Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Thommankuthu, an Abode of Several Waterfalls in Kerala



you are feeling bored sitting in your home in your weekends and looking to involve some adventure into your simple daily life then Thommankuthu is the perfect destination for you. This scenic place is located at a distance of about 20 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district, and about 74 km from Kochi.

Thommankuthu or Ezhunilakuthu has a series of about 12 alluring falls spread over a distance of around 5 km at a height of around 810 m above sea level. The waterfall is a seven step falls and is abounded by a number of mystifying caves. At each step of the falls, there is a cascade and a pool beneath. Descending from a height of about 1,500 m, the distance between the first and the seventh fall is about 500 m. The fall is named after a tribesman named, Thomban and is situated in Kannadiyar River in Thodupuzha Reserve Forest. The scenic waterfall has a picturesque surroundings and is hoarded by tourists from nearby towns and cities especially Kochi. International tourists also come to enjoy this waterfall to enjoy this glorious sight amid the beauty of nature.

Attractions
Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure seekers. Chief highlights of this place are forest trekking and bathing under the waterfall. It is also a very popular picnic spot for locals living around this region. Thommankuthu is very much popular among the tourists due to its scenic surroundings and in order to witness all of it one has to trek up the hill for about 12 km through the forest. The seven stepped waterfall is the chief attraction of this place. The place has other waterfalls and multiple waterfalls mean multiple pools where one can enjoy a refreshing bath or swim around. The caves located in this region add to the adventure of the trekkers. Thommankuthu is also visited by bird watchers due to the variety of birds found in its area. Altogether the major attractions of this place are trekking, night camping and bird watching. Other than these fishing is also a major activity in this place. 

The enhance the popularity of Thommankuthu, Government of the state has already recognized this waterfall as an eco-friendly destination. They have also taken a new initiative named Chitrakkoodam to improve the feel of the place with some tourist friendly amenities. 

Best Time to Visit
The waterfall can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit the place is from September to May.

Accommodation
Accommodation facility is very limited around the waterfall. The best option for staying is Thodupuzha city as the place has several fine hotels and lodges that provide good accommodation amenities. 

How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to this waterfall is Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of about 70 km.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to this waterfall are in Cochin, around 60 km and Kottayam, around 60 km.
By Road: The waterfall is easily accessible from KSRTC bus stand in Thodupuzha, located at a distance of about 20 km. From Thodupuzha, one should take the Munnar bus as it travels through Thommankuthu.

No comments:

Post a Comment