Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic Waterfall Holiday Destination of Kerala
It is located in a lush tropical setting on the gorgeous Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni forest route. This offbeat waterfall in the middle of a dense jungle is a top scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala. The route you take to hike to the waterfall from the main forest highway is also frequented by elephants, gaurs and other wild animals and birds. And the hike takes you across multiple streams and gradients. Thus giving its visitors lots of adventure and joy even in the short 10 to 15 minute forest trek. I am talking about Kambhavurutty Falls located in the Konni reserve forest whose herbal waters make for a rejuvenating waterfall bath amidst the dense jungle of the Western Ghats. And thus making it perfect for a nature holiday in Kerala with family and friends.
Kambhavurutty falls offers a heady mix of a scenic drive, a short jungle trek, a picturesque location and a waterfall that is perfect for that relaxing bath in the middle of the forest. The adventure begins as soon as you park your car by the entrance and you start climbing the well marked out forest trail. Pretty soon, you step into the jungle stream that cross crosses the trekking trail and then you climb a hillock up and down to be greeted with the stunning sight of the Kambhavurutty Falls that falls from a wide rock while being surrounded by lush forests. A metal walkway takes you to the bottom of the waterfall where you can choose to bath under the waterfall shower that is being permitted or the one that has water force to your liking. After your relaxing bath under the thundering waterfall, you can relax on a rock with a book in hand, conduct a photo session with your family and friends, find a nice well shaded place and catch a short siesta. In all, a fabulous location for a weekend getaway in South Kerala, especially during the monsoon season or right after.
If you carry a picnic basket with you along with some towels, swim wear and a pair of sunglasses, you will treat yourself to a divine and rejuvenating waterfall holiday. As this place is managed by the Kerala forest department, you will have to buy entrance tickets for all the members in your group and parking ticket for your vehicle. You can park your vehicle on the side of the road that also doubles up as the forest highway. There is hardly any infrastructure here, but you may find a simple toilet and a street vendor or two selling local fruits and hot tea. A 10 minute walk through the forest on a lush trail crossing few streams will take you to Kambhavurutty Falls from the ticket counter. The hike and the final flight of stairs can get slippery when it rains, so do exercise caution.
Both Kambhavurutty falls and Manalar falls, further along the forest highway towards Mekkarai are proper jungle waterfalls and hence care should be taken to protect the waterfall and jungle surroundings from any pollution. So, do ensure to carry your trash with you (including dirty diapers) and do refrain from smoking and drinking inside the forest. And most importantly, do keep an eye out for elephants and other wild animals, especially if it happens to be raining or there is a thick mist cover. If you take care of the above, you will possibly enjoy a surreal jungle environment and have a ball of a waterfall holiday.
Best season to visit:
Kambhavurutty falls looks its best during the monsoon season from June to October. This is when the waterfall carries copious amounts of water and the vegetation is dense and lush. This time is perfect for trekking to the waterfall and enjoying its beauty, but might not be best to get under the waterfall for a bath. There is also the threat of leeches during this time of the year. Between November and February, the vegetation will continue to remain lush, the water force would be lower and the water much clearer. This would mean that you can enjoy the waterfall fully. Threat of leeches will also be lower at this time of the year. During March to May, the water levels would be lower and the heat and humidity would be higher. Reaching the waterfall will make you sweat, but a bath under the cool waters of the waterfall would make it worth the effort.
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Konni, take the forest route via Achankovil to reach Kambhavurutty Falls. This route also happens to be the most scenic.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur or Kollam, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
If you are traveling from Shencottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shencottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai –> Kerala Forest Check Post –> Manalar Falls –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
Where to stay:
There are a few budget hotels in and around Achankovil (about 8 kms away) for those looking to stay inside the reserve forest. There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai (about 8 kms away) that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi (about 25 kms away).
If you prefer to stay amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Where to eat:
The nearest place to eat would be either Achankovil in Kerala (about 10 kms away to the west) or Shencottai in Tamil Nadu (about 15 kms to the east). There are restaurants that serve basic tiffin and meals here. For more diverse options, Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu would be your nearest hub.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
2) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest
3) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages
4) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
5) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
6) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
7) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
8) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
9) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar Temple at Tenkasi
10) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala
11) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
12) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
13) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways
14) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
15) Lesser known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers
16) Achankovil Saastha Temple: That happy Lord Ayyappa in the middle of pristine jungle
17) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky
18) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view
19) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
20) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon
21) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
22) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
23) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
24) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
25) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
26) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
27) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep South
28) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
29) Hidden pristine waterfall inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
30) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
31) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
32) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away
33) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
34) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
35) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
36) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
37) Thamirabharani river delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness
38) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
39) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea Shore magic
40) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
41) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
42) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
43) The Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
44) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai
45) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
46) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
47) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple
48) Shangumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram
49) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari
50) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari
51) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters
52) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins
53) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail
54) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama
