The Thommankuthu waterfall is situated 10km away from Karimannur, Vannapuram and Udumbannur towns. Thodupuxha is just 18km away from Thommankudy. This region comes under the Kothamangalam Forest Department’s Kaliyar Range. You can reach here without GPS assistance because the region has many boards to direct you to the waterfall. The buses halt 1km away from the waterfall. The road from the Thommankuthu junction to the waterfall is narrow. As you reach the entrance gate here, you get a glimpse of the waterfall. There are only 2-3 shops here. From the balcony of these shops you can see the first waterfall clearly. Going closer to the waterfall is prohibited these days. The area has been restricted with fence on all the sides. There is an entrance gate built by the forest department here. This place is safe-guarded by the VSS guards. You can get the entrance pass here. The rate is ₹10 for kids, camera ₹10, video camera ₹100.
There are many mythological stories about this waterfall. This place is adorned with intoxicating beauty of nature with rivers, streams, waterfalls, birds singing along with the sound of crickets. Croaking of frogs and huge trees that seem to be touching the sky. This stunning water fall evolves from the Kannadiyaru river that originates from the Plakkulam forest area and flows down the Kaliyar forest. It is a rare phenomenon to see so many waterfalls forming from the same river. There is a five-foot path along the river bank. A barbed wire prevents the tourists from entering the river. For every 50m you will find a warning board and guards advising you not to enter the water. Yet some people try to defy the orders. The river is full of gully and rocks and therefore getting into the water can be dangerous especially during monsoon season. But visitors are allowed to take a dip when water is low during December- May.
There are small huts next to the pathway where one can sit and take rest. You can also do bird-watching from these huts. During rainy seasons, a small hearth is lit inside these huts which are placed to safeguard the thatched roofs which might otherwise get destroyed due to dampness. As you move around the forest, you can see many small creeks flowing down the hills where you can spend time. There is also a beautiful bridge made of logs and a tree house which is built 25m high on a huge tree. When you climb up the steps built with wood and reach the tree house you can get a spectacular view of the forest around. 5 people can stand on top of this platform at a time. As you move along, you will find a huge tree with giant creepers on which 8 people can sit together.
A visitor to this region get to enjoy the sight of three important waterfalls. The first one is close to the entrance gate. The next is also close by. But to reach the 3rd one, you will have to travel for almost one kilometre. This waterfall is known as ‘Ezhunilakuthu’. For those who wish to go uphill, you can get the help from the VSS guards. The real trekking begins here. The visitors are divided into groups of five members each before the trekking. The fee is Rs.1000. Even if there is only a single person, you have to pay the same fee. A guard will accompany the group. Remember to carry enough food with you. The timing is from 9am – 5pm. During this journey, you will come across many more smaller waterfalls. The trekking distance is 12km. If you are lucky, you might get to see elephants, deer, butterflies and beautiful birds. Those who wish to go trekking must either do pre-booking or get to the place early morning.
The jungle has many tribes living here. Their products can be bought from the eco-shop here. There is also a canteen which sells tribal food. You can buy forest products like wild honey, frankincense, Kasturi turmeric, pepper, cloves, cambodge, kallur vanchi and bamboo rice from the eco-shop here.
Those who plan to visit Thommankuthu waterfall must find time to visit the Anayadikuthu waterfall too. This area is not a tourist centre. But the locals here are very friendly. Try not to create disturbance for them. Always climb down to the entrance before dusk.
