Thoovanam Waterfalls - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Thoovanam Waterfalls, the 25 meter tall falls is located on Pambar River and best accessed by a hike through the woods of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. 

A 4 km hike from Alampetty Checkpoint is required to reach the waterfalls. The checkpoint is where the visitors have to purchase the entry tickets as well. The hike requires a forest guard to accompany the visitors at all the times as the hike is through forest and serene nature. The hike offers a chance to have encounters with some of the rare animals such as Giant Grizzled Squirrel which is protected by the forests of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Exploring Thoovanam Waterfalls

The fall is refreshing and charming even from a distance. It is situated in the Pambar River which flows through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary watering its forests and the animals.

The trail towards the falls are well cleared and adorned with hills and descents and huge trees. Even though this part of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary sits in the Wester Ghat Mountains, it is in the rain shadow region having a distinctly different climate from what is experienced in the rest of Kerala State. When Kerala gets drenched in the monsoon rains, Chinnar remains dry. Even the plants and trees flower in different times of the year as compared to rest of Kerala. The trail also offers a chance to have encounters with wild animals such as elephants, Giant Grizzled Squirrels, numerous types of butterflies and birds.

As you reach the end of the trail, the rumblings of the waterfall can be heard from a distance. Near the falls, the Pambar River rages beneath the pathway, and bamboo forests cover the vicinity. The water falls from a height of 25 meters covering the surrounding area in mists. The water flowing through the river will be cool and the rocks and crevices in the river bed are very slippery. It is difficult and dangerous to get under the waterfall due to the force of the thundering waters.

More trekking options and accommodations

The checkpoint offers multiple options for activities in addition to the hike to Thoovanam Waterfalls. You can either hike to the Dolmens of Marayoor or camp inside the sanctuary. If you are planning to spend one or two days in the sanctuary, then you can stay on tree houses and jungle cottages and dormitories. They are cheap but only basic amenities are available.

Reaching to Thoovanam Waterfalls

The waterfalls is located 6 km from the nearest town Marayoor in Idukki District of Kerala State in Southern India. Alampetty Checkpoint where the hike to the waterfall starts situates on Munnar- Udumalapet highway. It is connected by buses from Marayoor. Marayoor is accessible by buses from Munnar and the nearest major railway station is in Aluva from where there are direct buses to Munnar.