Agastyar Falls: Perfect Solution to Beat Summer Heat

Summers are well and truly here and the heat has started affecting everyone. Summer vacations are also round the corner. Instead of staying couped up inside air conditioned environments all summer, there is a natural solution to beat the summer heat. And that natural solution is Agastyar Falls, a medicinal waterfall that is on the Thamirabharani river inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve near Papanasam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

The perennial Agastyar falls offers that perfect getaway for a bath under a herbal waterfall that is located amidst dense greenery. You also get a beautiful forest drive thrown in as an added bonus.



So, if you are headed to South Tamil Nadu during the summer holidays, do try visiting Agastyar Falls and find rich solace from the summer heat. At Agastyar Falls and the nearby Thamirabharani river, you can indulge in swimming, play some water sports, watch birds and wildlife, relax with friends and family and enjoy a picnic with them. If you wish to cool down further, you can try the summer fruit and drink - nongu and padhani after a rejuvenating waterfall bath. And if you happen to take bath in the early hours of the morning or later hours of the evening, you can try the local chukku malli kaapi and find a magical remedy to all your tiredness.

There are separate areas for men and women to bathe with small changing rooms nearby. There are metal barricades to protect you from slipping in case the force of the water is higher than normal. And there is lots of shade under large trees for you to eat your picnic lunch and catch an afternoon siesta.



Such waterfall baths are nature’s perfect recipe for summer holidays. Unlike most of the waterfalls, which go dry during the dry summer months, Agastyar falls and nearby Manimuthar falls, both located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve are perennial waterfalls that flow from deep in the Western Ghats. While both of them are perfect getaways for summers, Agastyar Falls is more accessible as motorcycles, autorickshaws and four wheelers are allowed, while only four wheelers are allowed towards Manimuthar Falls. Sorimuthu Ayyanar temple and the forest drive are also nearby attractions if you happen to choose Agastyar Falls. And then there is the temple town of Papanasam with its fast flowing Thamirabharani river enroute that also doubles up as an added attraction. Overall, Agastyar Falls packs a punch as a top summer holiday getaway. Let me know how you like this forest experience in rustic Tamil Nadu.

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Manimuthar Falls: The Herbal Waterfall inside a Tiger Reserve

This gorgeous waterfall starts in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and flows through medicinal plants and herbs. It is located inside a tiger reserve and it empties itself into a massive dam. It’s herbal waters are considered therapeutic and those who bathe under it find immense relaxation. I am talking about the Manimuthar waterfall that is located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.



The Manimuthar falls is not a tall waterfall, but it is more like a wide forest waterfall. It is surrounded by dense tropical forests on its three sides and on one side is the Manimuthar dam. The Manimuthar falls carries the water of the Manimuthar river that starts somewhere in the Manjolai range of the Western Ghats. This part of the Western Ghats is pristine and totally untouched. Beyond the Manimuthar dam, the Manimuthar river joins the Thamirabharani river a little downstream at Kallidaikurichi. A little bit away from the Manimuthar Falls is the Vanapechi Amman temple.



As the waterfall is located inside a tiger reserve, the location is clean and the only sounds that you usually hear are the gurgling of the water, the sound of the birds and may be a few calls of monkeys and other wild animals. This tropical waterfall offers a perfect location for a waterfall holiday inside a forest. Its rural access with canals, coconut plantations and paddy fields adds additional charm to its location. I recommend this herbal Manimuthar falls with multiple thumbs up! 



Best season to visit:

Manimuthar falls has water all year round, making it a perfect place to bathe almost all days of the year. The waterfall and its surroundings look the best during the monsoons, but this is also the time when there is copious amounts of water in the waterfall and hence bathing is banned. Bathing is only allowed when water is below a certain level.

How to reach there:

If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head words Cheranmahadevi and Kallidaikurichi. Just before Kallidaikurichi railway station turn left and take the road leading towards Manimuthar. You will cross Golden Nagar, Thekku Pappankulam, Tamil Nadu Special Police IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road, you will reach the forest check post and the Manimuthar Dam. You will have to pay the entrance fees at the check post and then you can drive straight to the waterfall.

How to get permits for this place:

If you plan on visiting just the waterfall, you can get necessary permits after paying the required fees. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 PM.

If you wish to travel further to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the Forest department office at Ambasamudram. The permits cost INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay the vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. If you book a room at the Kudrevetty forest rest house, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.



Where to stay:

If you wish to stay within the tiger reserve, you can book the forest rest house at Kudrevetty through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve website.

If you wish to stay in traditional agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at Kallidaikurichi village.

If simple, yet modern hotel rooms are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.

If you wish for a wider variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at Tirunelveli.



Where to eat:

There are a few shacks in Manimuthar village that offer you basic tiffin items like idli, dosa, puri, eggs, vada, etc. along with tea/coffee. If you want slightly more elaborate meals, you would need to go to Hotel Ramanas or Hotel Gowri Shankar at Ambasamudram. For much richer variety, you would need to go to Tirunelveli.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river

2) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu

3) Kudrevetty: The remote and windy hill station of Tamil Nadu

4) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East Monsoon

5) Oothu: A quiet hilly village inside a tiger reserve and surrounded by tea estates

6) Karaiyar Dam: Offbeat wildlife and nature holiday destination in India’s deep south

7) Courtrallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

8) Papanasanathar Temple: 1000 year old temple by the river Thamirabharani where you can wash all your sins away

9) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats

10) Mannarkoil Rajagopalaswamy Temple: Magnificent 10th century temple with an Ashtanga Vimana

11) Kallidaikurichi: The village of the saaral season

12) The hidden gem called Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

13) 10th century Kailasanathar Temple at Brahmadesam

14) 10th century Valiswara temple at Thiruvalisvaram

15) Kallidaikurichi to Manimuthar Dam: A top scenic and rustic cycling route

16) Cycling through the backyards of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

17) Kakkachi: The highest point in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

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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

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