7 Best Waterfalls in Wayanad in Monsoon: Soochipara, Meenmutty & Kanthanpara
The best waterfalls in Wayanad — including Soochipara, Meenmutty, Kanthanpara, and Cholamala — come alive between June and September, when the monsoon transforms this Western Ghats district into a curtain of cascading water. If you’re planning a monsoon trip to Kerala’s misty highlands, this guide covers everything: locations, entry fees, best visiting months, and safety tips for each of the seven must-see falls.
Wayanad isn’t just about tea estates and wildlife sanctuaries. It’s home to some of Kerala’s most dramatic waterfalls, many of which are barely a trickle in summer but roar back to life the moment the southwest monsoon arrives. Whether you’re a trekker chasing adrenaline or a family looking for a scenic day out, there’s a waterfall here for you.
The largest and most famous waterfall in Wayanad is Meenmutty Falls, a three-tiered cascade dropping nearly 300 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the district.
In this Blog
Quick Facts: Waterfalls in Wayanad
| Waterfall | Height | Best Time | Difficulty | Entry Fee (approx.) |
| Soochipara Falls | 200 ft | June–Sept | Easy-Moderate | ₹50–₹100 |
| Meenmutty Falls | 300 ft | June–Sept | Moderate-Hard | ₹40 + guide fee |
| Kanthanpara Falls | 30 ft | June–Sept | Easy | ₹15–₹30 |
| Chethalayam Falls | 100 ft | June–Aug | Moderate | Free/Nominal |
| Kanjirota Falls | 100 ft | July–Sept | Moderate | Free |
| Cholamala Falls | Small cascade | June–Sept | Easy | Free |
| Thusharagiri Falls | 300 ft (border) | June–Sept | Moderate | ₹50 approx |
(Entry fees are indicative and subject to change by the Kerala Forest Department; always check locally before visiting.)
How Many Waterfalls Are There in Wayanad?
Wayanad is home to over a dozen notable waterfalls, though the number often cited by travel guides ranges between 10 and 15, depending on how remote or seasonal a cascade is. The seven featured in this list are the most accessible, photogenic, and monsoon-ready — the ones locals and travel experts consistently recommend.
Having explored these trails firsthand across multiple monsoons, I can tell you that timing and preparation make all the difference between a magical trip and a muddy disappointment. Let’s get into it.
1. Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls)
Soochipara is arguably the most popular of all the waterfalls in Wayanad, and for good reason. Located near Vellarimala, this three-tiered waterfall drops about 200 feet into a natural pool that’s safe for a supervised swim in the pre-monsoon months.
What makes it special:
- A short 1 km trek through tea gardens and forest leads you here
- Swimming is allowed in designated zones (weather permitting)
- Lifeguards and forest guides are stationed on-site during peak season
Note: During heavy monsoon (July–August), swimming is often suspended due to strong currents. Visit in early June or late September for the best of both — full flow and safe access.
Nearby stay tip: If you’re basing yourself near Vellarimala, a StayVista villa in Wayanad offers the kind of quiet, forest-facing comfort that makes it easy to head out at sunrise before the crowds arrive.
2. Meenmutty Falls — The Largest Waterfall in Wayanad
If you’re asking “which is the largest waterfall in Wayanad,” the answer is Meenmutty Falls. This isn’t a casual walk-up waterfall — the Meenmutty Falls location is deep inside Muthanga forest range, reached via a moderately strenuous trek of about 2 km through dense, leech-prone forest during monsoon.
Meenmutty Falls Trek — What to Expect:
- Start early (forest checkpoints usually close by early afternoon)
- Carry a walking stick and wear leech-proof socks
- The trail crosses streams that swell significantly in July–August
- The three-tier drop is best viewed from the designated viewpoint, not the base
Quotable fact: Meenmutty Falls plunges in three distinct stages totalling nearly 300 feet, making it the tallest and most voluminous of all the waterfalls in Wayanad during the monsoon.
Meenmutty Heights Wayanad, the area surrounding the falls, is also gaining attention among travellers looking for homestays and boutique villa stays with unobstructed views of the Western Ghats — a great base if you want to combine the trek with a relaxed evening.
Safety note: Forest department permissions and guide accompaniment are mandatory. Solo treks are not advisable, especially in peak monsoon when water levels rise unpredictably.
3. Kanthanpara Waterfalls — The Easy, Family-Friendly Pick
Not every waterfall needs a trek. Kanthanpara Waterfalls, located near Meppadi, is one of the most accessible famous waterfalls in Wayanad — a short walk from the parking area gets you right to the base.
Why families love it:
- Minimal walking distance (under 500 meters)
- Shallow pool areas suitable for children (with supervision)
- Well-maintained steps and railings
- Ideal for a quick 1–2 hour visit
At roughly 30 feet, Kanthanpara isn’t the tallest on this list. Still, its ease of access and photogenic setting — framed by coffee and cardamom plantations — make it a monsoon favourite for casual travellers and photographers alike.
4. Chethalayam Falls — The Offbeat Forest Cascade
Hidden along the Kalpetta–Mananthavady route, Chethalayam Falls remains one of the less crowded waterfalls in Wayanad, tucked within reserved forest land. The trail here is unmarked in places, so a local guide is genuinely useful, not optional.
Highlights:
- Surrounded by dense evergreen forest
- Multiple smaller cascades before the main drop
- Excellent for photography due to minimal foot traffic
Tip: Combine this with a visit to nearby Pookode Lake for a full-day itinerary that balances adventure with leisure.
5. Kanjirota Falls — For the Adventure Seekers
Kanjirota Falls, close to Meppadi, is best suited to travellers who want a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience. The approach involves walking through plantation land and a short, occasionally slippery descent.
Best for: Trekkers, photographers, and those who prefer solitude over crowds.
During peak monsoon (July–September), the water volume here increases dramatically, so footing can get tricky. Sturdy, grip-soled shoes are non-negotiable.
6. Cholamala Waterfalls — The Hidden Gem
Cholamala waterfalls don’t always make it onto mainstream Wayanad itineraries, which is precisely its appeal. Located in a quieter pocket of the district, this cascade offers a peaceful, less commercialised monsoon experience.
What to know:
- Smaller in scale compared to Soochipara or Meenmutty
- Fewer facilities, so carry your own water and snacks
- Best visited with a local guide, as signage is minimal
If your goal is an Instagram-worthy shot without the crowds jostling for the same frame, Cholamala should be on your list.
7. Thusharagiri Falls — The Border Beauty
Technically straddling the Wayanad-Kozhikode border, Thusharagiri is often included in Wayanad waterfall itineraries because of its proximity and sheer scale — the name literally translates to “mountain of mist.”
Why it’s worth the detour:
- Multiple cascades across different levels, each with its own viewpoint
- Suspension bridge crossing adds to the adventure
- Trekking trails suitable for varying fitness levels
Because it sits at a slightly lower elevation, Thusharagiri tends to stay accessible even when higher-altitude falls face temporary closures due to landslide risk.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Wayanad
The short, direct answer: June to September is peak monsoon season, when every waterfall in Wayanad is at maximum flow. However, late September to early October offers a sweet spot — strong water flow with reduced landslide risk and clearer trekking conditions.
Month-by-month snapshot:
- June: Monsoon onset, waterfalls building up, occasional forest closures
- July–August: Peak flow, most dramatic views, highest risk (strong currents, leeches, slippery trails)
- September: Excellent balance of volume and accessibility
- October (early): Post-monsoon clarity, ideal for photography
Safety Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Wayanad During Monsoon
In a nutshell: check forest department advisories, avoid swimming in fast currents, and never trek without a local guide during heavy rainfall.
- Always check with the Kerala Forest Department for trail closures before heading out
- Avoid visiting immediately after continuous heavy rainfall — flash floods are a real risk
- Wear leech-proof socks and carry salt or tobacco powder as a natural deterrent
- Don’t attempt swimming at Meenmutty or Soochipara during high-flow months without lifeguard presence
- Carry a printed map or offline GPS, as the mobile network is patchy in forest zones
Where to Stay Near Wayanad’s Waterfalls
Most of these waterfalls are spread across Meppadi, Vellarimala, and Kalpetta, so choosing a centrally located base makes waterfall-hopping far easier. A private villa stay — like the options available through StayVista villa in Wayanad — offers the advantage of early check-outs, home-style breakfasts before a trek, and the kind of quiet, forest-adjacent setting that makes the whole monsoon experience feel unhurried rather than rushed between tourist stops.
FAQs About Waterfalls in Wayanad
Wayanad has over a dozen notable waterfalls, with Soochipara, Meenmutty, and Kanthanpara being the most visited and easily accessible during the monsoon.
Meenmutty Falls is the largest, dropping approximately 300 feet across three tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in the district.
Yes, with precautions. Avoid visiting after continuous heavy rain, stick to designated viewing areas, and always trek with a registered local guide during peak monsoon months.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls is the most family-friendly, requiring minimal walking and offering shallow, supervised pool areas.
Yes. Since the trek passes through Muthanga forest range, forest department entry passes and guide accompaniment are typically required.
Entry fees are generally between ₹50–₹100 per person, though this varies and is best confirmed locally, as Kerala Forest Department rates are subject to revision.
Explore The Best Waterfalls in Wayanad Like Never Before
Chasing waterfalls in Wayanad during monsoon isn’t just a checklist activity — it’s an immersive reminder of how dramatically the Western Ghats transform once the rains arrive. From the accessible charm of Kanthanpara to the forest-deep adventure of Meenmutty, each waterfall offers a distinct flavour of Kerala’s monsoon magic.
So which one will you chase first — the easy stroll to Kanthanpara, or the trek-earned reward at Meenmutty? Either way, pack your raincoat, book a villa that lets you wake up to the sound of rain on the roof, and let Wayanad’s waterfalls do the rest.
