Thommankuthu Waterfall

Thommankuthu Waterfall falls in seven steps through forest in Idukki district and takes its name from Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, a local tribal leader. One story says he made it by striking a rock with his spear to bring water to his people; another says he came upon it while searching for lost cattle. A further legend credits a mythical bird, Chillikomban, with shaping the steps, each linked to a note of the musical scale.

Local people regard the falls as sacred. The surrounding forest holds orchids, large trees and rare plants, with Nilgiri langurs and Malabar giant squirrels in the canopy. A cave in the nearby woods is linked in tradition to old seasonal rites and offerings, and tribal villages close by keep their customs.