Thommankuthu Waterfall - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are ten falls in total at Thommankuthu Waterfall, all located at a distance from each other. They are-Thommankuth (0km), Ezhunilakuth (600m), Thenkuzhikuth (1.5km), Chekuthankuth (4km), Palunkankuth (5km), Kudachiyarkuth (6km), Muthikuth (6.5 km), Nakkayamkuth (8km), Thekkanthonikuth (10km) and Koovalamkuth (12km). These 10 falls make Thommankuthu one of the most beautiful as well as adventurous waterfalls in Kerala State. 

While the first seven are accessible for all visitors, the last three which are located very far from the entrance can be accessed only through a trek offered during the months between November and May. The 12 km trek covering the entire stretch of the falls can be done only with the help of the forest department and their trained guides.

In addition to the waterfalls, there are many caves and viewpoints in its vicinity which makes the hike even more adventurous. There are seven caves in total- Puappothu (0km) , Palunkan (3km), Muthimuth (5.5km), Makkal (12km), Adappan (14km), Manthikkanam (17km) and Narakkan (18km). And there are five viewpoints- Kurisumala (2km), Chanjapara (2.5km), Nellimudi (3km), Thoppimudi (5km) and Bheeman coat and chair (16km).

Some of these caves and viewpoints can be seen during a regular visit but many are accessible only during the long curated trek from the forest department.

Upon reaching the gates of the falls, most of the visitors might get disappointed as the first fall is very short in height. The real adventure begins when the hiking trail starts. The trail covered by fallen leaves and twigs at its sides goes through an area filled with giant black millipedes. Although they are harmless, they are huge with a length of about 10- 15 cm and a girth of 3 cm or so.

From the entry point of the falls, the long stretch of the hike is through the beauty of the lush green forest. Among the many falls at Thommankuthu, none of them is very tall. Each of the falls is between 5 to 10 meters in height. The majority of the hiking stretches are marked with railings that run along the banks of the river for easiness of climbing.

Around seven of the total ten waterfalls can be seen during the trail. Set amidst greenery and falling from the dark rocky faces. The water flowing through them is clear and cold most of the time. There are huge trees around as well - some bending so much that they look like they are falling, some with hanging roots that could carry the weight of a few people easily. You can also find a watch tower made of bamboo for bird watching. 

Upon covering almost 6 km, the trail closes and the rest of it can be done only in the summer with the help of guides. One of the tallest waterfalls in the series at a height of 30 meters sits on that portion of the trail. One of the caves in the trail is home to numerous bats as well.

A lot of interesting stories and myths circulate regarding the name of Thommankuthu Waterfall. The most popular among them is that the name Thommankuthu came from a variation of the name of a tribal leader named ‘Thumman’ who was washed away in the waterfall. Thommankuthu means ‘rapids of Thomman’.

Another story is connected to its discovery. It is believed that the falls were discovered by a hunter named Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel in the late 1920s and the falls were given a short form of his name. He is also believed to have a role in the discovery of the location of the Idukki Dam site. Idukki Dam is one of the largest arch dams in Asia.

There are lots of tribal communities in the vicinities of the falls, as well as many caves. A popular theory circulates that says that during pre-historic times, these caves hosted tribal settlements. It is also believed that the water flowing through the falls possesses magical powers. The locals believe that the pools in the stream were once the bathing places of nymphs, hence the water flowing through has magical healing powers.

Although Thommankuthu Waterfall is open throughout the year, the best time to visit will be from November to May when the long trek is open to visitors. From June to October, the place will be covered in thick greenery and the river will be flowing with the maximum amount of water it can carry. But it is also the period when leeches flourish.

1. Wear sturdy shoes: The trail to Thommankuthu Waterfall is fairly steep and slippery in places. Wearing comfortable shoes with a good grip will help you navigate the trail safely.
2. Be cautious: Although Thommankuthu Waterfall is a beautiful place to swim, the currents can be strong. Be cautious when swimming and only enter the water where there are clear indications from forest guards on safe swimming.
3. The area is home to the leeches that suck blood off of the body and their population explodes in monsoon months. So carry some salt to get rid of them from your body.

1. Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, who is believed to have discovered the waterfall is also believed to have a role in the discovery of the location of the Idukki Dam site

It takes two to three hours to explore Thommankuthu Waterfall. If you plan to hike further with the help of guides from the forest department, that will easily take a whole day.

The nearest small town to Thommankuthu Waterfall is Karimannoor (10km) and the nearest large town is Thodupuzha (20km). The nearest major railway stations are in Aluva (68km) and Ernakulam (71km). From Aluva and Ernakulam there are direct buses to Thodupuzha. From Thodupuzha, there are buses to Karimannoor. From Karimanoor to the falls area, the road is narrow and you might have to either take a rikshaw/ taxi or hike 10km to the falls.

Adults are charged INR 20 for entry into Thommankuthu Waterfall. For children up to 12 years old, INR 10. Still cameras are charged INR 10 and video cameras are charged INR 100.

Thommankuthu Waterfall is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.