Valara Waterfalls is believed to have been discovered during the British colonial era. The name "Valara" is derived from the Malayalam word "Vala" meaning tail and "Ara" meaning rock, referring to the shape of the waterfall resembling a tail falling from a rock. The area around the waterfall was once part of a tea plantation owned by the British. Today, the waterfall is a protected area and is managed by the Kerala Forest Department. Over the years, Valara Waterfalls has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.