Kochi, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, is the cultural and commercial capital of Kerala that offers a blend of rich history, heritage, and modernism. While it has abundant places to explore, there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls near Kochi that make for a perfect day trip and let you escape into the arms of Kerala’s untampered natural beauty!
The area around Kochi is home to some breathtaking waterfalls that provide a serene escape from the city’s bustling life. These waterfalls, nestled in lush greenery and tranquil settings, are perfect for day trips and offer a mix of natural beauty and adventure.
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Here are some must-visit waterfalls near Kochi:
Top 10 waterfalls near Kochi
Once you have experienced the charm of Kochi’s immeasurable heritage at its forts, markets, churches, palaces, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, and Fort Kochi, you must plan a trip to all the captivating waterfalls near Kochi we have listed for you!
Pick your favorite waterfalls in Kochi and around it from this list so we can include them in your itinerary while whipping up suitable Kerala tour packages for you!
1. Areekkal Waterfall, Pampakuda
Distance from Kochi – 39 KM ( 1 Hours 10 Minutes)
Areekkal Waterfall in Pampakuda, Ernakulam, is a tranquil cascade tucked 35 km from Kochi. Falling from a height of 30 feet, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Kochi that remains relatively remote and unexplored.
Fed by a small stream in the Western Ghats, this gem surrounded by lush rubber plantations and a sunlit forest is the perfect escape for nature lovers and a great avenue for picnics, family outings, and hiking.
It’s also a great spot for wildlife watching where you can spot animals like elephants, deer, Giant Malabar Squirrels, and several vibrant birds and butterflies.
Height of the waterfall: 70 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: Open 24/7
How to reach: A cab or public bus from Kochi along the Ernakulam-Thodupuzha route
Best time to visit: June to September
Things to do: Sightseeing, picnicking, photography, hiking, plantation tours
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2. Athirapally Falls, Thrissur
Distance from Kochi – 72 KM ( 2 Hours 20 Minutes)
Often called the “Niagara of India”, the breathtakingly beautiful Athirapally Falls is the biggest waterfall in Kerala that has served as the iconic location of Bollywood blockbusters like “Baahubali” and “Dil Se”!
This mighty cascade tucked in the Sholayar forest range originates high up in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and plunges from a height of 80 feet, spanning 330 feet in width!
Flowing with a thunderous roar even in the summer, this vibrant waterfall tucked amid dense tropical rainforests can be seen for miles! It’s a great area for photography, picnics, jungle safaris, birdwatching, and trekking courtesy of the fall’s 1.5 km trekking trail with multiple viewpoints.
The surrounding forest is home to exotic species like Lion-tailed Macaques, Giant Malabar Squirrels, and Great Hornbills. The waterfall’s gigantic pool is home to over 80 freshwater fish species.
Height of the waterfall: 80 feet
Entry fee:
- Adults: INR 50/-
- Children: INR 10/-
- Foreigners: INR 200/-
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: Take a private cab or KSRTC bus to Chalakudy via NH544
Best time to visit: September to January
Things to do: Trekking, picnicking, jungle safari, bird watching
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3. Vazhachal Waterfall, Thrissur
Distance from Kochi – 79 KM ( 2 Hours 29 Minutes)
Tucked away in the most serene corner of Thrissur district, Vazhachal Waterfall is a visually stunning cascade formed out of the Chalakudy River.
It lies just 5 km from Athirapally Falls and is known for the dramatic way it glides on smooth, sloping rocks like butter, and drops vertically into a massive pool creating a majestic sight!
The waterfall is located 60 km from Kochi inside the lush Sholayar forests, a biodiversity hotspot sheltering endangered species like the Great Hornbill. Its tranquil surroundings and enchanting views are why it’s one of the best waterfalls around Kochi!
Height of the waterfall: 80 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: A cab or bus from Chalakudy heading to Athirapally
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Swimming, trekking, birdwatching, picnicking
4. Cheeyappara Falls, Chillithodu
Distance from Kochi – 82 KM ( 2 Hours 24 Minutes)
Cheeyappara Falls, tucked in the Western Ghats near NH 85 and Adimali, is among the most gorgeous waterfalls in Kerala.
This seven-tiered perennial waterfall cascades from a height of 1,000 feet with a thunderous roar, making it a visual treat for spectators! While it flows in full force in the monsoon, it is an equally stunning sight in the winter season!
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Located conveniently between Kochi and Munnar, it’s among the most popular waterfalls near Kochi surrounded by dense forests home to rare animal and bird species!
Height of the waterfall: 1000 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: Open 24/7
How to reach: A taxi, bus, or tuk-tuk from Cochin, Munnar, and Aluva
Best time to visit: June to August
Things to do: Sightseeing, trekking, photography, birdwatching, wildlife watching
5. Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls, Vechoochira
Distance from Kochi – 112 KM ( 3 Hours 20 Minutes)
Formed by the scenic Pamba River, Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls is a marvelous gem of nature located in Pathanamthitta district and a sacred site for the villagers of Vechoochira.
Its surrounding honey-rich forest is used for bee-keeping and produces a surplus amount of the authentic locally sourced Kerala honey that you can buy here. The waterfall’s beehive-studded environment has even earned it the name of the “Great Honey Stream”!
This beautiful waterfall comprises two small waterfalls – Panamkudantha (300 ft) and Padivathil (200 ft), plunging from the thick jungles of Sabarimala onto huge boulders and rocky terrain! The wide pool at its base is, however, unfit for swimming owing to strong currents.
Height of the waterfall: 200 feet & 300 feet
Entry fee:
- Adults: INR 30/-
- Children: INR 15/-
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: Hail a cab or bus from Ranni Bus Station or a tuk-tuk from Vechoochira
Best time to visit: September to May
Things to do: Trekking, bee farm tours, sightseeing, picnicking
6. Nyayamakad Waterfalls, Munnar
Distance from Kochi – 133 KM ( 4 Hours 07 Minutes)
Nyayamakad Waterfalls near Kochi is a breathtaking waterfall that flows from a massive height of 1,600 feet in the lush mountains of the Nilgiris.
Not many are aware of this stunning tourist spot near Kochi, which has made it a tranquil retreat and a favorite spot of nature lovers and adventure seekers! Its surrounding tea plantations and thick, dewy forests are a cherry on the cake!
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Located near the entrance of Eravikulam National Park just 10 km from Munnar, this lovely cascade is easily accessible by road as it lies close to the Nyayamakad Estate where you can take a tea-picking tour and learn about its deep-rooted plantation heritage.
Height of the waterfall: 1,600 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
How to reach: Take a cab from Munnar or Aluva or a public bus plying on the Munnar-Udumalpet road
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Swimming, tea plantation tours, picnicking, trekking, photography
7. Valanjanganam Waterfalls, Peermade
Distance from Kochi – 116 KM ( 3 Hours 20 Minutes)Also known as Ninnu Mullippara Falls, Valanjanganam Falls is a picture-perfect cascade nestled in the hilly Idukki district very close to Kuttikkanam. It falls from an elevation of about 75 feet and offers captivating views of the majestic Western Ghats and the surrounding greenery!
Located on the Kottayam-Kumily, it makes for one of the most popular waterfalls near Kochi to explore on the way to Thekkady. Its refreshingly chilly and misty weather courtesy of the surrounding hills offers a much-needed respite from the scorching heat of Kerala’s plains.
While its flow is at its peak in the monsoon, the slippery and slushy terrain might make it difficult to explore. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and raincoats.
Height of the waterfall: 75 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: Open 24/7
How to reach: Take a taxi or bus from Kottayam, Thekkady, or Peermade
Best time to visit: June to September
Things to do: Photography, trekking, sightseeing, picnicking
8. Keezharkuthu Waterfall, Pallickathodu
Distance from Kochi – 85 KM ( 2 Hours 40 Minutes)
Another priceless gem of the Idukki mountains, Keezharkuthu Waterfall is often called “Rainbow Waterfall” courtesy of the colorful rainbows this 200-foot-high waterfall creates under the afternoon sun, bewitching onlookers!
Located close to Thodupuzha, this waterfall is surrounded by dense woodlands and lush vegetation with rich medicinal value. It is among the most prominent sites of Kerala eco-tourism among other waterfalls near Kochi.
On top of that, it’s frequented by a large number of adventure seekers since it offers activities like trekking, rock climbing, and camping.
Height of the waterfall: 200 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
How to reach: A cab or KSRTC bus from Kochi, Thodupuzha, and Udambannoor
Best time to visit: November to April
Things to do: Trekking, camping, photography
9. Orakkampara Waterfalls, Mallappally Taluk
Distance from Kochi – 95 KM ( 2 Hours 45 Minutes)
Orakkampara Waterfalls is a serene and unspoiled cascade located in Kerala’s Idukki district surrounded by virgin greenery!
While it drops from a modest height of 50 feet, it’s the most enchanting locale courtesy of its shimmering milky white stream, resplendent surroundings covered in dew, secluded location, and an azure pool at its base!
Located near Kanjirappally, this waterfall is a mere 15 km from Mundakayam and easily accessible by road. Its surrounding forest is a biodiversity hotspot sheltering vivid flora and fauna ideal for birdwatching and trekking!
Height of the waterfall: 50 feet
Entry fee: Nil
Timings: Open 24/7
How to reach: Take a bus or cab from Pathanamthitta or Mundakayam
Best time to visit: July to September
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, photography, sightseeing, birdwatching
10. Palaruvi Waterfalls, Kollam
Distance from Kochi – 193 KM ( 5 Hours 40 Minutes)
Located in Kollam, Palaruvi Waterfalls is among the most picturesque waterfalls near Kochi cascading from a height of 300 feet. Palaruvi means “Stream of Milk” in Malayalam, referring to the milky-white appearance of the waterfall tucked amid lush tropical forests.
Part of the stunning Kallada River, Palaruvi Waterfalls is easy to reach by road via the Aryankavu Pass in the Western Ghats. It’s also an integral part of Kerala’s ongoing eco-tourism initiatives.
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Flowing through the herbal-rich forests of Aryankavu, Palaruvi is famed for its medicinal properties. The Kerala government has set up several designated bathing zones and picnic spots around it to let visitors experience its healing powers.
Height of the waterfall: 300 feet
Entry fee:
- Adults: INR 25/-
- Children: INR 10/-
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
How to reach: Cabs and public buses from Kollam can take you to Palaruvi via Aryankavu Pass on the Kollam–Shenkottai route
Best time to visit: November to January
Things to do: Bathing, trekking, birdwatching, picnicking
With so many waterfalls near Kochi to explore with your loved ones, we bet you are spoiled for choice! Reach out to us and we’ll whip you up an awesome Kerala holiday inclusive of a visit to these serene escapades!
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