9.771277.0746Idukki, Kerala

WATERFALL

Anchuruli Waterfalls - The Famous Tunnel Waterfall in Idukki

Experience the powerful sight of water gushing from a 4-km circular tunnel into the Idukki reservoir amidst lush green surroundings.

Idukki, Kerala1-2 hours8:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹20No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit Anchuruli is from September to February. During these post-monsoon months, the water flow from the tunnel is at its most spectacular, and the surrounding greenery is vibrant. The weather is also pleasant and cool. The summer months, from March to May, see a significant reduction in water flow. While the peak monsoon period from June to August has heavy water flow, it can be unsafe to visit due to slippery terrain and the risk of flash floods.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):₹20

Entry (Foreign):₹20

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Anchuruli Waterfalls?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Anchuruli Waterfalls is a unique destination in Idukki, known for the impressive sight of water gushing out from a large circular tunnel. This is not a conventional waterfall; it's the outlet of a 4-kilometer-long tunnel that channels water from the Erattayar Dam into the Idukki reservoir, as part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project. The main attraction is watching the sheer volume and force of water as it exits the tunnel and cascades down the rocky terrain into the reservoir's backwaters. The area is surrounded by dense greenery, offering a raw, natural setting.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Weekends and public holidays from September to January, when the weather is pleasant and water flow is high.

Moderate

Weekdays from September to February.

Low Season

Summer months (March-May) and on weekdays during the heavy monsoon season (June-August).

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹20

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹20

Per person

Opening Hours

8:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Open on all days. It is advisable to visit during daylight hours and leave the premises before sunset for safety reasons, as the area is not well-lit.

Entry fee is ₹20 per person. A separate fee of approximately ₹20-₹30 may be charged for vehicle parking. Prices are subject to change by local authorities.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Anchuruli Tunnel, Near Kanchiyar, Idukki District, Kerala 685511

Coordinates

9.7712, 77.0746

Nearest City

Idukki

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located approximately 125 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Anchuruli, a journe...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), about 115 km away. From Kottayam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kattappana and then local transport...

By Road

Anchuruli is accessible by road. It is about 10 km from the town of Kattappana. Kattappana is well-connected by state-run buses to major towns in Kerala like Ko...

Local Transport

The most convenient way to reach the waterfalls from the nearest town, Kattappana, is by hiring an auto-rickshaw or a local jeep. They are readily available in ...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The Anchuruli tunnel and its waterfall outlet are a direct result of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, one of Asia's largest arch dam projects, which was commissioned in the 1970s. The tunnel was constructed to divert water from the Erattayar catchment area to the main Idukki reservoir, thereby increasing the power generation capacity of the Moolamattom power station. What began as a purely functional engineering structure has, over the years, evolved into a popular tourist attraction due to the dramatic visual of the water discharge, especially during periods of heavy inflow.

Significance

The significance of Anchuruli lies in its unique combination of human engineering and natural beauty. It stands as a visible and impressive component of the massive Idukki Hydroelectric Project, showcasing the scale of infrastructure required for power generation. For visitors, it offers a distinct experience compared to natural waterfalls, highlighting the raw power of controlled water flow. Its popularity among locals and tourists has made it an important informal recreational spot in the region, drawing attention to the scenic backwaters of the Idukki reservoir.

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