Meenmutty Waterfalls, Wayanad

Meenmutty Waterfalls is situated off the Ooty Road around 29 kilometers from Kalpetta in Wayanad district in Kerala . A friend recommended the place to me. He liked it because the hike down to the falls is longer and the falls have a taller drop. We were able to easily locate the signboard which indicated the approach road to the falls. The approach road was 2 kms long and the unpaved. We noticed other visitors leaving their cars where the approach road started. Since the approach to our resort was similar, we decided to drive.

At the end of the approach road, there was a makeshift hut made by the forest authorities. We parked the car on a piece of open land devoid of construction. As soon as we parked the car, a lady approached us demanding parking fees. We gladly paid her. On our way back, after seeing many cars parked in such pieces of land and also in front of houses, we concluded the parking fees serve as an additional income for these households.

The forest authorities charge a nominal fee of Rs 30/- per visitor. They have discounts for bigger groups. They assign a guide after assembling visitors together into a small group. Since our visit coincided with the Easter weekend, guides were scarce. So the guides were posted at key locations in order to help the visitors. As we were having difficulty in carrying our daughter, the guides helped us. They carried our daughter down to the falls and also on the way back.

After a hike of one km which comprised of many zig-zags, small uphills and steeper downhills, we reached the falls. On the way, there were ropes tied to the trees which aided us in our journey to the falls. The falls was a sight to see! And to think the monsoons start in another two months. Imagine the sight then! The most difficult part of the journey was the next. We had to climb up to reach our starting point. It was slow and painful!

Tags: Travel,Wayanad,Meenmutty Falls