A Tale of Two Worlds: The Perfect Monsoon Getaway from Kochi to Areeckal Falls & Kochareekkal Caves

Living in a vibrant city like Kochi has its perks, but sometimes the soul craves an escape—a quick journey into the embrace of nature, away from the urban hustle. This monsoon, we found the perfect one-day trip that offers the best of two worlds: the roaring, energetic spectacle of a waterfall in its prime and the quiet, ancient mystery of rock caves.

Just a 40-kilometer drive east from the city center lie Areeckal Waterfalls and the nearby Kochareekkal Caves. It's a journey that sees the landscape transform from city streets to serene country roads, winding through lush pineapple farms and rubber estates. As you climb into the hilly region of Piravam, the air gets cooler, the scenery gets greener, and you know you've left the city far behind.

The Monsoon Marvel: Areeckal Waterfalls

Our first stop was the magnificent Areeckal Waterfalls. Arriving during the peak of the monsoon season in August is a treat, as the waterfall is a thundering force of nature. After paying a nominal entrance fee of ₹20 per person, we began the walk down a series of steep, stone-paved steps. With every step, the sound of crashing water grew louder, building a sense of excitement for the view to come.

A word of advice for visitors: while the descent is manageable, the climb back up can be quite strenuous. It's especially important for the elderly or those with health conditions to take it slow. Thankfully, the management has placed benches at regular intervals, which are perfect for catching your breath on the way up.

The raw power of Areeckal Waterfalls during the peak of the monsoon season.

Reaching the bottom, we were greeted by the spectacular sight of water cascading over tiers of glistening black rock. A clever check dam has been built at the base of the main fall, creating a safe, natural pool for visitors to bathe in. It's the ideal spot to let the cool, fresh water wash over you.

The falls flow in beautiful, multiple tiers, creating several spots to enjoy the water.

The man-made pool at the base is a safe and popular spot for families to enjoy a refreshing dip.

While we didn't go in for a swim ourselves, it was wonderful to see families and children laughing and playing in the refreshing spray. The entire atmosphere is filled with an energy that is both powerful and joyful.

A close-up look at the water gushing over the dark, ancient rock formations.

Experience the Journey Yourself!

To truly capture the sights and sounds of this beautiful location, we’ve created a travel vlog of our visit. You can watch it with either English or Malayalam narration below.

Watch in English:

മലയാളത്തിൽ കാണാം (Watch in Malayalam):

A Whisper from the Past: Kochareekkal Caves

After soaking in the energy of the falls, our adventure continued. A short 3.5-kilometer drive away lies a place with a completely different vibe: the Kochareekkal Caves. Trading the roar of the waterfall for a serene silence, this spot feels like stepping into a forgotten world.

The caves themselves are ancient rock shelters, but the real showstopper is the way nature has intertwined with them. Massive, centuries-old tree roots have sprawled over and around the rocks, creating a living, breathing sculpture that is both beautiful and humbling to witness.

Nature's masterpiece: ancient tree roots reclaiming the rock shelters of Kochareekkal Caves.

This is not a place of grand vistas, but of quiet details. The air is still, and the atmosphere is mystical. A little further down, a small man-made pool of crystal-clear water adds to the tranquility of the surroundings. It's a place to sit, reflect, and marvel at the slow, persistent artistry of nature.

The tranquil pool near the caves, reflecting the deep green of the surrounding forest.

The Perfect Day Trip

Areeckal Waterfalls and Kochareekkal Caves offer a perfectly balanced day trip from Kochi. You get the thrill and energy of a powerful monsoon waterfall and the profound peace of an ancient, nature-wrapped cave. If you're looking for a quick and rewarding escape into the heart of Kerala, this journey comes highly recommended.

Have you visited these places? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!