Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous Monsoon Spectacle near Kanyakumari
It is a stunning 50 feet high and 300 feet wide waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a fabulous place for both adults and kids to enjoy a refreshing waterfall bath and a swimming picnic location downstream. It is also home to a 10th century Chola era Mahadeva temple. I am talking about the Thiruparappu falls on the Kodayar river about 15 kilometers downstream of the Pechiparai Dam.
Located near the town of Kulsekharam, this waterfall is a popular tourist attraction near Kanyakumari, especially among the locals and offers a gorgeous spectacle during the monsoons when the waterfall gushes with copious amounts of water. It is the kind of place where you can get a nice massage under the waterfall, laze around with your kids in the natural swimming pools, enjoy a hot cup of chukku coffee to get your body heat going and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch on the banks of the Kodayar river.
The herbal waters flowing from the medicinal forests in the Western Ghats, the green environment, the ancient Shiva temple and a rustic atmosphere are all icing on the cake.
If you are visiting Kanyakumari or Thiruvananthapuram, don’t miss to visit this gorgeous monsoon spectacle in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is an ideal waterfall location to go with family and friends. It is safe, has decent access to food and there is hardly any walking to reach the waterfall from the parking lot. I can’t stop recommending this offbeat waterfall destination of Tamil Nadu.
Where to eat:
The stalls near the waterfall entrance serve some basic food like bajji, biscuits, tea and coffee that is available at all times. There are a few restaurants that serve simple meals, but one needs to inform in advance.
For better food options, head to Nagercoil city or any good restaurants on the Nagercoil – Kanyakumari – Thiruvananthapuram highway.
Where to stay:
There are a few guest houses and hotels where one can stay near the waterfall. Slightly more luxurious places can be found near Chittar Dam, about 8 kms away.
For better food and accommodation, head to the cities of Nagercoil, Kanyakumari or Thiruvananthapuram where you can find properties catering to all kinds of budgets.
Distance to Kanyakumari: 62 kms
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram (56 kms away)
Nearest railway and bus station: Nagercoil (38 kms away)
Thiruparappu falls entrance fees:
INR 5 per person
INR 30 per camera
INR 30 per vehicle parking
Best time to visit:
The best months to visit would be the rainy months from June to January as that is when there would be good amount of water to enjoy a refreshing bath and a swim. However, the waterfall can be closed during heavy rains to protect the people. Do check with local authorities or online about waterfall status.
Timings:
Thiruparappu Falls is open all year round from 7 AM to 6 PM
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari
2) Padmanabhapuram Palace: 17th century Travancore era palace
3) Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram: Also known as Sthanumalayan temple, it is one of the 108 Shiva temples revered by the Kerala Hindu culture
4) Kanyakumari: The land’s end that is home to beautiful temples, gorgeous beaches, stunning rock cut memorials and many forts
5) Poovar Island: A beautiful mix of serene backwaters (emerald), pristine beach (golden), majestic Western Ghats (green), swaying palms (green) and blue waters of the Arabian Sea
6) Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala home to the richest temple of India – Padmanabha Swamy Temple, gorgeous beaches and a lovely green metropolis
