An out of the world experience of exploring the quaint village of Kookal and its surroundings
Nestled near the quaint hill town of Kodaikanal, Kookal is a beautiful village hidden in the mist and fog that shrouds the region. The trek to the Kookal waterfall starts from this village and takes deep into the hills, unravelling the beauty that they hold. Kookal is 35 kms away from Kodaikanal and the drive to the village takes through coniferous trees and lush green fields that will leave you in awe of the place. What really makes this place so captivating is the low lying clouds and mist that enhance the drama of the landscape.
The trail to the falls takes through dense forests and muddy pathways with the sound of the cascading waterfall reverberating throughout the forest. This is an easy one day trek and can be attempted by beginners.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Kookal Waterfalls trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Kookal Waterfalls Trail
The trail starts around 1 km away from Kookal Lake. As you approach the lake, you will be able to spot food trucks on the road next to the lake. The vendors here can help you with a guide if you want one. You can see a small shop overlooking a bunch of volleyball courts. This is where you start your trek from. The mud path is well paved and will take you to a couple of houses and volleyball courts. After walking on this path for 500 metres, you will arrive at Boulder Point. Take a minute here to enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below and the surrounding hills.
From here, the trail drops down to the forest. It is a steep descent for 1.5 kms through hairpin bends over a mud path. As you keep descending, the views of the lush green valleys accompany you and keep you going! The trail can be a little slippery so it is advisable to wear shoes with good grip, preferably trekking shoes that will also give support to your ankles.
Once you reach the forest section, you are trekking through dense tree cover that encloses on you as you move ahead. The path is quite narrow and makes it exciting to trek through this bit. You can hear the gushing sound from the waterfall, almost as if it is guiding you towards it. This part of the trek through the forest is around 1 km long and is fairly easy. As you close in on the waterfall, you will notice a small stream flowing through the forest. You will arrive at a clearing and see the waterfall in front of you. It's a magical sight and will leave a soothing effect on you.
It is possible to climb around the waterfall and get an aerial view of the pool below. While it is super tempting to take the plunge, it is not advisable given that the water is not too deep and could result in injuries.
The way back is the same route to the waterfalls. It is a steep ascent back to the starting point so get some rest at the waterfalls and recharge yourself with some snacks before you start heading back. The ascent back will take close to 2 hours so ensure you leave the waterfall by 3 PM latest to make it back before sunset.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Kookal Waterfall
The waterfall itself is a beautiful sight with water cascading over the rocks and plunging into the pool below. You may even spot elephants here some times!
2. Trek through Dense Forest
The trek through the forest section is bound to leave an impression with the thick growth of trees and bushes that form a canopy above you. The trail truly takes deep into the wilderness of Palani hills.
3. Views from Boulder Point
The aerial views of the lush green valleys with forest cover and fields along with surrounding mountains is a breathtaking sight. The clouds and mist make these views even better.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Steep Descent to the Forest Section
The descent from Boulder Point is steep and can be slippery. Mind your step and don’t get distracted by the stunning scenery that accompanies you! Wear good trekking shoes to support your feet and ankles.
2. Leeches on the Trail
Given the ecology of the region, you will find leeches in the forest section during monsoon and post monsoon months. Carry some salt and wear full pants for protection.
3. Final Ascent back to Boulder Point
The same route back requires you to climb up to Boulder Point. The climb is steep and can be slightly challenging. Remember, slow and steady always works best!
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Kookal Waterfall is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Kookal Waterfall Trek
The best time to do this trek is between September to March. These post monsoon and pre summer months see good flow of water in the waterfall and the trail is also enjoyable. Heavy rains during peak monsoon would make the trail very slippery and difficult to traverse so it is not advisable to trek during that time.
How to Reach the Base
You can reach Kookal by a private vehicle or by public transport. It is located at a distance of 35 kms from Kodaikanal.
If you are reaching by public transport, there are buses and local taxis that ply between Kodaikanal and Kookal. The frequency for buses is very low. There is one bus in the morning between 8 AM and 9:30 AM from Kodaikanal to Palamputhoor. You can ask to be dropped at Kookal. There is another bus in the evening between 4 PM and 5:30 PM. It should take you around an hour to reach Kookal.
Alternatively, you can hire a local taxi from the bus stand in Kodaikanal. These taxis are expensive and will work out better if you are travelling in a group.
Frequently Asked Question about Kookal Waterfalls Trek
1. Is there network connectivity on the trek?
The network is patchy on the trail. You will not have any network once you are at the waterfall.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
You can buy some snacks from the small shops near Kookal Lake. There are no stalls beyond this point. If you are staying in Kookal, you can ask your homestay to pack some food for you.
3. Are there any stay options near the trail?
There are a few homestays and lodges where you can stay in Kookal. Alternatively, you can stay in Kodaikanal which has ample stay options to choose from.
4. Do I need a permit for this trek?
You do not need any permits for this trek. Camping at the waterfall is prohibited and you have to return back to Kookal the same day.
5. How long does the trek take?
The trek will take you approximately 4-5 hours to reach the waterfall and return back to the starting point.
6. Is this trek for beginners?
The trek to Kookal Waterfall is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners. Having an active lifestyle and a good fitness regimen will make it more enjoyable.
That’s all about the Kookal Waterfall trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to this paradise near Kodaikanal, please feel free to reach out to our team.
