Valara Falls

Valara Falls (celebrated across Kerala as one of the most spectacular multi tiered jungle waterfalls in the high ranges of Idukki and an iconic highway spectacle where a chain of cascading waterfalls plunges over 1,000 feet through dense virgin rainforests), situated along the Kochi Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85) just 42 km west of Munnar in Kerala, is one of the Western Ghats' most dramatic, visually arresting, and popular roadside natural landmarks.

Fed by the mountain fed Deviyar River originating high in the misty Anamudi mountain ranges, this powerful waterfall system consists of a continuous chain of several distinct cascading drops tumbling precipitously down a sheer, black granite gorge enveloped by thick tropical evergreen canopies, towering bamboo clumps, and wild cardamom undergrowth near Adimali.

It's the home of an expansive elevated highway viewing deck offering unobstructed photographic angles of the roaring white torrents plunging into the deep rocky chasm below, the adjoining twin cascade of Cheeyappara Waterfalls located just 10 km down the mountain road, roadside tea shacks serving piping hot spiced Kerala chai and steaming raw banana fritters (Pazham Pori), rich wildlife sightings including Malabar giant squirrels, lion tailed macaques, and hornbills soaring across the gorge canopy, and an invigorating rainforest atmosphere where thick mountain mist rises continuously from the roaring waterfall spray.

It represents a rich mountain river hydrology, tropical rainforest ecology, and Western Ghats eco tourism sanctuary where Deviyar river rapids, sheer canyon geology, wild biodiversity, and highway journey halts unite in Adimali Munnar corridor.

Located on NH 85 between Neriamangalam and Adimali, it sits just 42 km west of Munnar town, 30 km east of Kothamangalam, 88 km from Aluva Railway Station (AWY), and 82 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by tourist taxis, KSRTC buses, and private vehicles traveling along the Cochin Munnar route.

The 1,000 Foot Deviyar River Cascade & Forest Gorge

Unlike roadside streams, Valara is a massive multi tiered waterfall cascading through several distinct levels down a steep forest valley.

The waterfall is fed by the Deviyar River, creating a thunderous white curtain of foaming water visible from the national highway.

Truth is, feeling the cool water spray on your face while sipping hot cardamom tea on the highway ridge is one of the classic joys of driving up to Munnar.

Twin Waterfall Circuit: Valara & Cheeyappara

Cheeyappara Pairing: Just 10 km down the road, Cheeyappara Falls cascades in seven terraced steps right onto the highway pavement.

Combined Stopover: Together, Valara and Cheeyappara form the most iconic highway nature stopover for every traveler traveling from Kochi to Munnar.

Rainforest Biodiversity & Highway Tea Stalls

Wildlife & Birds: The deep gorge surrounding Valara remains untouched forest, harboring exotic bird species, tree frogs, and flying squirrels.

Fresh Snacks: Roadside stalls offer farm fresh pineapples, spiced raw mango slices, roasted corn, and freshly brewed Nilgiri tea.

After pausing to admire the cascades of Valara Falls, continue your scenic drive to Munnar's tea gardens, visit Mattupetty Dam, or explore Eravikulam National Park in Kerala.