterfall will get you to the rocky pit at the bottom.
Though getting into the pit is allowed, there are no steps installed to the water. Climbing down through slippery rocks are the only means to reach down to the pit.
Inside the pit, the water is crystal clear except during heavy rains. Pebbles under the water bed are easily visible and the water is freezing cold as it originates from the Western Ghat Mountains. The pit is very shallow near to the shores but it can go as deep as 5 meters right below where the water plunges. The water creates swirls too making strong under currents which pulls one closer to the falls and the rocks on the sides. Be extra careful if you get into the water.
The dangers in the fall's area
Many visitors jump from the top of the rocky cliff to get refreshed in the pit. Its a thrilling activity but has resulted in many deaths as the visitors are unaware of the swirls and the depth. The top is slippery too, there are high chances for you to slip into the pool below accidentally.
Best time to visit the falls and getting there by public transportation
It is not advisable to visit here during monsoon season in June to September as the flow of water will be enormous and the rocks tends to be dangerously slippery. The period between October to May is much preferred as it is safer and much more enjoyable.
The best way to reach the falls is by taking the train till Melattur or Tuvvur railway stations. From these stations, buses are available till Kuruvarakundu. From Kuruvarakundu, rickshaw or Jeep should be hired to reach the falls.