Despite its potential, Kerala’s Meenmutty Falls left behind in tourism push

Vellamunda: Despite its immense tourism potential, Meenmutty Waterfalls, one of the major waterfalls on the Banasura Hills, continues to await visitors.

Years ago, the District and Block Panchayats had conducted preliminary studies to develop Meenmutty as a tourist destination, but the project failed to progress beyond the planning stage.

Though the feasibility study was completed, the lack of an accessible route to the waterfall was cited as the primary obstacle. Though private landowners are ready to offer a passage through their property, the plan eventually faded into obscurity. While nearby areas were successfully developed by the Forest Department as ecotourism spots, Pulinjal Meenmutty was neglected.

A hidden cascade from Banasura Hills

The waterfall emerges from the steep rocky crevices of Banasura Hills and plunges in two stages down a drop of approximately 50 feet. Located around two kilometres uphill from Pulinjal, the site is accessible up to a point by a tarred road.

With no major safety hazards reported in the area, Meenmutty has the potential to become a safe and appealing destination for tourists. However, at present, the falls attract only occasional visits from local travellers and remain largely unknown to outsiders. The waterfall remains active for nearly six months of the year, especially when it turns scenic during the monsoon season.

Eco-tourism development: a viable option

There are huge possibilities to transform the Puliyancholai falls into a new ecotourism hub by integrating nearby forest department areas. Trekking routes to Thavalappara and Perumkulam Hills can also be linked with Meenmutty as part of a broader tourism package. Such a project could generate employment opportunities at the local level and bring additional revenue to the region.

Months have passed since the Forest Department suspended trekking to Chirapullu Peak in the Mangalassery Hills following the tragic death of a temporary forest watcher in a wild elephant attack. In light of this, locals are now demanding that new trekking routes centred around Pulinjal should be opened as a safer alternative.

For years, Pulinjal Meenmutty has remained overlooked. Despite many tourists actively seeking out this hidden gem, the absence of basic amenities and proper roads to access it has kept it isolated from mainstream tourism.

With the onset of monsoon rains, the waterfall is now at its most captivating form. Even if not widely promoted, local authorities must at least recognise and include Meenmutty Falls in local maps.

-N.V. Hamjith, Pulinjal