Areekal Waterfalls and Kochareekal caves (5 jul 2021)

Approximately 35kms from kochi, the Areekal waterfalls is on the Piramadam-Vettimood road. Just to make the ride a little longer, i chose to travel via kochi-aluva-perumabavur-muvattupuzha-areekal route.

The roads from perumbavoor to muvattupuzzha are extremely good, with less traffic. While the piramadam area has qood twisties passing through rubber estates and pineapple farms.

Upon reaching the waterfall, we found the gate closed to Covid pandemic,but the friendly toddy shop nearby informed us that tourists have been entering by jumping over the small wall next to the gate. So we boldly entered.

Thr steps down are easy to climb down. Watch out for the fallen tree trunk blocking the way.

The actual falls is amazingly clear and shallow enough for families and kids to wade through. Luckily due to Covid, the place was empty and unspoiled. No garbage littered around. Hope it remains like this.

From the base of the falls a further set of steps leads down to a bridge across the water. Gives a more panoramic view of the place. Also has a toilet facility. But was locked and looked unused for a long time.

The climb back up, with a better view of the fallen tree trunk on the steps.

From the waterfall, we proceeded to the kochareekal caves, which is nearby. The term “cave” is very loosely applied here. As can be seen, its just a hollow in the earth below a huge and old tree. Comparitively the area seems to be frequented by tourists as we found lots if garbage littered around.

The size of the trees truly dwarfed us while standing below it...

Notice a fallen tree, with the base(roots) completely rotten away...but the trunk and upper branches still alive, and leaning against the nearby trees. Nature sometimes truly has some amazing stories to tell...

The path up and down to the cave is a little uneven and tricky, so maybe a little difficult for the old and handicapped.

Overall a good 2-3 hour picnic for the family, from kochi.