Cheeyappara Waterfalls

Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a seven-tiered waterfall that tumbles down a rocky hillside right beside the Kochi to Munnar highway, between Neriamangalam and Adimali in the Idukki district of Kerala. Water spills in a series of steps down the forested slope, and the lowest fall ends almost at the roadside, so Cheeyappara can be enjoyed without a walk.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls marks the point where the road leaves the plains of Ernakulam and begins its climb into the Western Ghats, and together with the nearby Valara falls it is the traditional first stop on the drive to the tea country. The falls are at their fullest just after the monsoon, from about August to November, when the water crashes down in wide white sheets. In the drier months from February to May the flow shrinks to thinner streams, but the green, forested setting still makes it a pleasant break on a long drive.

What to see

• The seven tiers of Cheeyappara, best seen from across the road
• The lowest pool, where many travellers splash their hands and faces
• Forest on the slopes of the Western Ghats around the falls
• The bonnet macaques that gather near the parking area
• Roadside stalls with tea, fruit and snacks

What to wear

At Cheeyappara Waterfalls, wear shoes or sandals with good grip, as the rocks near the water are slippery and have caused falls. A light rain jacket helps in the monsoon, from June to September, when spray and showers are constant. The air grows cooler as you climb towards Munnar, so keep a light layer handy. In Kerala, the traditional dress is the kasavu saree and the white mundu, which you will see at temples and weddings on the drive.

Local food to try

The tea stalls at Cheeyappara serve sweet milky chai, pazham pori (ripe banana fritters), parippu vada (lentil fritters) and fresh pineapple or tender coconut. Further up the road, Adimali has simple restaurants serving Kerala meals, puttu with kadala curry and parotta with chicken or beef fry. The spice gardens around Adimali sell cardamom, pepper and cloves. Vegetarian food is easy to find along the route.

Good to know

• Best time: August to November for the fullest flow; daytime only
• Open at all times, but visit in daylight
• Free; paid parking may apply at busy times
• Allow 15 to 30 minutes as a roadside stop
• On the Kochi to Munnar highway, about 40 km before Munnar and three hours from Kochi
• Do not climb the upper tiers; keep food away from the monkeys

Nearby places

Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a few minutes from Valara Waterfalls on the same road. Continuing uphill brings you to Munnar, while Kochi and the arrivals hall of Cochin International Airport lie back down the highway to the west.