Keezharkuthu Falls

Keezharkuthu Falls (celebrated across Kerala as the dramatic 'Rainbow Waterfalls' and the premier cascading adventure marvel of the Thodupuzha highlands), situated deep within the virgin rainforests of Udumbannoor near Thodupuzha just 30 km west of Idukki town in Kerala, is one of the Western Ghats' most thrilling, pristine, and visually captivating wilderness waterfalls.

Plunging dramatically from an astonishing height of nearly 1,500 meters (over 200 feet in its primary sheer vertical drop) over massive tiered black granite rock cliffs, Keezharkuthu earns its famous nickname 'Rainbow Falls' from the perpetual spray of fine water mist that catches the afternoon mountain sunlight, creating vivid, dancing spectral rainbows arched across the roaring forest gorge.

It's the home of an exhilarating 2 km downhill wilderness trekking trail through dense moist deciduous and semi evergreen canopies teeming with wild orchids and giant tree ferns, natural crystal clear plunge pools ideal for safe wading and swimming in mountain spring waters, world class rock climbing and mountaineering cliff faces, a thriving habitat for rare medicinal plants used in traditional tribal healing by the indigenous forest communities, deep mossy rock overhangs providing secluded resting spots, and an untouched woodland atmosphere where the roaring thunder of falling water harmonizes with the calls of Malabar giant squirrels and emerald doves.

It represents a rich highland, adventure, and eco trekking sanctuary where vertical waterfall hydrology, thrilling granite rock scrambles, pristine mountain stream bathing, and deep forest solitude unite in Udumbannoor grama panchayat.

Located in Udumbannoor / Karimannoor near Thodupuzha, it sits 25 km from Thodupuzha town, 30 km from Idukki Arch Dam, 65 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 70 km from Aluva (AWY), and 75 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by state buses from Thodupuzha to Udumbannoor followed by local jeep rides and guided forest treks.

The 1500m Rock Plunge & Rainbow Mist

Water gushes through a narrow mountain cleft before dropping across giant tiered rock slabs into a wide natural amphitheater.

On sunny afternoons between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the dense airborne mist consistently generates vivid multi colored rainbow arcs against the dark granite background.

Truth is, standing at the base pool while cool spray covers your face and a brilliant rainbow hovers just yards away is pure magic.

Adventure Trekking & Rock Climbing

Wilderness Trail: The hike to the falls winds through teak plantations, thick bamboo groves, and rocky stream beds requiring moderate physical fitness.

Mountaineering & Rappelling: The sheer vertical granite rock formations surrounding Keezharkuthu attract professional rock climbers and adventure trekking groups.

Medicinal Flora & Udumbannoor Agro Trails

Ayurvedic Biodiversity: The surrounding valley is renowned for rare medicinal herbs, wild nutmeg, and aromatic medicinal roots.

Nearby Thommankuthu: Just 12 km away lies Thommankuthu, famous for its 7 step cascading waterfalls and forest eco tourism center.

After experiencing the refreshing spray of Keezharkuthu Falls, explore the seven step cascades of Thommankuthu, visit the monumental Idukki Arch Dam, or enjoy the viewpoints of Kalvari Mount in Idukki.