India GOWaterfalls near Munnar
Munnar has two waterfalls that are easy to reach by road: Attukad, 8–9 km from town towards Pallivasal, and Lakkam, on the road to Marayoor. A third, Thoovanam, lies in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and is reached only on a guided forest trek. They peak at different times of year, so which one to see depends on the month.
The three waterfalls
Attukad: the monsoon cascade
A multi-tier fall in a green gorge between Munnar and Pallivasal, reached over a narrow wooden footbridge. From June to September, during and just after the southwest monsoon, it becomes a white wall of water; in the dry months it shrinks to shallow pools. Entry is free, parking may cost a little. Details: Attukad Waterfalls.
Lakkam: forest steps and cold pools
About 15 metres (50 feet) of water on the Munnar-Marayoor road, fed by streams off the Eravikulam plateau. A stepped path leads about ten minutes down through forest at the edge of the national park's buffer zone. Entry is managed: roughly ₹25–50, gates open about 8 AM to 5 PM. Details: Lakkam Waterfalls.
Thoovanam: a trek in Chinnar
A waterfall inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, about 60 km from Munnar via Marayoor. The Forest Department's guided trek starts at the Alampetty check post and covers about four kilometres of dry deciduous and riverside forest in about three hours, with guides from the settlements inside the sanctuary. It costs roughly ₹250 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign nationals; starts are between 8 AM and 2 PM.
When to go: each fall has its season
Attukad is at its most dramatic from June to September, when the monsoon is at full strength. The catch is that the same rain closes access to the falls on the heaviest days, and landslides close stretches of the Gap Road. Ask locally before driving out.
Lakkam is best from October to January, once the rains have done their work and the streams are full.
Thoovanam is on the other side of the hills. Chinnar lies in the rain shadow east of Munnar, so it stays walkable through the southwest monsoon; it is driest outside the November rains.
Whatever the month, hill roads around Munnar are unlit at night, so plan to be back before dark. Monthly rain and temperatures: best time to visit Munnar.
How to fit them into a day
The falls lie on different roads out of Munnar, so each belongs to a different day trip.
- Attukad is on the Pallivasal side, south of town. On the same road, 8 km out, the Punarjani Traditional Village stages Kathakali at 5 PM and Kalaripayattu at 6 PM, which makes an afternoon at the falls and an evening at the theatre.
- Lakkam is on the road north to Marayoor, itself about 40 km from Munnar; in Marayoor the muniyara dolmens and Kerala's only natural sandalwood forest fill the rest of the day.
- Thoovanam is beyond Marayoor. With about two hours each way to Chinnar, the trek takes most of a day.
There is nothing to hail between these points, so the practical options are a car or a rickshaw for the day: getting around Munnar.
Before you get in the water
- At Attukad the shallow pools are calm enough for a careful dip only in the dry months; in the monsoon the same rock carries a torrent.
- At Lakkam people soak in the pools below the fall when the flow allows. The water is cold.
- The Thoovanam trek crosses a river on rocky ground through open, sunny forest. Carry water and a hat.
- The wooden footbridge at Attukad moves a little underfoot.
FAQ
Does Munnar have waterfalls?
Yes. Attukad, 8–9 km from town, and Lakkam, on the Marayoor road, are reached by car; Thoovanam in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is reached on a guided trek.
Can we bathe in Munnar waterfalls?
Only with care and only when the flow is low: in Attukad's pools in the dry months, and in the cold pools below Lakkam when the flow allows. In the monsoon access to Attukad is sometimes closed.
What is the entry fee for waterfalls in Munnar?
Attukad is free, parking may cost a little. Lakkam costs roughly ₹25–50. The Thoovanam trek in Chinnar is roughly ₹250 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign nationals.
What are the timings of Lakkam Waterfalls?
The gates are open roughly from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Which is the nearest waterfall to Munnar town?
Attukad, 8–9 km from town on the way to Pallivasal.
When is the best time to see waterfalls in Munnar?
June to September for Attukad at full flow, October to January for Lakkam. Thoovanam in Chinnar is walkable even in the southwest monsoon.
Sources (1)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
The full catalogue, hidden spots and districts on the map, plus “nearby” mode.
Open in India GO