People visit Papanasam for the 1000 year old Papanasanathar temple with the Thamirabharani river next to it, the offbeat Karaiyar dam, the medicinal Agastyar falls, the gorgeous Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the Sorimuthu Ayyanar forest temple. These are popular attractions and attract a lot of people. However, if you wish to see a true rustic gem with not so many people, I would recommend visiting the old iron bridge over the Thamirabharani river next to the Madura coats campus on the Papanasam to Chettimedu village road. Vehicles do not ply on this old iron bridge, but one can walk on it without any worry and enjoy the views of the Thamirabharani river, the surrounding forests and the mountains of the Western Ghats in the background. There are also steps at one end of the iron bridge that lead you to the Thamirabharani river. You can swim in the river here or you can watch the locals bathe their buffaloes and carry on their daily chores at the river bank. This is also a great place to strike a conversation with the locals and learn something about their culture.
Even though this bridge is located close to Papanasam and the main highway road, if you head away from Papanasam on this village road towards Madura Coats colony and Chettimedu, you will see some of the most authentic rustic environment in this district. On one side of the village road lies the Thamirabharani river and on the other side lie the farms and the villages under the shadow of the mountains of the Western Ghats. If you continue on this road, you will reach Manimuthar dam and the other check post of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. This entire route is picturesque with lots of rustic agricultural and cattle scenes.
Overall, this old iron bridge over the Thamirabharani river between Papanasam and Madura coats colony offers the perfect mix of nature and authentic rustic charm of Tamil Nadu. During the cooler months, this route makes for a great day trip with many natural and temple attractions on the way. During the warmer months, this place is perfect for a dip or swim in the river or a relaxed trip during the early hours of the morning. I recommend this location with many thumbs up for that offbeat rural experience.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
It is located in a lush tropical setting on the gorgeous Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni forest route. This offbeat waterfall in the middle of a dense jungle is a top scenic waterfall holiday destination of Kerala. The route you take to hike to the waterfall from the main forest highway is also frequented by elephants, gaurs and other wild animals and birds. And the hike takes you across multiple streams and gradients. Thus giving its visitors lots of adventure and joy even in the short 10 to 15 minute forest trek. I am talking about Kambhavurutty Falls located in the Konni reserve forest whose herbal waters make for a rejuvenating waterfall bath amidst the dense jungle of the Western Ghats. And thus making it perfect for a nature holiday in Kerala with family and friends.
Kambhavurutty falls offers a heady mix of a scenic drive, a short jungle trek, a picturesque location and a waterfall that is perfect for that relaxing bath in the middle of the forest. The adventure begins as soon as you park your car by the entrance and you start climbing the well marked out forest trail. Pretty soon, you step into the jungle stream that cross crosses the trekking trail and then you climb a hillock up and down to be greeted with the stunning sight of the Kambhavurutty Falls that falls from a wide rock while being surrounded by lush forests. A metal walkway takes you to the bottom of the waterfall where you can choose to bath under the waterfall shower that is being permitted or the one that has water force to your liking. After your relaxing bath under the thundering waterfall, you can relax on a rock with a book in hand, conduct a photo session with your family and friends, find a nice well shaded place and catch a short siesta. In all, a fabulous location for a weekend getaway in South Kerala, especially during the monsoon season or right after.
If you carry a picnic basket with you along with some towels, swim wear and a pair of sunglasses, you will treat yourself to a divine and rejuvenating waterfall holiday. As this place is managed by the Kerala forest department, you will have to buy entrance tickets for all the members in your group and parking ticket for your vehicle. You can park your vehicle on the side of the road that also doubles up as the forest highway. There is hardly any infrastructure here, but you may find a simple toilet and a street vendor or two selling local fruits and hot tea. A 10 minute walk through the forest on a lush trail crossing few streams will take you to Kambhavurutty Falls from the ticket counter. The hike and the final flight of stairs can get slippery when it rains, so do exercise caution.
Both Kambhavurutty falls and Manalar falls, further along the forest highway towards Mekkarai are proper jungle waterfalls and hence care should be taken to protect the waterfall and jungle surroundings from any pollution. So, do ensure to carry your trash with you (including dirty diapers) and do refrain from smoking and drinking inside the forest. And most importantly, do keep an eye out for elephants and other wild animals, especially if it happens to be raining or there is a thick mist cover. If you take care of the above, you will possibly enjoy a surreal jungle environment and have a ball of a waterfall holiday.
Best season to visit:
Kambhavurutty falls looks its best during the monsoon season from June to October. This is when the waterfall carries copious amounts of water and the vegetation is dense and lush. This time is perfect for trekking to the waterfall and enjoying its beauty, but might not be best to get under the waterfall for a bath. There is also the threat of leeches during this time of the year. Between November and February, the vegetation will continue to remain lush, the water force would be lower and the water much clearer. This would mean that you can enjoy the waterfall fully. Threat of leeches will also be lower at this time of the year. During March to May, the water levels would be lower and the heat and humidity would be higher. Reaching the waterfall will make you sweat, but a bath under the cool waters of the waterfall would make it worth the effort.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Punalur or Kollam, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
If you are traveling from Shencottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shencottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai –> Kerala Forest Check Post –> Manalar Falls –> Kambhavurutty Falls.
Where to stay:
There are a few budget hotels in and around Achankovil (about 8 kms away) for those looking to stay inside the reserve forest. There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai (about 8 kms away) that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi (about 25 kms away).
If you prefer to stay amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Where to eat:
The nearest place to eat would be either Achankovil in Kerala (about 10 kms away to the west) or Shencottai in Tamil Nadu (about 15 kms to the east). There are restaurants that serve basic tiffin and meals here. For more diverse options, Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu would be your nearest hub.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Manjolai: The unknown hill station gem of India
This gorgeous hill station is home to some of the most pristine forests in the Western Ghats. It’s climate, rich flora and fauna are influenced by the winds coming from all the three oceans surrounding the Indian mainland – Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It receives rains almost every month of the year. It receives rains from both the South West and North East monsoons, but since most of its valleys are facing the east, it receives bountiful rains during the North East monsoon. It is considered a giant during the North East monsoon and rivals most of the monsoon giants of the Western Ghats like Talacauvery, Chinakallar, Agumbe, Masthikatte, Castle Rock, Amboli, Malshej and Chorla for its annual rainfall. I am talking about the relatively unknown hill station of Manjolai that is located in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of South Tamil Nadu.
Manjolai is located at an elevation of about 4000 feet above MSL in the Western Ghats. It is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries. It’s rain water run-off feeds the Manimuthar Falls and the Manimuthar Dam. It is a beautiful mix of tea estates, fruit orchards and tropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. During the British rule, tea was first planted on this hill station and it was managed by the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation (BBTC). BBTC was given a lease by British India and the Singampatti Zamin for a period of 100 years in the year 1925. The salubrious climate allowed the tea estates to prosper and this gave birth to the tiny temples/churches, schools and houses in this hilly hamlet. Today, the 100 year old lease has come to an end and the government has decided to close the tea estates and restore the place back to its original glory. Manjolai will now come under the control of the Tamil Nadu forest department and the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
While this is great news for the forest, wildlife and for the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river, I feel sad for the people who used to call Manjolai their home. The government has planned to relocate them in the plains below, but I think it will be very tough for them. I hope the people of Manjolai can be employed in the forest department and PWD in the same region so that they feel some continuity with the region.
This is the last year before civilization disappears from Manjolai and it completely becomes a forest. Not that the civilization was huge here, but the tea estates, the iconic Manjolai rusk with lemon tea, the pretty little homes and the hill station vibes, they will all be missed for sure. But, I hope that as the forest and the region regenerates, we and our future generations can hopefully experience the Manjolai of the old before tea estates were part of the landscape. And I am sure, it will positively influence the weather patterns of the region and result in more inflows into the Thamirabharani river, which is the lifeline of South Tamil Nadu.
If you wish to experience this unknown hill station called Manjolai, visit soon, before the landscape changes and the hill station vibes disappear. Whether it is the winding and scenic drive from Manimuthar Falls to Manjolai, the amazing weather, the lush landscape, the yummy home made rusk, the raw nature, the umpteen waterfalls and the tiny village look n feel, there is so much to like about Manjolai.
For me, I love the fact that it one of the most prettiest virgin forests in the Western Ghats. It’s surroundings that are home to umpteen mountain streams and waterfalls carry some of the sweetest water in the region and that holds medicinal value too as it flows through medicinal herbs and plants. In simple words, it is a tropical forest paradise that is untouched by the burgeoning population of India. Manjolai, Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the connected Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is one of Western Ghat’s well preserved secrets and may be, that is why I love what this place has to offer. Don’t you wish to see and experience this place for yourself?
Best season to visit:
Manjolai is open all year round and can be visited in all seasons. Summers are incredibly pleasant and are a far cry from the hot plains below. The rainy season between October and December is magical here and this is when close to 3000 to 5000 mm of rain precipitates in three months and dresses up the surroundings in fresh green with full water bodies and waterfalls. January and February offer clearer weather with low humidity and this allows for clear views of the spectacular landscape that includes tea estates, forests, mountains, waterfalls and dams. June to August is when Manjolai is at its windiest best due to the winds blowing during the South West monsoon.
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head towards Cheranmadevi 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 Force IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road and you will reach the forest check post at Manimuthar Dam. You will have to get your permits checked here, pay the necessary fees and then drive onwards towards Manimuthar Falls, Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and then onto Kudrevetty.
How to get permits for this place in KMTR:
To travel to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/or Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the forest department at Ambasamudram. The permit costs INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 PM.
If you book a room at the forest rest house in Kudrevetty, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.
If you wish to stay in traditional Brahmin agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at Kallidaikurichi village.
If simple, yet modern hotels are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.
If you wish for a wide variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at the hotels in Tirunelveli.
Where to eat:
There are a few tea shops at Manjolai where you can find some basic snacks along with tea/coffee, but if you order in advance, you can get some food.
The forest rest house at Kudrevetty will prepare food for you if you happen to be staying with them. They will buy basic supplies once your booking is confirmed. However, if you have any specific requirements like country eggs, country chicken or any other requirements, you will have to inform them at least a day in advance.
There are a few family run restaurants at Oothu where you can get some local meals along with some tea and coffee. However, you need to order your meals at least a day in advance so that the people can arrange the ration and vegetables.
There are a few shack-like restaurants at Manimuthar village before the forest check post. Here, you can get basic meals and a decent array of tiffin items.
Other tourist attractions inside KMTR:
1) Nalumukku: The wettest place of India during the North East monsoon
2) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
3) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
4) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
5) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
6) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
It is a heavenly pit stop on the gorgeous Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni forest route. It’s location is fairly offbeat and hence it does not attract a lot of crowd. It’s lush environment is perfect for a nature holiday with family and friends. It’s herbal waters make for a rejuvenating bath amidst the dense jungle of the Western Ghats. I am talking about Manalar Falls, the stunning herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala.
Situated in the Konni reserve forest of Kerala, the Manalar falls is located deep inside the jungle and the location is so pristine that footprints of elephants and other wild animals are seen at this location quite often. Manalar falls offers a beautiful mix of a scenic drive, a short jungle trek, twin waterfalls and a lovely swimming pool at the base of the waterfall perfect for that relaxing dip inside the forest. One of the twin waterfalls is smaller in size, which makes it perfect for young children and elderly folks and the other one, which is a bit further up is perfect for adults, rowdy teenagers and those who love some thrill and adventure. The bigger Manalar waterfall is perfect for those people who love to feel the forceful waters of the waterfall on their head and back and then take a breather while wallowing in the swimming pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
If you carry a picnic basket with you along with some towels, swim wear and a pair of sunglasses, you will treat yourself to a divine and rejuvenating waterfall holiday. As this place is managed by the Kerala forest department, you will have to take buy entrance tickets for all the members in your group and parking ticket for your vehicle. You can park your vehicle on the side of the road that also doubles as the forest highway. There is hardly any infrastructure here, but you may find a simple toilet and a street vendor or two selling some local fruits and hot tea. A 10 minute walk through the forest will take you to the two waterfalls from the ticket counter. The hike can get slippery when it rains, so do exercise caution.
Both Manalar Falls and Kambhavurutty falls, further along the forest highway towards Achankovil are proper jungle waterfalls and hence care should be taken to protect the waterfall and jungle surroundings from any pollution. So, do ensure to carry your trash with you (including dirty diapers) and do refrain from smoking and drinking inside the forest. And most importantly, do keep an eye out for elephants and other wild animals, especially if it happens to be raining or there is a thick mist cover. If you take care of the above, you will possibly enjoy a surreal jungle environment and have a ball of a waterfall holiday.
Best season to visit:
Manalar falls looks its best during the monsoon season from June and October. This is when the waterfall carries copious amounts of water and the vegetation is dense and lush. This time is perfect for trekking to the waterfall and enjoying its beauty, but might not be best to get under the waterfall for a bath. There is also the threat of leeches during this time of the year. Between November and February, the vegetation will continue to remain lush, the water force would be lower and the water much clearer. This would mean that you can enjoy the waterfall fully. Threat of leeches will also be lower at this time of the year. During March to May, the water levels would be lower and the heat and humidity would be higher. Reaching the waterfall will make you sweat, but a bath under the cool waters of the waterfall would make it worth the effort.
If you are traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam or Punalur, take the road via Punalur –> Vettithitta –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Manalar Falls.
If you are traveling from Thenmala, take the road via Ottakal –> Edamon –> Valcode –> Cherukadavu Dam –> Chempanaruvi Falls –> Achankovil –> Manalar Falls.
If you are traveling from Shencottai, Tenkasi or Tirunelveli direction, take the road via Shencottai to Elathur –> Panboli –> Mekkarai –> Kerala forest check post –> Manalar Falls.
Where to stay:
There are a few budget hotels in and around Achankovil (about 8 kms away) for those looking to stay inside the reserve forest. There are a few resorts and homestays in and around Mekkarai (about 8 kms away) that offer simple accommodation with the best views. For a diverse range of decent hotels, head to Tenkasi (about 25 kms away).
If you prefer staying amidst nature, try the resorts in and around Courtallam, the accommodation inside Thenmala Eco Zone (Kerala) or the forest accommodation inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
For luxurious options, head to Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu or Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
Where to eat:
The nearest place to eat would be either Achankovil in Kerala (About 10 kms away to the west) or Shencottai in Tamil Nadu (about 17 kms to the east). There are restaurants that serve basic tiffin and meals here. For more diverse options, Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu would be your nearest hub.
This region is home to some of the most pristine forests in the Western Ghats. It’s climate is influenced by the winds coming from all the three oceans surrounding the Indian mainland – Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. It receives rains from both the South West and the North East monsoons, but since most of its valleys are facing the east, it receives bountiful rains during the North East monsoon. Such is the abundance of rains that it receives between October and December that it rivals most of the monsoon giants of the Western Ghats like Talacauvery, Chinakallar, Agumbe, Masthikatte, Castle Rock, Amboli, Malshej and Chorla. It receives between 3000 mm to 5000 mm of rain during the North East monsoon and between 5000 mm to 7000 mm for the whole year. I am talking about the relatively unknown village of Nalumukku that is located in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of South Tamil Nadu. It is located at at elevation of about 4600 feet above MSL in the Western Ghats. It is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries.
Nalumukku enjoys a typical Western Ghats hill station like weather. It is is lush, it is misty, it is wet and it enjoys some of the most well preserved forests in the region. Nalumukku is a tiny village that consists of a few houses and a post office. The village limit ends a few hundred metres from its start. At Nalumukku, the road forks into three, one going towards Oothu and Kudrevetty, one going towards Kakkachi and Manjolai and the other going towards Kodayar Dam. Dense mist almost always envelops the tea estates and forests surrounding this village and thus giving it a dreamy look and feel. Nalumukku and its surroundings are home to umpteen mountain streams and waterfalls each carrying some of the sweetest water in the region and that holds medicinal value too as it flows through medicinal herbs and plants. In simple words, if there was a tropical forest paradise that is untouched by the bursting population of India, it has to be Nalumukku and its surroundings. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the connected Agasthyamalai biosphere is one of Western Ghat’s most well preserved secrets and Nalumukku happens to be bang in the centre of it. It might be tough to access this place, but it is worth all the hassle. I cannot stop raving enough about the raw beauty of mother nature here.
Best season to visit:
Nalumukku is open all year round and can be visited in all seasons. Summers are incredibly pleasant and are a far cry from the hot plains below. The rainy season between October and December is magical here and this is when close to 3000 to 5000 mm of rain precipitates in three months and dresses up the surroundings in fresh green with full water bodies and waterfalls.January and February offer clearer weather with low humidity and this allows for clear views of the spectacular landscape that includes tea estates, forests, mountains and dams. June to August is when Nalumukku is at its windiest best due to the winds coming during the South West monsoon.
How to reach there:
If you are traveling from Tirunelveli, head towards Cheranmadevi 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 force IX battalion and Manimuthar village. If you head straight from Manimuthar village, climb the narrow road and you will reach the forest check post at Manimuthar Dam. You will have to get your permits checked here, pay the necessary fees and then drive onwards towards Manimuthar Falls, Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and then onto Kudrevetty.
How to get permits for this place in KMTR:
To travel to Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and/pr Kudrevetty, you will have to get permits in advance from the forest department at Ambasamudram. The permit costs INR 200 at Ambasamudram and you will have to pay vehicle fee and per person charge at the Manimuthar forest check post. The forest check post opens at 7 AM and closes at 6 AM.
If you book a room at the forest rest house in Kudrevetty, then that booking is good enough and you don’t need to get the permits in advance.
If you wish to stay in traditional Brahmin agraharam houses, you can try the home stays and guest houses at Kallidaikurichi village.
If simple, yet modern hotels are your thing, you can try Hotel Ambai Grand at Ambasamudram.
If you wish for a wide variety of hotels, you will have to try looking at the hotels in Tirunelveli.
Where to eat:
The forest rest house at Kudrevetty will prepare food for you if you happen to be staying with them. They will buy basic supplies once your booking is confirmed. However, if you have any specific requirements like country eggs, country chicken or any other requirements, you will have to inform them at least a day in advance.
There are a few family run restaurants at Oothu where you can get some local meals along with some tea and coffee. However, you need to order your meals at least a day in advance so that the people can arrange the ration and vegetables.
There are a few tea shops at Manjolai where you can find basic snacks along with tea/coffee, but if you order in advance, you can get some food.
There are a few shack-like restaurants at Manimuthar village before the forest check post. Here, you can get basic meals and a decent array of tiffin items.
Other tourist attractions inside KMTR:
1) Kudrevetty: The gorgeous windy station of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
2) Manimuthar Falls: The herbal waterfall inside a tiger reserve
3) Agastyar Falls: A gorgeous waterfall on the Thamirabharani river
4) Manjolai: The offbeat hill station of Tamil Nadu
5) Oothu: The quaint little hill station of Tamil Nadu
6) Kakkachi: The highest point inside Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
