Hiking to Meenmutty Waterfalls in Kerala: Get your Feet on it

Meenmutty waterfalls are three-tiered in nature and located in Wayanad, a beautiful district in northeast Kerala, India. Wayanad is home to many famous tourist spots like Meenmutthy and Socchipara Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, etc. Everything about this place is purely magical. A jungle trek of about 2.1 kms leads to Meenmutty waterfalls.

Meenmutty Waterfalls: An Overview

Location

Wayanad, Kerela. Southern India

Timing

9 AM to 4 PM 1 PM: usually not too busy

Entry fee of the waterfall

Adult- INR 30 Children- INR 15 Foreigner- INR 60 Camera- INR 75

Temperature

Min- 17 degrees Celsius Max- 26 degree Celsius

Best time to visit

October to May

Alternate Name

Ooty of Kerela

How to reach Wayanad

By Air: Nearest Airports: Kannur (upcoming) – 89 km, Calicut – 97 km, Bangalore – 317 km By Rail: Nearest Railway Stations: Calicut – 85 km, Kannur – 113 km, Bangalore – 280 km By Road: Various buses run up to Kozhikode from Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore. Direct buses to Wayanad are also available. For a self-drive/rental cab, the distance is 300 km on NH212. Alternately, another route is through Nagarhole and Manathvady. NOTE-  NHS 212 cut across Bandipur tiger reserves closed from 9 pm to 6 am.

Travel Time

6-7 hours

The total cost of the trip

The cost per person, inclusive of travel, accommodation, food and entry fee of all the tourist attractions, will come around 3-4k when in a group. For solo travelers, the cost might increase a bit because you alone will have to bear the accommodation charges.

Meenmutty Waterfalls: Nature’s Gem at Wayanad

Water falling from a height of over 300 feet, makes Meenmutty waterfalls both magnificent and ferocious. They are the biggest waterfall in Wayanad and the second largest in Kerala. The name ‘Meenmutty’ is derived from the concept that the fishes are blocked here. ‘Meen’ means ‘fish’ and ‘Mutty’ means ‘blocked’ and thus ‘Meenmutty’. Bathing in Meenmutty waterfalls is allowed only in the dry season. Meenmutty waterfalls are considered to be a dangerous spot, therefore be extra careful while in the water. The waterfalls will make you believe that nature can be wild, powerful and purely magical. You can keep watching and it never gets monotonous.

Reasons to visit Meenmutty Waterfalls during Monsoons

Lovely overflowing Waterfalls– Meenmutthy is one of the best waterfalls in Wayanad. Monsoon is when it is at its full glory. The view is simply spectacular. Though you won’t be allowed to bathe in it during monsoons it’s totally worth the sacrifice. The throb of water falling from height was boundlessly satisfying.

Lush green hills– What can be better than forests in monsoon? Nothing! Wayanad has huge dense forests. Trekking through these forests is a different experience on the whole. You can go amidst these forests while trekking for Meenmutthy waterfalls.

Foggy roads– I personally love road trips. Whether it’s a car, a bike or something even better, a Jeep; a road trip to hilly areas can never disappoint the adventurer in you. In monsoon, these hills are immersed in big clouds. And so are you when you are on them.

 Great discounts on hotels– Going anywhere off-season gives you great deals on hotel stays. So, if you are running low on a budget, visit the place offseason. You can avoid crowds, and long queues and save some money.

WARNING- Beware of the leaches. They love monsoon too!

Best Stay Options near Meenmutty Falls

Treehouse: If you are in a group, treehouses can be the ultimate fun. And affordable at the same time. Punchiri Cottage is one such treehouse that you can book via Airbnb. It is on a hilltop amidst the jungle for which you must walk 500m from the parking area. They do not provide all the facilities as in a hotel, but if you are a nature lover then this, my friends, is all that you need in Wayanad. Distance from Meenmutthy waterfalls- 17kms.

A treehouse or a cottage plus rains plus barbeque! Heavenly. Treehouses and cottages are readily available in Wayanad which you can book from Airbnb or any other such website. These provide a very different feeling than regular rooms in a hotel. The above combination is a must-try. Recommended.

Cottage, lodge or a resort: There are many cottages available near Meenmutthy waterfalls which provide all the basic materials needed for bonfires and barbeques. You can book these cottages online to avoid the last-minute hassle.

Budget Hotels:  Beautiful hotels are available near Meenmutthy waterfalls where you can stay at leisure and admire the beauty of Wayanad.

How to reach Meenmutty Waterfalls?

Meenmutty waterfalls are located 29 km from Kalpetta and 15 km from Banasura Sagar Dam. A bus or taxi is easily available from Kalpetta if you don’t have your personal vehicle.

Meenmutthy Waterfalls – The Trek

Meenmutty waterfalls offer a challenging and fun trek through the jungle. From the parking area, you must hike for about 2 km to reach the waterfall. There are two tiers before the main waterfall which give a glance of the Meemutty waterfalls. The trek takes you through the lush moist deciduous jungle. Food stalls are there near the parking but just one chai point midway in the 2km trek. There are ropes tied wherever the trek becomes difficult or the path goes slippery. You got to hold on to these ropes for grip. Meenmutty waterfall gives you a genuine hiking experience.

The trek is somewhat tiresome as the slope is a bit steep but when you hear the water falling from the vicinity, adrenaline starts rushing in you. After reaching the waterfall, you will feel it was all worth it.

Safety Level of Meenmutty Waterfalls for Women Backpackers

Wayanad is a safe place for women. The locals are helpful and kind. Though you can face some problems communicating with the people, Wayanad being a tourist spot, some locals come forward to help. Avoid roaming around till late in the night.

Tips for travelers

• A good trekking experience is directly proportional to a good pair of shoes. More comfortable the better.
• Keep a set of extra clothes and a towel. But avoid packing too many things in your bag pack to ensure a smooth trek.
• The weather in Wayanad is unpredictable. So, carry proper gears, especially in monsoons.
• Be safe- Meenmutty waterfalls are dangerous. Accidents can happen because of wet rocks, fast currents, etc.
• Keep a water bottle as you might need it while trekking.
• Lastly, don’t forget your camera. The waterfall is beautiful.

Places to Visit Near Meenmutty Waterfalls

Chembra peak

It is the highest point of Wayanad and an ideal spot for trekking. Chembra peak is famous for the view of heart shaped lake visible from the top. Distance from Meenmutty waterfalls- 45 km

Socchipara Waterfalls

Another beautiful waterfall at 69 km from Meenmutthy waterfall. To reach the main viewpoint of the waterfall, a trek of 2 km is to be done.

Neelimala View Point

This is one of the best viewpoints in Wayanad giving a dazzling view of 5 different falls and rivers.  Distance from Meenmutty waterfalls- 49 km

Edakkal Caves

Located at 1200 m above sea level, these caves are one of the oldest signs of human settlement to be discovered.  Distance from Meenmutty waterfalls- 48 km

Banasura Sagar Dam

The Dam is a largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The view from the dam is spectacular. Distance from Meenmutty waterfalls- 3 km

Visit Meenmutty Waterfalls while in Wayanad. Spend some time amidst nature.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

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