Thoovanam Waterfall & Chinnar Forest Trail Complete Travel Guide

Hidden Falls on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala Border 

Tucked inside the rugged landscapes where Tamil Nadu meets Kerala, Thoovanam Waterfall is not a roadside attraction. It is earned through a 6 km guided forest trek inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you’re searching for: 

• Thoovanam waterfall trek details 

• Chinnar forest trail guide 

• Thoovanam waterfall from Coimbatore 

• How to visit Thoovanam falls 

• Chinnar wildlife sanctuary trekking 

This is the most complete, practical, and updated guide you’ll find. 

Where is Thoovanam Waterfall Located? 

Thoovanam Waterfall is located inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, in Idukki district, Kerala. 

However, most travelers from Tamil Nadu access it via: 

Udumalpet → Marayoor → Alampetty Checkpost

This makes it extremely popular among travelers from: 

• Coimbatore 

• Pollachi 

• Tiruppur 

• Erode

The waterfall lies on the Pambar River, a significant river system that flows along parts of the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border. 

Distance from Coimbatore 

Coimbatore to Alampetty Checkpost: ~115–120 km 

Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours (depending on traffic and ghat conditions) 

This makes it a perfect weekend wilderness escape from Coimbatore. 

About Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is unique compared to other Kerala forests. 

Unlike the lush evergreen forests of Munnar, Chinnar lies in the **rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats**, giving it: 

• Dry deciduous forest patches 

• Scrub landscapes 

• Rocky terrain 

• River stream systems 

It is one of the few places in South India where the endangered **Grizzled Giant Squirrel** is found. The sanctuary is also home to:

• Elephants 

• Spotted deer 

• Langurs 

• Leopards (rare sightings) 

• Over 200+ bird species 

The ecosystem here feels raw and less commercialized — which is exactly why the Thoovanam trek feels so authentic. 

Thoovanam Waterfall – What Makes It Special?

1. You Cannot Drive to It

There is no direct road access. Entry is regulated by the Forest Department. 

2. It’s a Guided Trek Only 

The trek starts at Alampetty Forest Checkpost. A forest guide accompanies every group. 

3. 4 KM Forest Immersion 

• 4 km one way (approx) 

• Moderate difficulty 

• 3 hours round trip 

The trail includes: 

• River-side walking 

• Rocky patches 

• Dry forest terrain 

• Small stream sections 

• Occasional watchtower viewpoint with 360° views 

4. Height & Visual Impact 

Thoovanam Falls drops from around **84 feet**, but the real impact is the setting: 

• Rock walls 

• Echoing water roar 

• Dense forest surroundings 

It feels cinematic without being crowded. 

The Chinnar Forest Trail Experience 

The forest trail is not a casual walk. It’s a structured eco-tourism program. 

Here’s what to expect: 

• Entry registration at forest checkpost 

• Guide allocation 

• Strict timing windows 

• No plastic policy 

• No loud noise 

You walk through: 

• River banks along Pambar 

• Semi-arid forest patches 

• Shaded canopy areas 

• Watchtower viewpoint offering 360° sanctuary views 

This trail is about immersion, not speed. 

Best Time to Visit Thoovanam Waterfall 

Ideal Season: September to February

Post-Monsoon (September–November) 

• Strong waterfall flow 

• Greener forest sections 

• Slightly slippery rocks 

Winter (December–February) 

• Pleasant weather 

• Clear skies 

• Comfortable trekking conditions 

Avoid peak summer (March–May) due to heat and reduced water flow. 

How to Reach Thoovanam Waterfall 

By Road (Most Common) 

From Coimbatore:

Coimbatore → Pollachi → Udumalpet → Marayoor → Alampetty 

Road condition is generally good but includes ghat sections.

By Public Transport 

Bus to Udumalpet 

• Local transport toward Marayoor 

• Auto/jeep to Alampetty checkpost 

This can be complicated for first-time visitors. 

What to Carry for the Trek 

• Good trekking shoes 

• 1–2 liters of water 

• Cap & sunscreen 

• Light snacks 

• Small backpack 

• No plastic disposables 

Swimming is generally discouraged during strong flow seasons due to slippery rocks. 

Entry Fees & Permits 

Since it lies inside a wildlife sanctuary: 

• Entry ticket required 

• Guide fee mandatory 

• Timings restricted 

• Batch-based entry 

Forest department rules may change seasonally. Always confirm before planning. 

What to Eat Nearby 

Chinnar region is not a commercial tourist hub, so options are limited but authentic. 

Marayoor (nearby) 

• Kerala-style meals 

• Kappa (tapioca) & curry 

• Simple veg/non-veg hotels 

Udumalpet 

• Tamil Nadu mess-style restaurants 

• Budget eateries 

Carrying light snacks is advisable. 

Is Thoovanam Suitable for Beginners? 

Yes, but: 

• Moderate fitness required 

• Not ideal for elderly with knee issues 

• Kids above 10–12 years can manage with supervision 

It’s not a beginner “park trail.” It’s a real forest walk. 

Why Most People Don’t Do It Properly 

Common mistakes: 

• Reaching without knowing permit timings 

• Expecting easy road access 

• Underestimating trek distance 

• Not arranging transport properly 

That’s where planning matters. 

Exoticamp Curated Thoovanam + Chinnar Experience 

For travelers from Coimbatore, this is where things become easier. 

Exoticamp has curated a Thoovanam Waterfall + Chinnar Forest Trail experience that includes: 

Pickup & drop from Coimbatore 

• Coordinated forest entry timing 

• Structured itinerary 

• Small batch groups 

• Experienced trip coordination 

Distance covered: 

• ~115–120 km from Coimbatore 

• Comfortable early morning departure 

• Same-day return or weekend plan options 

Instead of figuring out: 

• Permit timing 

• Transport 

• Forest coordination 

• Safety planning 

You simply show up and experience the trail. 

This keeps the trip wild — but organised. 

Safety & Responsible Travel Tips 

• Respect forest silence 

• Do not attempt risky swimming 

• Follow guide instructions strictly 

• No alcohol inside sanctuary 

• Avoid littering 

Chinnar is protected land. It must remain that way. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Thoovanam waterfall inside Tamil Nadu? 

No. It lies inside Kerala, but access is popular via Tamil Nadu belt. 

Can we visit without guide? 

No. Forest department guide is mandatory. 

Is camping allowed near the waterfall? 

No camping near the falls inside sanctuary. 

Is it crowded? 

Not like mainstream waterfalls. Entry regulation keeps it controlled.