1. Athirappilly Waterfalls (82 ft.; June-January)

Kerala’s highest fall enjoys a celebrity status for having featured in numerous Bollywood and regional language movies. Enjoy this roaring beauty from various vantage points or trek to its bottom for incredible views. The lush green splendor of thick Sholayar forests acts as the perfect background while the melodies of the falling water add to the dramatic settings. Athirappilly falss are sure one amongst the 5 most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Kochi (about 40 km.) while the closest railway station is Chalakudi (34 km.). Buses ply from the major tourist destinations like Kochi, Coimbatore and Munnar.

Things to Know: Timings are 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (tickets issued till 05:00 p.m.). Entry fee is INR 15 per head. Fascinating beauty during monsoons (June-September), but trekking and swimming may be risky. Nearby activities include rafting, jungle safaris, camping, bird watching, and trekking.

2. Meenmutty Falls (985 ft.; October-May)

Throwing down its water in 3 steps, it is among the largest falls in India and among the preferred choices for those planning a Kerala waterfall tour. During monsoons, voluminous water falling from great height thrills but it is not advised to get too close to the fall. Plan to visit post monsoons and you would be blessed with charismatic beauty and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views amidst luxuriant forests. How to Reach: Calicut (Kozhikode) has the closest airport as well as railway station, about 110 km. away. A trekking route of about 2-3 km. must be traversed to reach the fall.

Things to Know: Timings are 08:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. (tickets are issued between 07:30 a.m. and 04:30 p.m.). Entry fee is INR 30/60 for Indians/foreigners. Permission is required from the local authorities. Plastics and alcohol are prohibited. Plan to visit the close attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam, Muthanga Sanctuary, Kalpetta and Pookode Lake.

3. Thommankuthu Waterfalls (300 ft., June-November)

The enthralling seven-tiered waterfall is now a celebrated eco-tourism destination in Kerala. Apart from drinking in the marvelous views of this cascade, you may indulge in activities like fishing, bird-watching (from an exciting wooden tree-hut), trekking (an outstanding 12 km. trek through picturesque hills) and more. Several pools formed by the water and presence of numerous caves make it a true paradise. How to Reach: Cochin (about 65 km.) has the nearest airport as well as railway station. Buses and taxis can be hired from the nearest town of Thodupuzha.

Things to Know: Timings are from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Entry fee is INR 10/20 for children/adults. You would be awestruck to find several other small and big waterfalls in the close vicinity. The strikingly beautiful hill station of Munnar is only about 67 km. away.

4. Soochipara Falls (656 ft.; September-February)

Montane, deciduous and evergreen forests lend rich magnificence to the stunning Soochipara Falls (also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls). The three-tired cataract is listed among waterfalls in Kerala for the efforts that have been put to keep it clean and plastic-free. Swimming and rock climbing add adventure value to this hotspot.

How to Reach: Calicut International Airport (102 km.) and Kozhikode Railway Station (92 km.). Taxis and cabs can be hired from Calicut or Sultan Bathery (the drive reveals spectacular tea gardens and spice plantations) to reach the parking from where you must walk around 2 km. to reach the fall.

Things to Know: Timings are 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Entry fee include INR 80 per person and INR 40 for a camera (In case you carry a plastic bottle, you have to get it tagged and pay INR 50 that gets refunded on return). Beware of leeches during monsoons. Don’t miss the nearby attractions like Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Edakkal ancient caves.

5. Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls (82 ft.; June to August)

Situated 7 km. away from Achencoil in Kollam District, Kumbhavurutty is one of the most popular waterfallsin Kerala, nestled amidst charming environ and luxuriant foliage.

How to Reach: KSRTC buses regularly ply from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam to Achencoil. Car rentals are also available. Things to Know: It is a great trekking spot and is blessed with rich flora and fauna. Opening hours are Monday-Sunday from 07:00 am to 05:00 pm.

6. Aruvikkuzhy Falls (100 ft.; October to February)

Pathanamthitta is truly a jewel in the crown of Kozhencherry’s scenic beauty, making it one of the Kerala best waterfalls. How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Thiruvalla (29 km.) and nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (131 km.). Bus services are available from Thiruvalla.

Things to Know: Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Paliakara Church and Muloor Smarakam are some popular nearby places to visit. Accommodation is available in Pathanamthitta at as low as INR 1000 for one night.

7. Palaruvi Falls (299 ft., June-January)

This horsetail fall descends like a ‘stream of milk’ and leaves the spectators completely hypnotized. Extremely popular among the local residents for picnics, it also forms a small pool of water which is believed to possess herbal medicinal

properties. Taking bath in the water is believed as great for skin healing and rejuvenation. Trekking through the dense forests, crossing small streams, to reach the fall is a bonus for the visitors.The falls are so beautiful that these deserve to be listed amongst the 5 most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala.

How to Reach: Trivandrum International Airport (103 km.) and Aryankavu Railway Station (about 6 km.). Buses, jeeps and cabs are available until the parking point.

Things to Know: Timings are 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Entry fees include INR 20 (Indians), INR 40 (foreigners) and INR 10/20/30/50 for two-wheelers/cars-jeeps/minibuses/buses. Nearby attractions are Thenmala Dam, Ashtamudi Lake, Paravur Lake and Kollam.

8. Thusharagiri Waterfalls (246 ft.; September to December)