Thusharagiri Waterfalls: Why It’s Called Kerala’s Snow Mountain

Thusharagiri Waterfalls is one of the most exciting nature spots in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Situated in the green valleys of the Western Ghats near Kodenchery, this eco-tourism site brings together thick rainforests, swift mountain streams, and steep hiking paths. Many people travel here every year to see the cascading water, explore spice plantations, and experience authentic Malabar nature. The waterfall complex consists of three main stages created by streams flowing down from the Wayanad hills. During the rainy season, the river fills up with heavy mountain water, creating powerful rapids that attract nature lovers, hikers, and international kayakers from around the world.

If you are planning your first trip to this beautiful spot, having clear and accurate information is key to a great experience. This local guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Thusharagiri Waterfalls. You will learn about the origin of its unique name, how to hike the famous 400-year-old tree trail, how the waterfall connects to the Malabar River Festival, and how to stay safe while exploring the forest paths.

What is Thusharagiri Waterfalls and Which River Feeds It?

Thusharagiri Waterfalls is formed by the Chalippuzha River, a tributary of the Iruvanjipuzha River, which originates from the heights of the Western Ghats. The water originates from two streams from the Western Ghats that unite to form the Chalippuzha River. After traveling a few meters, this river diverges into three distinct waterfalls, each with unique characteristics and challenging trekking approaches. The sudden drop in height creates intense water pressure, forming the powerful waterfalls that Thusharagiri is known for. The continuous flow from these rivers ensures that the waterfall remains active for most of the year, transforming into a roaring torrent during the monsoon season.

At a Glance: Quick Travel Summary

• Location: Kodenchery Panchayat, Kozhikode District, Kerala
• Main Attractions: 3 Waterfall Cascades, 400-Year-Old Hollow Tree, Forest Trekking
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon
• Ideal Visit Duration: 4 Hours

The Three Cascades of Thusharagiri Waterfalls.

The waterfall complex consists of three distinct cascade levels located along a single forest path.

Erattumukku Waterfall

This is the first and most accessible waterfall, located just 100 meters from the main entrance gate. The name Erattumukku means “the place where two streams meet.” The water falls from a height of nearly 75 meters into a large pool, creating a loud roar and heavy mist. The base of this waterfall is safe, and visitors can take a bath at the ground pool created by the falling water. It forms a wonderful natural pool for swimming and bathing. However, during heavy monsoon days, forest officials may not allow visitors to enter the water for safety reasons.

Mazhavil Chattam (Rainbow Falls)

Located about 500 meters further up the forest trail, Mazhavil Chattam translates to “Rainbow Leap.” On clear morning days, the sunlight passes through the heavy mist created by the dropping water, forming bright rainbows across the dark gorge rocks.

Thumbithullum Para.

This is the highest accessible cascade on the main visitor trail, sitting about one kilometer up from the base camp. The water here crashes over massive granite boulders with extreme force. The hike up to Thumbithullum Para is steeper, making it a quiet and less crowded spot.

• Note: During heavy monsoon rains in Kerala, access to the second (Mazhavil Chattam) and third (Thumbithullum Para) waterfalls may sometimes be closed by forest authorities due to security and safety reasons.

Why is it Called “Snow Mountain”?

The word Thusharagiri is made up of two Malayalam words: “Thusharam,” which means snow or frost, and “Giri,” which means mountain. Together, the name translates to “Snow-Capped Mountain.”Since there is no real snow anywhere in tropical Kerala, the name comes from a natural visual illusion. When the heavy mountain streams crash down the steep rock walls, the high impact breaks the water into fine white mist. During the rainy season, this thick white mist rises above the trees and covers the hilltops. When early villagers looked up at the mountains, the rising mist looked like snow sitting on top of the peak.

Things to Do in Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Thusharagiri Eco-Tourism is operated directly by the Kerala Forest Department and is widely celebrated as a trekker’s paradise. It offers adventure seekers a chance to experience untouched Western Ghats wilderness through organized trails.

Trekking to the Three Waterfalls

The standard waterfall trail covers a 2-kilometer walk that takes you past all three waterfall cascades. It is a self-guided trek route, allowing you to walk at your own pace while enjoying the jungle scenery. To explore the trail properly and spend time at the cascades, you will need a minimum of 4 hours.

Long Trail: The Thenpara Forest Trek

For true adventure lovers, Thusharagiri offers a long wilderness trek up to Thenpara (Honey Rock). This is a 7-kilometer one-way trek (14 kilometers round trip) that leads deep into the dense rainforest, climbing to high altitudes over 10,000 feet above sea level. Because it passes through core forest terrain, the trek requires a minimum group of 5 people and must be accompanied by two official forest guides. During certain seasons, trekkers can witness magnificent butterfly migrations along this path. It is considered one of the most famous wilderness treks in Kerala due to its raw natural beauty.

Photography

Thusharagiri is a photographer’s paradise, especially during the monsoon season. From the rising water mist and roaring cascades to ancient trees, vibrant moss-covered rocks, and lush green forest canopies, there are endless opportunities for stunning landscape photography.

The 400-Year-Old Tree Legend: Thanni Muthassi

One of the most famous stops along the hiking trail is a giant ancient tree known locally as “Thani Muthassi” (Grandmother Thanni Tree). Forest officers estimate this tree (Terminalia bellirica) to be around 400 years old.
Over centuries, the core inside the tree trunk naturally rotted away while the outer bark stayed alive. This created a large, hollow wooden room inside the living tree. The hollow space inside is large enough for three to four adult humans to step inside together and stand up. Looking straight up from inside the trunk reveals an opening that leads up to the forest sky.

Connection to the Malabar River Festival

Thusharagiri is directly linked to Asia’s largest white-water kayaking competition, the Malabar River Festival (MRF). The heavy monsoon rains feed the Chalippuzha and Iruvazhinjipuzha rivers, turning them into Class 3 to Class 5 rapids.

This year, the Malabar River Festival 2026 takes place from July 30 to August 2, 2026. The 12th edition of this international event will bring world-class kayakers to river sites right near Thusharagiri, including Pulikkayam and the Thusharagiri Bridge. Visitors during festival week can hike the waterfall trail in the morning and sit along the riverbanks in the afternoon to watch thrilling kayaking races live.

For full details on the main competition schedule and watching spots, read our complete guide on Malabar River Festival 2026: Complete Guide . You can also check out the exciting build-up activities in our guide to the Malabar River Festival pre-events.”

How to Reach Thusharagiri Waterfalls

By Air

The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Karipur, located about 52 kilometers away. You can hire a direct taxi or book a private car from the airport to reach Thusharagiri in about 1.5 hours.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), located 50 kilometers from the waterfall. The station connects to major cities across India. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are readily available outside the station.

By Bus

Regular KSRTC and private buses operate from the main Kozhikode Bus Stand to Thiruvambady and Kodenchery. From Kodenchery town, you can take a local feeder bus or hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 11 kilometers to the waterfall gate.

By Road

If driving your own vehicle, take National Highway 766 (Wayanad Road) from Kozhikode toward Thamarassery. Turn off at Engapuzha or Adivaram and follow the well-marked roads through Kodenchery straight to the Thusharagiri Eco-Tourism parking area.

Best Time to Visit Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Monsoon Season (June to August)

This is the best time to see the waterfalls in their full, roaring volume and enjoy the Malabar River Festival. However, keep in mind that during periods of unusually heavy rainfall, the site or upper trails may be temporarily closed by forest officials due to security and safety reasons.

Post-Monsoon Season (September to December)

The post-monsoon period is the absolute best time for trekking long trails like Thenpara. The heavy rains slow down, leaving the forest lush and green, while the trails dry out enough to make long-distance hiking safe and enjoyable.

Entry Fees, Timings, and Forest Rules

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

General Entry Rates:

• Adult Ticket: ₹50
• Child Ticket: ₹25
• Foreign National Ticket: ₹150

Thenpara Trekking Rates & Booking Rules

• The Thenpara trek must be booked in prior with the forest office.

• Group Limit: Maximum 8 minimum 5 additional people allowed (up to 8 participants total per group).

• Base Package Rate: ₹2,350 for a group of 5 persons (includes guide fees).

• Additional Persons: ₹300 extra per person.

Where to Stay nearby Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Local Homestays in Kodenchery:

Staying at a plantation homestay in Kodenchery or Thiruvambady places you 10 minutes away from the waterfall. You get quiet surroundings, local advice, and home-cooked Malabar meals.

Wayanad Resorts:

Located a 45-minute drive up the mountain pass in Vythiri or Lakkidi. Good option if you want cool weather and luxury resort amenities.

Kozhikode City Hotels:

Best if you rely on public transport or want to explore Calicut’s famous food scene and beaches after a day trip to the waterfall.

Thusharagiri Waterfalls combines natural forest beauty, rich local history, and high-energy river sports into one complete travel destination. Whether you are stepping inside the 400-year-old hollow tree, hiking up to the three waterfall stages, or watching professional kayakers tackle the Chalippuzha rapids, Thusharagiri offers an authentic Malabar experience. Plan your visit with proper footwear, respect the forest rules, and enjoy one of North Kerala’s finest eco-tourism sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the opening hours for Thusharagiri Waterfalls?

A1: The eco-tourism center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q2: Which river forms the Thusharagiri Waterfalls?

A2: The waterfall is formed by the Chalippuzha River, a tributary of the Iruvanjipuzha River, which originates in the Western Ghats.

Q3: Can I swim or take a bath at Thusharagiri Waterfalls?

A3: Yes, visitors can safely take a bath in the natural ground pool at the base of the first waterfall (Erattumukku). However, bathing may be restricted during heavy monsoon days.

Q4: How much is the entry fee for Thusharagiri Waterfalls?

A4: Entry costs ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children, and ₹150 for foreign nationals.

Q5: How long does the standard waterfall trek take?

A5: The self-guided 2-kilometer trek covering all three waterfalls takes approximately 4 hours to complete comfortably.

Q6: What is the Thenpara trek and how much does it cost?

A6: The Thenpara trek is a 7-kilometer one-way forest trek. It costs ₹2,359 for a group of 5 people, with ₹300 extra for each additional person (maximum 3 extra people allowed).

Q7: Do I need prior booking for the Thenpara trek?

A7: Yes, the Thenpara wilderness trek must be booked in advance with the forest department office, and official forest guides will accompany the group.

Q8: Are all three waterfalls open during the peak monsoon?

A8: During heavy monsoon weather, forest officials may temporarily close the routes to the second and third waterfalls for visitor safety.

Q9: When is the Malabar River Festival 2026 taking place at Thusharagiri?

A9: The Malabar River Festival 2026 takes place from July 30 to August 2, 2026.

Q10: What is special about the tree along the Thusharagiri trail?

A10: Known as “Thani Muthassi,” it is a 400-year-old hollow tree whose trunk is large enough for 3 to 4 adults to stand inside together.