Thommankuthu Waterfall, Thommankuthu, Kerala

Thommankuthu Waterfall, Thommankuthu, Kerala

Thommankuthu Waterfall is a natural waterfall located in Thommankuthu Village near Thodupuzha Town in Thodupuzha Taluk in Idukki District in Kerala, India. It is a popular tourist spot in the state and one of the major centers of eco-tourism in Kerala. It comes under Kerala Forest Department, Kothamangalam Division, Kaliyar Range.

Legends

As per local folklore, a tribal leader named Thomman (Thumban), drowned in the waterfalls while attempting to cross the river. Thus, the waterfall came to be called Thommankuthu (Kuthu means waterfall).

The Waterfall

It is a series of waterfalls on Kannadiyaru River situated in a forest in the southern part of Western Ghats mountain range. It is a series of 12 falls scattered over a distance of 5 kilometres. The waterfalls can be reached with a 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) trek through the surrounding forests. The names of some of the waterfalls are Thommankuthu, Ezhunilakuthu, Thenkuzhikuthu, Chekuthankuthu, Palunkankuthu, Kudachiyarkuthu, Muthikuthu, Nakkayankuthu, Thekkanthonikuthu and Koovamalakuthu. 

All the falls are cascade type waterfalls with a pool below them. The height and volume of the falls varies, and each has its own distinct charm. Of these 12 waterfalls, three of them are considered important. The first waterfall, Thommankuthu is at about 600 metres from the entrance, the next waterfall, Papanasam is situated at about 1 Km from the first waterfall and the third waterfall is called Ezhunilakuthu. There are few waterfalls above the Ezhunilakuthu, but it is not advisable to visit as it requires difficult trekking and also requires permission from the forest department.

There are entry fees to visit this waterfall. There is an interpretation center explaining the details about the flora and fauna of the surrounding forests. There is a watchtower for bird watching in the forest. The best time to visit this waterfall is from June to November. The Eco Tourism Centre provides trekking facilities for the tourists. There are almost seven caves in Thommankuthu along the river namely Plapothu, Palunkan Allu, Muthimukk Allu, Maakkal Allu, Adappan, Manthikaanam and Arakan.

Contact

Kerala Forest Department,

Eco tourism Centre,

Thommankuthu – 685 581,

Thodupuzha Taluk,

Idukki District,

Kerala, India

Phone: +91 485 282 2317

Mobile: +91 85476 01306

Connectivity

The waterfall is located at about 2 Kms from Thommankuthu Junction, 9 Kms from Vannappuram, 10 Kms from Karimannur, 18 Kms from Paingottoor, 20 Kms from Thodupuzha, 20 Kms from Thodupuzha Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Idukki, 60 Kms from Piravom Road Railway Station and 66 Kms from Kochi Airport. The waterfall can be reached from Thodupuzha via Karimannur.

Location