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The Chunayanmakkal Waterfalls
Just 18 km (11 mi) from the hill station of Munnar in Kerala, a beautiful waterfall cascades into the Pani River near Pothupara. (Long Exposure, iPhone12Pro)
Given that India, with ~ 1.476 billion people – is the most populous country in the world, it always surprises me how much space there is in the country – and how much unspoiled beauty can be found.
I was staying in Kerala – widely known as “God’s Own Country” – near the hill station of Munnar. I had a driver and had lined up various day trips (eg: High Tea in Kerala and Tamil Nadu) to explore the nearby area.
On one particular day, part of the trip I was looking at required a local jeep, which my driver booked for us. We visited two nearby – but distinctively different – waterfalls on the Muthirapuzha (Muthirappuzhayar) River. Place-naming in these regions can be vague, and I was told the first cascade was Pothupara Falls – also known as Chunayanmakkal Waterfalls. The second – more developed and with an entry fee – is commonly known ar Ripple Waterfalls, or Sreenarayanapuram Falls.
We also visited two separate dams: the Mattupetty Dam on the Muthirapuzha River, and the Ponmudi Dam on the Panniyar River. Both are concrete gravity dams used for electricity generation, and their surrounds have been developed as recreational areas.
The hills around here are tea producers, so, in addition to the scenic stops, we made a tour of the Madupatty (Mattupetty) Tea Factory.
Come for a day out in the hills of Kerala’s Western Ghats:
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In the Tea Hills
Munnar Hill Station is known for its tea plantations; this was my view over breakfast every morning.
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Mattupetty Reservoir
It was only a half hour drive from my accommodation to the reservoir formed by Mattupetty Dam.
Rainbow in the Dam
The reservoir attracts wildlife like elephants – none of which we saw. Rainbows formed in the spray of the overflow in the 70+ year-old dam.
Wild Iris in the Fencing
Fencing protects the dam crossing against accidents; wild plants add a touch of whimsy.
Factory Floor
The Mattupetty Tea Factory is only a few minutes away. I had booked myself into a tour.
Our Guide
A personable young man lead our group and explained the cultivation and processing of tea.
The Stages of Tea
Ripple Tea is a local brand: this display illustrates some of the forms tea is found in.
Mattupetty Tea Factory
As we leave the area, I get a view back over the factory where it sits: perched on a hill and surrounded by tea.
Pothupara Falls
Also known as Chunayanmakkal Waterfalls, these lovely falls are fed by several streams in the Mutirapuzha River Basin.
Grasses on the River
The Chunayanmakkal (Pothupara) Waterfalls are promoted as being ‘natural, with minimal commercialisation.’ This translates as: No visitor infrastructure.
Meandering Waters
As fresh and inviting as the water looks, swimming here is discouraged because of very slippery rocks all year and very heavy waters during the monsoon season.
Ripple Waterfalls
We crossed the the Muthirapuzha River to visit the much more developed Ripple Waterfalls – known locally as Sreenarayanapuram Falls.
Lily Pond
Connecting ponds have been built into the rock at the top of the falls.
Water Lily – Nymphaea
Flying Fox
Apparently this is India’s longest and highest river-crossing zipline. I opted for the stairs.
Rocks at the Top
It’s is a ruggedly beautiful area.
The Main Falls
The exposed rock here at the falls is primarily a coarse-grained, quartz-feldspar, metamorphic-rock typical of the ancient Precambrian crust found throughout the Western Ghats.
Rocky Riverbed
There are flat sections between the tiers of these falls.
View from the Jeep: Ponmudi Thookkupalam
A short distance south, we dove over the historic Ponmudi Hanging Bridge, near the Ponmudi Dam.
Almost Abstract: Ravine under the Hanging Bridge
An Intimate Moment
It’s a narrow bridge – single vehicles and pedestrians only.
On Ponmudi Dam
Going the other direction, we drive over the dam itself.
Roadside Stop
We then drive up the hillside …
Red Tropical Hibiscus – Hibiscus × Rosa-Sinensis
… where beautiful vegetation …
Over the Hills
… extends far into the Western Ghats.
Portrait of a Local Man
I can’t remember exactly where we were – but this is one of the reasons I love India: the locals are usually ready to be photographed!
It was a full day and wonderful day – and we still made it back for dinner!
Until next time,
Happy Travels!
Pictures: 08February2023
Dams, Waterfalls, and Reservoirs: Pothupara, Kerala, India
