If you're tired of the Jog falls (now mostly non-existent) and the Kutralam routine, then head to Meenmutty waterfalls in Wayanad district, Kerala. It is the second largest waterfall in Kerala, and is as close to a natural setting as one can get. No human interference whatsoever.
Located in lush moist deciduous forests, 290 kms south of Bangalore and 29 km south of Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad, the waterfall is a trekker's paradise. There are no buses so one has to get off at the Kalpetta-Ooty Road and hike for two km to get to the falls.
The USP of this waterfall is that the water plunges about 300 meters in three stages and all the three stages require separate treks. The Meenmutty, Soochipara, and Kanthanpara waterfalls combined, feed the Chaliyar River.
The drive from Kalpetta to the turn-off to the falls is truly joyful. The winding road passes through scenery right out of a picture postcard. The road is surrounded on both sides by lush green tea plantations and the odd teak. The sight of the sprinklers shooting water in the air and plantation workers picking leaves is a sight for jaded urban eyes.
Sleepy villages that are forever shrouded in mist dot the route, and of course there are the chayakadas (teashops) that serve piping hot, garden fresh tea.
When you reach the edge of the forest you begin to hear the waterfall. It is not a deafening roar, but the gentle sound of water rippling over rocks. The sound is motivation enough to trek to the falls. You have to climb over hillocks and hack through dense foliage to reach the edge of the falls. Once at the edge, it is an easy, but slippery climb down the smooth rocks to reach the water.
You can spend hours lazing in the cool water that flows all year round, irrespective of the state of the monsoon. The climb to the summit of the falls is recommended only for experienced trekkers. Also to get to the falls itself, it is necessary to take a local guide along. You can camp overnight at the falls or at the summit, but it requires special permission from the local forest officials, as the area is elephant and leopard territory.
The best time to visit the falls is between November and May because the water is too torrential during the post-monsoon months. Accommodation can be found either at Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery
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