About 50 km east of Kozhikode, near Kodenchery in the Thamarassery hills, the coast’s flat heat gives way to the foothills of the Western Ghats — and to Thusharagiri, one of the best waterfall-and-trek areas in the Malabar highlands. Two streams tumbling out of the Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha river, which then splits into a series of cascades. The name Thusharagiri means “snow-capped mountain” — for the fine, misty spray thrown up where the water falls.
The three falls and the trek
Thusharagiri is really a chain of falls rather than a single sheet of water, set among spice gardens and forest. The higher cascades are reached on foot: the area is a favourite for trekkers, with moderately challenging trails of several kilometres climbing through the plantations and jungle to the upper falls and viewpoints. Water levels and access change with the season and rainfall, so go with a local guide for the longer trails and don’t swim where the current is strong.
Best time to visit
The falls are at their most powerful just after the monsoon — roughly September to December — when the rains have filled the river and the cascades are full and loud. In the driest months the flow drops considerably. Whenever you come, the rocks are slippery near the water, so wear proper shoes and take care.
More of the Kozhikode highlands
Thusharagiri anchors a whole belt of green day trips inland from Kozhikode. To the north-east, Kakkayam is a forested reservoir-and-dam area with viewpoints and waterfall-side scenery, on the approach to the Peruvannamuzhi reservoir belt. These are quieter, nature-led trips best made with an early start from the city or from a plantation homestay in the hills.
- Wear grippy shoes — the rocks near the falls are slippery, and the upper trails are rough underfoot.
- Take a local guide for the longer treks, and check current water levels and forest-access rules before setting off.
- Base in Kozhikode city, Kodenchery or a nearby plantation stay depending on how early you want to start.
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Thusharagiri Falls?
Thusharagiri is a chain of Western-Ghats waterfalls near Kozhikode, formed where two hill streams meet to make the Chalippuzha river and split into a series of cascades. It is popular for trekking, and its name means “snow-capped mountain”, for the misty spray of the falls.
How far is Thusharagiri from Kozhikode?
Thusharagiri is about 50 km east of Kozhikode, near Kodenchery in the Thamarassery hills, reachable by car or bus. The nearest airport and railway are both in Kozhikode, roughly 50 km away.
When is the best time to visit Thusharagiri?
The falls are fullest just after the monsoon, from about September to December. In the driest months the flow drops. The rocks near the water are slippery year-round, so wear proper shoes.