Meenmutty falls is one the most awe-inspiring and
beautiful falls in Wayanad Kalpetta. Wayanad, which is situated in the southern
state, Kerala has many scenic waterfalls and Meenmutty is one of them.
The
falls is located at a distance of about 29 km from Wayanad Kalpetta. The falls
rolls down from a height of about 300 m and is three-tiered. It is the largest
and the most fascinating falls among the other falls found in this region. In
order to reach Meenmutty fall, one has to hike around 2 km from the Ooty road.
Meenmutty falls is the second largest falls in the state
of Kerala. The name Meenmutty is derived from the local language, which means
‘where fish is blocked’. There is an upward falls due to which the fishes
cannot swim, thus the name has been given to this falls.
All the three tiers of
the falls need three different routes in order to get to them through the dense
forest. One should note that the routes leading to this falls is quite tiring.
But one should also keep this in mind that once you reach the falls you will
realize that the effort taken is worth the experience.
On the way to this falls one will come across caves that
include carvings, which dates back to Neolithic age. There is a rock trapped in
the ceiling of this cave. The sun rays passes through the sides of this rock
giving the cave a unique attraction. The rock is called 'Edakkal' which means
“the rock in between”. One will also come across a scenic location on the way
to the Meenmutty falls.
One can also find tourists camping around this falls,
which is a bit risky option due to the existence of wild animals that inhabit
the nearby forest. It is advisable to inform the forest officials beforehand
for camping. Apart from the Edakkal Caves there are other attractions close to this
falls like the Muthanga Sanctuary, Kuruva Islands, Pookode Lake, Soochippara
Waterfalls etc.
The Hike to This Falls
The Meenmutty falls is accessible for the nine months in
a year and one has to be fit enough to experience all the three tiers of this
falls. The first tier commences as a gurgling stream through a series of
boulders. The main falls is hidden within the rocks. From the top of this falls
one can view the picturesque view of the surrounding areas with a river
meandering through the valley. But the first tier has been closed due to
difficulty level of this tier and the number of deaths due to accidents.
The view can be now enjoyed by hiking to the second tier.
The second tier is often referred as the main fall or the Meenmutty falls. The hike
to the second tier initiates from a Kerala Forest Department outpost and it is obligatory
to hire a guide for a group of ten people. It will charge you around Rs 300 per
group. The trek passes through a coffee plantation and leads you to the forest
trail.
Even though the Tourism Department has tried to make the trail a bit
easier with the installment of ropes, makeshift bamboo railings, and sandbag
steps, the rain makes it quite a tough one. As you climb up the trail you will
witness the scenic views of the valley and the neighboring mountains.
After climbing for around 2 km, you will start hearing
the roar of the falls. As you get closer to the falls, the fog covered
surroundings and the alluring views will make your feet moving towards the
falls. As the falls is also an ideal place for swimming during the summers, it
is quite popular among the young tourists.
The third tier is not much popular as the hike is quite
tiresome and complicated. The trail leads you to a point from where you can
view the falls from a distance.
Best Time to Visit
The best to visit this falls is from October to May.
How to Reach
By Road: Taxis and private vehicles are available
from Wayanad to reach this falls.
By Train: The nearest railway station to this falls is
at Calicut. The railway station connects Wayanad with several major cities of
the country.
By Air: The nearest airport to this falls is the
Karipur airport in Kozhikode. The airport is located at a distance of around
100 km from Wayanad.
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