Kanthanpara Waterfalls – Wayanad

Wayanad has several waterfalls. Some are huge and famous. Others are smaller, quieter and need a little effort to reach.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls belongs to the second category.

Located near Meppadi, around 20 km from Kalpetta, the waterfall lies amidst the green landscape of southern Wayanad. Tea plantations gradually give way to thicker vegetation as one approaches the falls.

The waterfall drops from a height of roughly 30 metres.

It may not have the scale of some of Wayanad's better-known waterfalls. But Kanthanpara has something else going for it.

The setting.

The Walk to the Waterfall

Reaching the waterfall involves a short and relatively easy walk from the road.

And this small walk actually adds to the experience.

Trees and thick vegetation surround the path, while the sound of flowing water becomes stronger as you get closer. Suddenly, the waterfall appears between the greenery.

Water spreads across the rock before dropping into the pool below. During the monsoon, the flow becomes much stronger and the exposed rock almost disappears beneath the white water.

In the drier months, the waterfall is gentler and more of the layered rock surface becomes visible.

Smaller Can Be Better

Kanthanpara is considerably smaller than nearby Soochipara Waterfalls.

That need not be a disadvantage.

The approach is easier, the walk is shorter and the place can feel less overwhelming. For someone who wants to enjoy a waterfall without turning the visit into a long trek, Kanthanpara works rather well.

The surrounding forest and plantation landscape are equally important.

Do not simply reach the falls, take a photograph and leave.

Look around.

The rocks, trees, flowing water and forest together make the place.

Wayanad has larger waterfalls.

Kanthanpara does not need to compete with them.

Its charm lies in being smaller and a little quieter.

Happy travelling.

Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.