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Manalar Waterfalls

4.4
·654 reviews·, India

A picturesque mountain waterfall with refreshing multi-level pools, surrounded by lush greenery and accessible via a scenic forest drive.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & enjoy serenity

CrowdLow
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Manalar Waterfalls - Image 1

Manalar Waterfalls

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & enjoy serenity

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque mountain waterfall with refreshing multi-level pools, surrounded by lush greenery and accessible via a scenic forest drive.

4.4
(654 reviews)

"Wow what a breathtaking spot. Manalar Waterfalls is a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM

Ticket counters open at 8:30 AM. Aim to be there early to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the falls peacefully. :ticket:

⚠️ Watch for Leeches!

Be cautious of leeches in the water and on slippery paths. Check yourself and clothes thoroughly after bathing. :bug:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Multi-Level Cascades

Multi-Level Cascades

The main waterfall area

Experience three distinct levels of cascading water, each with its own natural pool for a refreshing dip.

Reddit
Scenic Forest Drive

Scenic Forest Drive

Road to Manalar Waterfalls

Enjoy a breathtaking drive through mist-covered hills and winding roads, a journey as beautiful as the destination.

Reddit
Serene Natural Pools

Serene Natural Pools

Base of the waterfalls

Relax and unwind in the calm, natural pools formed by the falling water, surrounded by lush greenery.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Falls

Arrive early, ideally by 8:30 AM when ticket counters open, to experience Manalar Waterfalls before the crowds descend. The 750m walk can be slippery, so an early start ensures a more peaceful and enjoyable visit. Reddit

Leech Alert & Safety First

Be aware of leeches, especially in the water and on the slippery paths. Kerala forest staff are strict, ensuring a safe environment, but thorough checks after bathing are recommended. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & enjoy serenity
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Medium
When
After monsoon
Why
Fuller falls, lush greenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Manalar water falls 😍🤩 ❗️just 20 km away from Tenkasi !!! Follow us on @tenkasi.360 #tenkasi #tenkasi360 #manalarwaterfalls #achankovil #keralatourism🌴 #kerala
tenkasi.360
4K likes • 73.3K views

🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM

Ticket counters open at 8:30 AM. Aim to be there early to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the falls peacefully. Reddit :ticket:

⚠️ Watch for Leeches!

Be cautious of leeches in the water and on slippery paths. Check yourself and clothes thoroughly after bathing. Reddit :bug:

📍 Manalar waterfalls 🤙☺️ . . #incredible_india #waterfallsofinstagram #waterfallsofindia #tenkasi #thenmala #kerala_explore #camping #moody #kerala #keralatourism #keralagram #keralagodsowncountry #godsowncountry #keralaphotography #keraladiaries #reelsinstagram #reelitfeelit #likesforlike #keralagallery #photography #travel #nature #entekeralam #instagram #instagood #travelphotography #bhfyp...
vasanth_photography_
672 likes • 14.4K views
Nellai Tamil | நாம் மெல்ல பறிகொடுக்கும் கலகல நெல்லை தமிழை இந்த பாட்டியிடம் படிப்போம்! 📍Manalar waterfalls, Achankovil Road, near Tenkasi Follow @mr_tenkasian for more videos Follow @mr_tenkasian for more videos #reels #reel #nellai #nellaitamil #tenkasi #mrtenkasian #achankovil #manalar #waterfalls #watervlog #tour #tourism #kerala #keralatour #tamilnadu #kumbhavuruty #tirunelveli #tirunelvelit...
mr_tenkasian
812 likes • 37.5K views

👟 Wear Grippy Footwear

The 750m walk to the falls can be slippery and mossy. Sturdy, grippy shoes are essential for safety. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚫 No Changing Rooms

There are no designated changing rooms. Plan accordingly for drying off after your dip in the falls. Reddit :clothing:

Manalar Achankovil #yazhisai #achankovil #manalar #manalarbridge #manalarwaterfalls #achankovilwaterfalls
vpackiyarajan
67 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM

Ticket counters open at 8:30 AM. Aim to be there early to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the falls peacefully. Reddit :ticket:

⚠️ Watch for Leeches!

Be cautious of leeches in the water and on slippery paths. Check yourself and clothes thoroughly after bathing. Reddit :bug:

👟 Wear Grippy Footwear

The 750m walk to the falls can be slippery and mossy. Sturdy, grippy shoes are essential for safety. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🚫 No Changing Rooms

There are no designated changing rooms. Plan accordingly for drying off after your dip in the falls. Reddit :clothing:

💧 Respect the Water

Avoid carrying plastics or alcohol. Enjoy the natural beauty respectfully and don't misuse the surroundings. Reddit :recycle:

🚗 Roadside Parking

Parking is available roadside and may incur charges for cars. Arrive early for better spots. Reddit :car:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(654 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Manalar Waterfalls is praised as a breathtaking hidden gem with a scenic drive and refreshing multi-level pools. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and reasonable entry fee, though some note the presence of leeches and the lack of changing facilities. The strict forest staff ensure safety, but crowds can detract from the tranquility.

"Wow what a breathtaking spot.
Manaalar Waterfalls is a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. The scenic drive to the falls is just as stunning surrounded with mist and drops of rain and winding roads that take you through hills and breathtaking views.

Once you arrive, the refreshing waters and serene atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxing getaway. There are some shops for Tea and refreshments only.
The entry ticket is just ₹50 per person, which is a steal considering the natural beauty on offer.
Plus, bike and car parking charges are reasonable, making it accessible for all.

Highly recommend for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whoever visits courtallam must have chance to visit this falls also. But make sure whether the waterfalls has been opened in the entry checkpost itself. As sometimes the falls maybe closed due to heavy rain as it in forest area."

Mahalingam A

"We recently visited Manalar Falls, and let me tell you – it's not our typical touristy falls like we see in Tamil Nadu. The Kerala forest staff here are very strict and thoroughly check every visitor before allowing entry, which gives a good sense of safety and responsibility.

Though there's an entry fee of ₹50, the crowd was still massive, with people of all age groups – from kids to elders – walking in to enjoy the natural beauty.

Ticket counter will open on 8.30am only
We took tickets as the 3rd group for the day and rushed ahead to beat the crowd. The 750m walk wasn't easy – it's not a plain route. There were small ups and downs and the ground was quite slippery and mossy in places, especially since it had rained lightly.

But the early entry was worth it! We got to enjoy the falls before it got crowded.

What makes Manalar Falls unique is its multi-level fall system:

Water first falls into a small natural pool (like a mini lake).

Then it flows down again into another layer.

Then again into a third stream section.

You can actually take a dip at all 3 levels – and each one was absolutely amazing!

Important Note:
There are a lot of leeches ("atta poochi") here – even inside the water. So be very careful while bathing, and after finishing your dip, make sure to thoroughly check yourself and your clothes.

Perfect for early birds who want to beat the crowd and experience raw, natural beauty."

Mohammed Haris Rahuman Adam

"The place is very serene and offers a peaceful escape. The trek to reach the falls is short but enjoyable, making it a great spot for relaxing. The calming natural surroundings and flowing water create a perfect setting to unwind.

However, the experience is somewhat spoiled by visitors using the waterfalls for bathing, which isn't ideal given the small size of the falls. When many people are there, it becomes crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the tranquility. Some visitors, including men with larger physiques and taller individuals, tend to occupy the space for extended periods. Additionally, older visitors and women above 40 may find it challenging to access the falls comfortably.

The falls have two steps; the lower one is often less crowded, and some might avoid bathing there due to concerns about hygiene. It’s advisable not to carry plastics or alcohol inside, as I noticed a vodka bottle hidden in the woods despite security. There’s no designated space for changing clothes, so plan accordingly. Parking is roadside, with charges for cars, adults, and children.

Overall, it’s a lovely spot to visit with family, enjoy the cool water, and listen to the sounds of nature. Just relax, wash your legs, and soak in the peaceful environment. It’s definitely worth the drive. Remember, water bodies like these should be enjoyed respectfully, without misusing the divine surroundings."

Sankara Narayanan

What People Like

Breathtaking natural beauty
Multi-level swimming pools
Scenic forest drive

What People Dislike

Leeches in water
Slippery paths
No changing rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Manalar Waterfalls is located near Tenkasi, about 20 km away. You can reach it via Achankovil Road. Many travelers use bikes or cars for this scenic drive. Instagram+1

Manalar Waterfalls is approximately 80 km from Tirunelveli. The journey offers beautiful views of hills and mist. Instagram

Manalar Waterfalls is situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, near the border with Tamil Nadu, close to Tenkasi. Instagram+1

Most visitors travel by car or bike, enjoying the scenic route. Public transport options might be limited, so private vehicles are recommended for convenience. Instagram+1

Manalar Waterfall is about 112 km away from Kollam city, located in the eastern part of the district. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for Manalar Waterfalls is ₹50 per person. This is considered a very reasonable price for the natural beauty offered. Reddit

The ticket counter opens at 8:30 AM. It's advisable to arrive early to make the most of your visit and avoid crowds. Reddit

Yes, there are charges for parking, typically for both bikes and cars. These are generally reasonable. Reddit

Sometimes, the waterfalls may be closed due to heavy rain as it is located in a forest area. It's best to check locally or with forest staff if possible. Reddit

Visitors are advised not to carry plastics or alcohol into the area. Respecting the natural environment is encouraged. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The walk to the falls is about 750 meters. It's not a flat route and can be slippery and mossy, with some ups and downs. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Yes, you can swim in the natural pools at the different levels of the waterfall. Be mindful of leeches and slippery surfaces. Reddit

There are no designated changing rooms available at the falls. Visitors need to plan accordingly for changing after bathing. Reddit

The trek to the falls involves uneven and slippery terrain, which might be challenging for older visitors or those with mobility issues. The lower pool might be more accessible. Reddit

Its multi-level cascade system, where water falls into three distinct sections, offers a unique bathing experience. The surrounding lush greenery and serene atmosphere also add to its charm. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are a few shops selling tea and refreshments near the falls. It's advisable to carry your own snacks and water if you plan to spend a longer time. Reddit

While there are no specific restrictions mentioned, it's best to carry food that doesn't create litter. Dispose of any waste responsibly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the multi-level cascades, the lush green surroundings, and the scenic drive leading to the falls. Early morning light offers beautiful, soft illumination. Instagram+1

Be cautious when taking photos near the water, as the rocks can be slippery. Ensure you have a stable footing before framing your shot. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Manalar Waterfalls can be a fun outing for families, offering a chance to connect with nature. The multi-level pools provide areas for children to splash around, though adult supervision is crucial due to slippery rocks and the presence of leeches. Reddit The short 750m walk is manageable for most kids, but ensure they wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

While there are no dedicated changing rooms, families can manage with towels. The scenic drive is also an enjoyable part of the trip for kids. Remember to pack snacks and water, as food options are limited to basic refreshments. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers

Solo travelers will find Manalar Waterfalls a refreshing escape. The relatively short trek and the opportunity to swim in natural pools offer a good dose of adventure. Reddit The strict forest staff ensure a safe environment, allowing solo visitors to explore with peace of mind. Reddit

Arriving early is key for solo travelers looking to experience the falls in a more tranquil setting before the crowds arrive. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy the sounds of nature, and capture some stunning photographs of the cascades. InstagramReddit

🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers

For nature enthusiasts, Manalar Waterfalls is a gem. The lush greenery, the sound of cascading water, and the misty forest drive create a captivating atmosphere. Instagram+1 Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the multi-level falls, the surrounding flora, and the play of light through the trees. Instagram

Early mornings offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds allowing for unobstructed shots. The scenic drive itself is also a great subject. Remember to be mindful of the slippery terrain when setting up your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey to Manalar Waterfalls

The drive to Manalar Waterfalls is an experience in itself. Traveling from Tenkasi or Tirunelveli, you'll wind through mist-covered hills and lush green landscapes. Many visitors describe the route as breathtaking, with scenic vistas at every turn. Instagram+2 This picturesque journey sets the tone for the natural beauty that awaits at the falls.

While the drive is beautiful, be prepared for winding roads. The proximity to Achankovil adds to the natural charm of the area. It's a route that many travelers enjoy, making the destination feel even more rewarding. Instagram+1

Parking is typically roadside, so arriving early can help secure a convenient spot. The journey is part of the adventure, offering a glimpse into the serene, forested region. Reddit

Experiencing the Multi-Level Falls

Manalar Waterfalls is unique for its tiered structure, featuring three distinct levels where the water cascades down. The first level forms a small, serene natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Reddit From there, the water flows to a second layer, and then to a third stream section, offering multiple spots to enjoy the cool water.

Each level provides a slightly different experience. Visitors can bathe at all three, with each section offering its own charm. The multi-level system makes it an engaging spot for both relaxation and a bit of adventure. Reddit The Kerala forest staff are strict about safety, ensuring a controlled environment for visitors to enjoy these natural pools. Reddit

While the falls are beautiful, some visitors note that the lower pool might be less crowded. It's important to be aware of the surroundings, especially the slippery rocks and the presence of leeches, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Reddit

Safety and Etiquette at Manalar Waterfalls

The Kerala forest staff at Manalar Waterfalls are known for being strict, which contributes to a sense of safety and order. They conduct thorough checks to ensure visitors adhere to rules and regulations. Reddit This strictness helps maintain the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Visitors are reminded to be cautious of leeches, especially when bathing or walking on the slippery, mossy paths. Wearing appropriate footwear with good grip is highly recommended. Reddit It's also advised to avoid carrying plastics and alcohol to help preserve the pristine environment. Reddit

While the falls are a natural bathing spot, it's important to be mindful of others. Some visitors mention that the space can feel crowded, and it's advisable to be respectful of fellow visitors, especially those who may find it challenging to access certain areas. Reddit

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