Mankayam Waterfall

About Mankayam Waterfall

Mankayam Waterfall is situated in Mankayam, near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram district.Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls.From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls.At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State.

Interesting things to Visit

Kalakkayam-Kurisadi Falls:

These delightful falls can be seen and enjoyed only from the view point provided with all security measures. Approach roads close to the waterfall is dangerous and visitors are not allowed to go near it.

View Points:

There are spectacular vantage points at Varayadin Mottai and Kalakkayam.

Kallar:

Kallar, famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. The place gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region., famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. The place gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:

Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.

Ponmudi:

An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is established in 1958.It is located 30 kilometers away from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city. The Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar. The Neyyar river and its tributaries flow along the entire stretch of the preserve. The irrigation dam at Neyyar receives water from the Neyyar river which originates from Agasthyakoodam hill.

Agasthyakoodam:

Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala at an altitude of 1,890 m. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals.

Aruvikkara:

Aruvikkara is a village in Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of kerala.It is located on the banks of the Karamana River 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The reservoir and garden makes it a tourist spot.

Nearest Visiting places

Napier Museum:

The Napier Museum was established by the ruler of Travancore in 1855 and is named after the then Madras Governor, General John Napier. Chisholm, its British architect, combined Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian styles of architecture in his design.

Kanakakunnu Palace:

The Kanakakunnu Palace is situated near the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram. This palace was constructed during the reign of His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum:

Kuthiramalika Palace or Puthenmalika is situated on the south-eastern side of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery :

Sree Chitra Art Gallery is Established in 1935,The art gallery has a 100 years old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the pioneering Indian patron of art in oil painting, who was born and brought up at Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala. The Artistic grandeur of Bengal school of Arts is best exemplified here.

Padmanabhaswamy temple :

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is seen reclining on the Anantha serpent. The temple consists of a tower built of seven stories with rising pillars and intricate carvings decorated with mural paintings. Only peoples from the Hindu religion are allowed inside the temple premises places to the eastern side of the old fort ruins.

Pozhikara Beach:

Pozhikara Beach is a nearby haunt beloved by tourists. The Karamana and Parvathy Puthanaar Rivers empty into the Arabian Sea at this spot.

The Akulam Boat Club:

Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately . It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.

The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :

Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.

Kanyakumari:

This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:

There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.

Veli tourist Village:

The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.

The Fishing Village:

The village near Poovar is largely inhabited by fisher-folk. The fishermen here make a living by fishing in the old-traditional ways. They live a unique water-based lifestyle completely relying on the river and sea for everything from their daily livelihood to transportation.

Vizhinjam:

Vizhinjam is located close to the Kovalam Beach, has a small sea port. There are a multitude of internationally acclaimed beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centers in and around Vizhinjam.

Crocodile-watching Expeditions:

Embark on an exciting crocodile watching expedition – a popular crowd-puller here. Watching the amphibians at a close range is sure to enthrall spectators. On a bright sunny day one can view crocodiles basking in the sun.

Kovalam beach:

The natural beauty of this beautiful beach is what attracts people from far and wide to come here. It takes an hour from Trivandrum to reach this scenic beach, which is famous for its beach resorts. The Kovalam beach in Kerala offers the best of facilities to its visitors like sunbathing, swimming, Ayurvedic massages and plenty of other options.

Papanasam Beach:

Varkala beach is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun sinking into the sea would stimulate your poetic sense.

Anjengo Fort, Varkala:

Near to varkala is the site of the Dutch East India Company’s main garrison, Anjengo Fort. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fort protected their powerful position in the state.

Kappil Lake:

At the outskirts of Varkala town, the lake gives way to the scenic world of the Kerala backwaters.

Varkala Tunnel:

This 924 ft tunnel was built in the19th century and it took nearly 14years to be completed. A prominent tourist attraction in Varkala, the tunnel is a must-visit site on your tour to Varkala.

Ananda Valleeswaram Temple:

The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple of Kollam attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing.

Sivagiri temple:

Sivagiri Mutt set in picturesque hill of Sivagiri near Varkala have now become a place of pilgrimage with great fanfare.Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding, rituals all mark the celebrations in Sivagiri hills.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Statue General Hospital Road
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Karamana Petrol Pump
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
NH 47, Karamana
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Mascot Square
Palayam, Trivandrum
Kerala 695 033
Tel: 0471 2318990.

Classic Avenue Hotel
Manjalikulam Rd
Trivandrum, Kerala 695001
Tel: 0471 2333555.

Pankaj Hotel
Opposite Old Secretariat
M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala
Tel: 0471 2464645.

Horizon Hotel
Aristo Road
Thiruvananthapuram, 695 014
Tel: 0471 2323222.

Residency Tower
South Gate Of Govt. Secretariat
Press Road, Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala
Tel: 0471 2331661.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Nedumangad Police Station
Nedumangad, Kerala

Kattakada Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram Neyyardam Road
Kattakkada, Kerala.

Pothencode Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Vizhinjam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Mangalapuram Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Divya Prabha Eye Hospital
Kumarapuram
Trivandrum, Kerala 695011
Tel: 0471 2442050

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital Varkala
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd
Near Varkala Court, Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2607766 or 0470 6453636 or 0470 2607755.

Sparrows
PB No.6811, Trivandrum
Kerala 695035
Tel: 0471 3014184 or 0471 3249442 or 09895042056.

KIMS Hospital
Trivandrum, Kerala
Tel: 0471 2447575.

Medical College Hospital
Trivandrum, Kerala
Tel: 0471 2444270.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Kesavadasapuram
Trivandrum, Kerala 695004
Tel: 0471 2447183 or 0471 2552772 or 09447046384.

A.M Hospital
NH 47, Karunagapalli
Kerala 690518
Tel: 0476 3290262 or 0476 2620277or 09447416437.

Society/Community Phone Number:

For enquiries and bookings, contact: Divisional Forest Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320637
District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397

Link:

http://keralawonders.blogspot.com/2008/06/kerala-waterfalls.html

Location info

• Address: Mankayam, near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

• District: Thiruvananthapuram district

• Nearest City: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Kochi , Nedumangad, Kollam and Trivendrum.

• Best time to visit: July to May.

Climate & weather

The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and The temperature normally ranges between 27º and 32º C.

Things to do at Mankayam Waterfall

Its best place for Picnic and You can also see Mankayam River which flows through nearby this waterfall.

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 Mankayam Waterfall

The best time to visit Mankayam 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 Mankayam 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 Mankayam Waterfall

Mankayam 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.