Manalar Falls: The Herbal Jungle Waterfall of Kerala
It is a heavenly pit stop on the gorgeous Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni forest route. It’s location is fairly offbeat and hence it does not attract a lot of crowd. It’s lush environment is perfect for a nature holiday with family and friends. It’s herbal waters make for a rejuvenating bath amidst the dense jungle of the Western Ghats. I am talking about Manalar Falls, the stunning herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala.
Situated in the Konni reserve forest of Kerala, the Manalar falls is located deep inside the jungle and the location is so pristine that footprints of elephants and other wild animals are seen at this location quite often. Manalar falls offers a beautiful mix of a scenic drive, a short jungle trek, twin waterfalls and a lovely swimming pool at the base of the waterfall perfect for that relaxing dip inside the forest. One of the twin waterfalls is smaller in size, which makes it perfect for young children and elderly folks and the other one, which is a bit further up is perfect for adults, rowdy teenagers and those who love some thrill and adventure. The bigger Manalar waterfall is perfect for those people who love to feel the forceful waters of the waterfall on their head and back and then take a breather while wallowing in the swimming pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
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 take 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 as the forest highway. There is hardly any infrastructure here, but you may find a simple toilet and a street vendor or two selling some local fruits and hot tea. A 10 minute walk through the forest will take you to the two waterfalls from the ticket counter. The hike can get slippery when it rains, so do exercise caution.
Both Manalar Falls and Kambhavurutty falls, further along the forest highway towards Achankovil 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:
Manalar falls looks its best during the monsoon season from June and 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 Manalar Falls. This route also happens to be the most scenic.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam or Punalur, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Manalar Falls.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Manalar 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.
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 staying 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 17 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) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycling route through pristine forest
2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages
3) Kutralam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
4) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
5) Puliyarai view point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
6) Sivasailam temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
7) Sivasailam: One of the wettest places during the North East monsoon in India
8) 13th century Kasi Visvanathar temple at Tenkasi
9) Kambhavurutty Falls: Pristine jungle waterfall in the middle of dense forest
10) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
11) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways
12) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
13) Lesser known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers
14) Achankovil Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
15) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky
16) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view
17) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
18) Rosemala: Spectacular view point of the Thenmala reservoir
19) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
20) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
21) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
22) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
23) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
24) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
25) Scenic Iron Bridge of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: Pristine nature overloaded
26) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south
27) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
28) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an ashtanga vimana
29) 10th Century Brahmadesam Kailasanathar Temple: Lesser known architectural marvel of South India
30) 1000 year old Papanasanathar Temple: Where you can wash all your sins away
31) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season
32) Iruttu Kadai Halwa: Icon of Tirunelveli
33) Nellaiappar Temple: A 7th century cosmic dance wonder
34) Pattamadai Pai: GI tagged beautiful handwoven mats from a tiny Tamil Nadu village
35) Thamirabharani river delta: A motorcycle route full of rustic gorgeousness
36) 10th Century Valiswara Temple at Thiruvaliswaram: Hidden Chola gem in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu
37) Tiruchendur Murugan Temple: Sea shore magic
38) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route
39) Garuda Sevai from the agraharams of Kallidaikurichi
40) Festival of Thiruvathirai from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
41) The festival of Karthigai Deepam from a traditional Tamil Nadu village
42) The exotic tropical fruit shops of Puliyarai
43) Kallidaikurichi Adi Varaha Temple Chariot Festival: Grand cultural spectacle in rural Tamil Nadu
44) Kallidaikurichi Anaicut: Gorgeous picnic spot nestled in the lap of nature
