The captivating natural water slide near Kanthalloor in Idukki district has definitely taken the social media by storm. This water slide, probably the largest natural one in Kerala, is tucked away in a rugged terrain near the Anjiveedu temple. The travellers should take a taxing off-road ride from the temple to reach the picturesque water wonder that flows through verdant forest. The off-road ride will take you to the top of a hill that boasts of an aesthetically-built mud house complex, which is run by Rajan and his mother.
If you can trek for 10 minutes from the mud house, you can see water flowing calmly. The grass abutting both sides of the narrow path leading to the small stream will be as tall as you. Initially, you will reach a mammoth rock and will be able to see a brook flowing through the rocks. And if you follow that small stream, you will reach a mesmerizing cascade. Time will fly if you look at the water flowing in a rhythm but don’t enter the water alone as the rocks are very slippery. You can step into the ice cold water with help of at least two persons and sit on the path of flowing water. The experience of cold water caressing your body is simply surreal.
If you trek down for a while, you will reach the natural water slide. The small strip of water flows through a slight reddish rock. Are you adventurous and into swimming? Then this water slide will definitely entice you. But you have to be very careful as danger lurks in the water slide as water flows faster than you think. If you enter the water slide, it will put you into a small pool of water in no time. Don’t ever think of sliding in the natural water slide without the help of anyone from the mud house which is atop the hill. You will be able to slide properly only if you have related experience.
Mud House
The mud house should be ideally called mud village as it has four rooms with state-of-the-art toilets and tents. The stairs and floor of the mud house, with the appellation ‘Tophills’, had been built by owner Rajan with tree branches. The facility is totally environment friendly as the walls are made of mud and the roof of grass. And if you want to get a feel of staying a tent, you won’t be disappointed while visiting the mud house. The facility can easily accommodate large numbers of travellers. You can also have fun by dancing and preparing camp fire in the front yard of the house.
The food for the guests is prepared and served by the family members of Rajan who live in the vicinity of the mud house.
How to reach
If you travel to the hills from Marayur, which is 40km away from Munnar, you can reach the charming hamlet of Kanthalloor, and you can park your vehicle near Anjiveedu temple. From this point you can hail a jeep for the drive to the hilltop and back for Rs 1,500. If you love steep trekking, it is better to travel the 2km to the top on foot.
Note of caution
Enter the water slide only with the help of the guide. You can buy emergency medicines, water and snacks from the Kovilkadavu market. You can make or receive calls only if you have BSNL and Jio connections.
The lodging rate along with food is Rs 1,200 per person and a room can accommodate five people.