Chinnakanal Waterfall and Anayirangal Dam: A Half-Day Near Suryanelli

Where Chinnakanal is

Chinnakanal is a village and panchayat in Kerala's Idukki district, on the road that runs from Munnar towards Suryanelli and the Tamil Nadu border. It is quieter than Munnar town, with estates on every slope and very little traffic once you leave the main road.

Chinnakanal waterfall

Also called the Power House waterfall, it falls in steps down the rock face right beside the road, so there is no trek involved. It is at its fullest during and just after the monsoon, and can be a thin trickle in the dry months.

Pull over only where it is safe to do so, as this is a busy stretch with buses on the bends. The rocks near the water are slippery, so admire it from the roadside.

Anayirangal Dam

Anayirangal Dam holds back a long reservoir surrounded by tea gardens and evergreen forest. The name is often translated as the place where elephants come down, and wild elephants do move through the area, especially towards evening.

Boating has been offered on the reservoir by Kerala's hydel tourism department at times. Check whether it is running on the day, and go in the morning for calmer water and softer light on the tea.

Staying safe around wildlife

• Never approach, follow or feed elephants, even from a vehicle.
• Avoid walking along estate roads around dusk, when animals are most active.
• If you see elephants on the road, stop well back, keep the engine running and wait for them to move on.
• Follow instructions from forest staff and estate workers; they know where the herds are.

Pair it with

Chinnakanal is on the doorstep of Suryanelli, so it slots neatly around the Kolukkumalai sunrise: jeep up before dawn, back for breakfast, then an easy afternoon at the waterfall and the dam.

Hostyard Suryanelli is a plantation hostel in Suryanelli with dorms and a private room. Ask the team about conditions on the estate roads before you head out.