Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

About Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is located 18 km from Kottayam town, and 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom, Kottaym District, Kerala.Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a beautiful picnic spot where streams snake through the landscapes that house fascinating rubber plantations and the gushing waters make gurgling noises that are a treat to the ears. The waters splash down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.Rushing down from a great height, the waterfall presents a picture of breathtaking beauty. It would not be wrong to state that the Aruvikkuzhi waterfall carries with it a magical quality that allures visitors at the very first glance.The waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold especially after the Indian monsoon season is painted with a fresh coat of green and the thundering roar of the waterfalls makes conversation impossible

Interesting things to Visit

Kumarakom backwaters:

Kumarakom backwaters is the major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating and Fishing.

Vembanad Lake:

Vembanad Lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking.

The Driftwood Museum:

This museum is well stored with a huge collection of driftwood sculptures collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The works displayed here shows the artistic excellence and mere hard work of past generations. One can find here a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. The most attractive driftwood sculptures here includes a tribal Jarva women, a handicapped family, Monkey, Lion, and Elephant. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds.

Pathiramanal:

Located near Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal is also called ‘Sands of Night’. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists. The island is home to some rare varieties of migratory birds, serving as a bird watcher’s paradise.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is highly rich in its sheer scenic beauty. It is rightly known as a heaven to birds. The great collection of birds here is a remarkable thing. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise.

Alleppey:

Fisherman paddling canoe in Kumarakom BackwatersThe beautiful coastal town of Alleppey lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, makes Alleppey an ideal spot to spend your holidays.

Nearest Visiting places

Vazhikkadavu:

This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.

Kallara:

This quaint little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways.

Ithipuzha:

As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha.You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride - floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can easily be accessed from Kochi.

Pallam Backwaters:

Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounties.

Elaveezhapoonchira - Walk in the rain clouds:

Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu, Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don’t fall and is named so because the place has no trees. T During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature.

Kannadipara:

As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash.

Mankallu Mudikal:

The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Kootickal:

This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.

Kurisumala:

Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).

Bharananganam:

Bharananganam is an important pilgrimage center for the Christians. It is located next to the St. Mary’s Church. The church is a thousand years old and has a well-carved cavern of Virgin Mary.

Matrumala:

Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre):

Champakara is just 18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for ‘Thirummuchikilsa’ in Kerala. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over Indiaand abroad.

Kesari Waterfalls

The Kesari waterfalls is also known as Valanjamkanam falls, it lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly.

Mannanam:

This place is about 8 km north of Kottayam is Mannanam, a small town but a great pilgrimage centre for Syrian Christians. Thousands of Syrian Christians gather each year at Mannanam to attend a religious convention that is one of the largest in Asia.

Manimalkkavu Bhagavathi Temple:

This is the “Bharadevatha” of Manimala’s native people. Once the temple owned the whole properties including Manimala and Vellavoor village areas. The Vanjippuzha Palace (Head Quarters situated in Chenganoor) dedicated this landed properties to the Manimalakkavu Devaswam (Temple).

Kangzha MahaDevar Temple:

The Kangazha Mahadevar Temple is one of the most important temples in this area. The main Deity is Lord Shiva. Kangazha Mahadevar is a very powerful Deity.

Forane Church:

Forane Church perunal is very famous. It runs for a week and worshippers from all over the neighborhood from all casts attend the procession from Karikkattoor junction all the way to church which is about 4 kilometers.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Ayurtheeram Ayurvedic Resort
Kumarakom, kerala.

Kumarakom Lagoon
Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor
Kottayam, Kerala 686144
Tel: 09811165753.

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom North, Kottayam
Kerala - 686566
Tel: 0481 2524900

Backwater Heritage HomeStay
pulikuttyserry P.O, Aymanam, Kumarakom
Kottayam, Kerala 686015
Tel: 0481 2516375.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kuthiathode Police Station
NH 47, Kuthiathodu
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Kidangoor Police Station
Kidangoor, Kerala, India
Tel: 04822 254195.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Muhamma Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Nearest Hospital:

Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam
Kerala, India
Tel: 0481 2597284.

Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple
Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India
Tel: 0481 2582947.

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church
Mulanthuruthy, Ernakulam
Kerala 680314, India
Tel: 0484 2740315.

Vakathanam
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State, India
Tel: 0481 2462550.

Link:

http://travalandtourism.blogspot.com/2007/06/aruvikkuzhi-waterfalls-18-km-from.html
http://information-travelling.blogspot.com/2008/02/waterfalls-in-kerala.html
http://wild-wild-india.blogspot.com/2008/01/kumarakom.html

Location info

• Address: 2 km Kumarakom, Kottayam district, Kerala, India.

• District: Kottayam district

• Nearest City: Kottayam, Alappuzha and Idukki.

• Best time to visit: August to March.

Climate & weather

The temperature in summers ranges between 34.2°C to 22.6°C. Winter temperature ranges between 18 °C to 35 °C. Kumarakom in Celsius. Feb-May: 24°c - 33°c.

Things to do at Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

It resides in the dense forests, You can see fascinating rubber plantations and the gushing waters, also watch Kumarakom Backwaters and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
kottyam, Kerala

Parangot Petrol Pump
Kottayam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kumarakom, Kerala, India

Gokulesh Petrol Pump
Address: 42/5
Chennai Road Melakaveri
Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

The best time to visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is during and immediately after the monsoon season (July–January) when the water flow is at its peak. The falls are most spectacular from July to October. Post-monsoon (November–January) offers good water flow with pleasant weather. Summer (February–May) sees reduced water flow but easier access.

Timings & opening hours

Waterfalls are accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during morning hours (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) when the water flow is strong and the lighting is good for photography. Visiting after dark is not recommended for safety reasons.

Entry fee & tickets

Most waterfalls in Kerala have a nominal entry fee of INR 10–50 for adults and INR 5–10 for children. Parking fees are additional (INR 10–30). Some waterfalls within forest areas may require forest entry permits (INR 25–50 per person).

Duration needed

1–2 hours including trek to the falls, photography, and time spent enjoying the natural surroundings. Some waterfall treks require 3–4 hours round trip (including travel).

Safety tips

The rocks near Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall are extremely slippery — walk with extreme caution. Do not attempt to climb the waterfall or rocks near the cascade. The water current can be deceptively strong. Do not swim or bathe close to the waterfall base. Supervise children closely. Avoid visiting during heavy rain when water levels rise suddenly. Follow all safety signage.

Things to carry

A change of clothes (you will get wet from spray), quick-dry towel or swimsuit, waterproof footwear or sandals with good grip, a waterproof phone pouch/cover, drinking water, snacks, an umbrella, mosquito repellent, a camera in waterproof housing or a GoPro, a comb, and plastic bags for wet clothes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is one of the many spectacular waterfalls that cascade through the Western Ghats of Kerala. These waterfalls are formed by the rivers that originate in the Ghats and flow westward to the Arabian Sea. The region’s unique geography — where the Western Ghats meet the coastal plains — creates ideal conditions for waterfalls. Many waterfalls are located within forest areas and have been part of local folklore and traditions for generations.

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming allowed at the waterfall? — Swimming is allowed at some waterfalls in designated safe areas. However, the area near the cascade is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and underwater rocks. Follow all safety signage. What is the best time to visit? — Morning hours (7:00 AM–10:00 AM) for the best light and fewer crowds. The waterfall is most spectacular during and after monsoon (July–January). Is there a trek to reach the waterfall? — Some waterfalls require a short trek (200 m–2 km) from the parking area. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Are there food facilities? — Basic snack stalls and tea shops are usually present near popular waterfalls. Carry water and light snacks.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.