Trivandrum, the ‘Evergreen City of India’, is known more for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the glamorous blend of culture, history, and entertainment. This is a known fact to us, Keralites. What is unknown is that Trivandrum also has a hidden gem.
Dear readers, we are back from discovering another hidden gem, as usually recommended by Visit to Kerala, the best travel agency in Kerala. This time, we unearthed about it from our capital city. In this blog, you are reading about the Meenmutty Waterfalls in Trivandrum, not the one in Wayanad.
And if you’re asking why the underrated Meenmutty Waterfalls near Trivandrum and not Wayanad? Keep scrolling to know.
Meenmutty Waterfalls Near Trivandrum – An Overview
Located in Kallar village, the waterfalls are on the way to Ponmudi Hills, within the luscious Western Ghats. Far from the bustling Trivandrum city, this gem is safely treasured in dense greenery, forest streams, and layered rocky cascades.
Once you reach here, all you will see is a beautiful blend of green and earthy colours, and all you will hear is a melodious musical piece of water flowing and birds chirping.
Wayanad vs Trivandrum: Two Meenmutty Waterfalls
Two waterfalls come under the same name, Meenmutty. Obviously, aside from the name, they differ. Both of them are located in two different districts, one is in the Northeastern region and the Southeastern tip.
Meenmutty Waterfalls Trivandrum are close to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which has a thick forest setting, an adventurous trekking route, and raw wilderness. Wayanad’s Meenmutty waterfalls have only one highlight – the trekking route.
Where Are These Meenmutty Waterfalls?
Meenmutty Waterfalls is near Kallar, 45-60 km (3 hr) from Trivandrum, on the way to Ponmudi Hill Station. Unlike other waterfalls, this one cannot be directly reached by a vehicle from the main road. You must trek for at least 1.5 km – 2 km through a thick forest starting from the main road.
Surrounding this waterfall are Agasthya Mala Biosphere Reserves, the Vamanapuram river, Kombaikani waterfalls, Thavakkal waterfalls, and Vaazhvanthol waterfalls.
How to Reach Meenmutty Waterfalls Near Trivandrum
This depends on the mode of transport you choose. You have four options.
- Airport
If you are planning a vacation from a different state, book your ticket to Trivandrum International Airport. The airport is 46-50 km from the waterfalls.
- Train
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, 42-45 km from the waterfalls. This was our travel option. From Ernakulam Junction to Trivandrum Central, it took us 4 hrs and 35 mins to reach by Kanyakumari Express.
- Bus
This is a viable option for those travelling inside Trivandrum. The nearest bus stop is in Ponmudi, 16 km away. From the bus stop, you will have to take a taxi, which will be a 32-minute drive to the starting point.
- Car
This option is exclusive to those with a craze for road trips. It takes 5-6 hrs and 200 -220 kms by road to reach the waterfall’s starting point.
The Trek to Meenmutty Waterfalls
From the starting point, you have to trek for 2 km, which was quite challenging for the beginners among us. There is no other alternative than trekking through the thick forests. Other than our yapping, we heard the symphony of birds and the soothing visuals of wildlife. Since the best time to visit is after the rain, the trails can be slippery, so it is best to wear footwear with a tough grip.
What to Expect at the Waterfall
The three-tiered waterfall is famous for its round-shaped boulders and pebbles. Stepping on those smooth pebbles and sitting on the round boulders will give you many Instagram aesthetic photos to post. The golden hours for photography are early mornings and late afternoons.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time. The post-monsoon season offers pleasant weather and ideal waterflow. More than that, the trails are safe enough for trekking, and the falls are flowing at their peak, yet are safe for swimming. Avoid the months of June to September as it is the peak monsoon season, when the rain makes it unsafe to enjoy the waterfalls.
Entry Rules and Forest Guidelines
The visiting hours are 9 am – 5 pm with an entry fee. Two safety guidelines are to swim in the stream and to look out for leeches. There are three fee structures: an adult entry fee of ₹ 65, a children’s fee of ₹ 35, and an additional fee for cameras.
Places to Visit Nearby
The nearby attractions are:
- Varayadumotta Peak – Trivandrum’s toughest peak to climb, with a height of 1100 m.
- Golden Valley – Famous for crystal-clear and shallow waters.
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – Situated across the Karamana River, it is home to over 43 mammals and 233 bird species.
Travel Tips for Visitors
A trip to Meenmutty Waterfalls, Trivandrum, means you need to carry all kinds of essentials and wear trek-friendly outfits. A pair of shoes with a strong grip should be a part of your outfit. The trek alone is 2 km, so you need tough flats and more than one water bottle, and sunscreen to enjoy the trek. Once you reach the waterfall, it is best to follow the authorities’ guidelines. A highly recommended tip to avoid littering is to carry your own waste bag.
Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for swimming, trekking, and photography.
Who Should Visit This Waterfall?
Trekking fans, nature enthusiasts, and photography lovers. If you fall under these categories, you will love Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kallar. Every inch of this place is designed by nature just the way nature lovers will adore.
Conclusion
With Meenmutty Waterfalls Ponmudi’s raw beauty and revitalising atmosphere, this place really needs an upgrade from underrated to overrated. It offers the perfect therapeutic escape from the bustling and overcrowded city.
Be it a full day or a half-day trip, all your travel and preparations will be worth it.
Many comment on our Instagram posts, asking where we get these places from. Visit to Kerala, the best travel agency in Kerala, gives us these trip suggestions along with the best price packages. Just like us, visit their office in Padivattom, Kochi or call them at +91 8086007178 for your next perfect vacation.
