Are you looking for a refreshing and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and charm of nature in its purest form? If yes, then you should definitely visit Thirparappu Falls, a stunning waterfall located in the southernmost district of India, Kanyakumari. Thirparappu Falls is one of the most popular and scenic attractions in Kanyakumari, and a must-visit for anyone who loves waterfalls. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Thirparappu Falls, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to do, where to stay, and more. Read on and discover why Thirparappu Falls is a hidden gem in Kanyakumari that you should not miss.
How to Reach Thirparappu Falls
Thirparappu Falls is located about 55 km from Kanyakumari town, and 5 km from Thirparappu village, in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The waterfall is situated on the Kodayar River, and has a height of about 15 meters and a width of about 300 meters. The waterfall is divided into two sections, one natural and one artificial, and has a beautiful rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at its base.
You can reach Thirparappu Falls by different modes of transport, such as road, rail, and air. Here are the details of each option:
By Road: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Thirparappu Falls is by road, as the waterfall is well-connected by a network of roads and highways. You can either take a bus, a taxi, or a self-drive car from Kanyakumari town, or from other nearby cities like Trivandrum, Nagercoil, or Madurai. The bus fare is around Rs. 50 per person, and the taxi fare is around Rs. 1000 for a round trip. The road journey takes about an hour and a half, and offers some scenic views of the countryside and the river.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Thirparappu Falls is Kulithurai Railway Station, which is about 20 km away. You can take a train from Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, or Nagercoil to Kulithurai, and then take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw to the waterfall. The train fare is around Rs. 30 per person, and the bus or taxi fare is around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300. The rail journey takes about 45 minutes, and the road journey takes about 30 minutes.
By Air: The nearest airport to Thirparappu Falls is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 70 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India or abroad to Trivandrum, and then take a bus, a taxi, or a self-drive car to the waterfall. The flight fare varies depending on the origin and the season, and the bus or taxi fare is around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500. The flight journey takes about an hour, and the road journey takes about two hours.
Best Time to Visit Thirparappu Falls
The best time to visit Thirparappu Falls is between October and February, when the water level is high and the weather is pleasant. During this period, the waterfall is at its full glory, and offers a spectacular sight to the visitors. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, and the rainfall is moderate. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that take place near the waterfall, such as Thiruvathira in December, Pongal in January, and Maha Shivaratri in February.
You can also visit Thirparappu Falls between March and May, when the water level is low and the weather is hot. During this period, the waterfall is less crowded, and offers a serene and calm atmosphere to the visitors. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C, and the rainfall is low. You can also enjoy the activities and experiences that are available near the waterfall, such as boating, swimming, and visiting the temple.
You should avoid visiting Thirparappu Falls between June and September, when the water level is unpredictable and the weather is rainy. During this period, the waterfall is prone to floods and landslides, and may pose a risk to the visitors. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C, and the rainfall is high. You may also face difficulties in reaching the waterfall, as the roads and bridges may be damaged or blocked.
Here is a list of the festivals and events that take place near Thirparappu Falls in different seasons, and how they add to the cultural and religious significance of the place:
Thiruvathira: This is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and devotion of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in the month of December, on the full moon day of the Malayalam month of Dhanu. On this day, women perform rituals and dances to seek the blessings of the divine couple, and men visit the temple and offer prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva. The festival is marked by the illumination of lamps, the decoration of flowers, and the distribution of sweets.
Pongal: This is a harvest festival that celebrates the bounty and prosperity of nature. It is celebrated in the month of January, for four days, from the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi to the third day of the Tamil month of Thai. On this occasion, people thank the Sun God, the Earth, and the cattle for their contributions to the agriculture and the livelihood. The festival is marked by the preparation and sharing of a special dish called pongal, made of rice, milk, and jaggery, and the decoration of kolams, or rangolis, with rice flour and colors.
Maha Shivaratri: This is a Hindu festival that celebrates the marriage and the power of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated in the month of February or March, on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna. On this night, devotees observe a fast and a vigil, and worship Lord Shiva with milk, water, flowers, fruits, and leaves. The festival is marked by the chanting of mantras, the performance of aartis, and the consumption of bhang, or cannabis.
Things to Do at Thirparappu Falls
There are many things to do at Thirparappu Falls, that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the activities that you can try at the waterfall:
Boating: One of the most popular and thrilling activities that you can do at Thirparappu Falls is boating. You can rent a boat from the boating center near the waterfall, and enjoy a ride on the Kodayar River, admiring the beauty and the serenity of the surroundings. You can also spot some birds and animals along the way, such as kingfishers, herons, monkeys, and deer. The boating fee is Rs. 50 per person, and the duration is 15 minutes. The boating is available from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays.
Swimming: Another fun and refreshing activity that you can do at Thirparappu Falls is swimming. You can take a dip in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall, and feel the cool and clear water on your skin. You can also splash and play with your friends and family, and have a great time. The swimming is free of cost, and the duration is unlimited. The swimming is available from 6 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays.
Visiting the Temple: One of the most sacred and serene activities that you can do at Thirparappu Falls is visiting the temple. You can visit the Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at the base of the waterfall. You can admire the architecture and the sculptures of the temple, and offer your prayers and offerings to the deity. You can also witness the rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple, such as the abhishekam, the aarti, and the prasad. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm, and from 4 pm to 8 pm, except on Mondays.
Places to Visit near Thirparappu Falls
There are many places to visit near Thirparappu Falls, that will make your trip more enriching and rewarding. Here are some of the places that you can visit along with the waterfall:
Padmanabhapuram Palace: This is a magnificent and majestic palace that was the former residence of the Travancore kings. It is located about 30 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is one of the finest examples of traditional Kerala architecture. The palace is made of wood, and has intricate carvings, paintings, and murals. You can explore the various sections of the palace, such as the king’s bedroom, the council chamber, the durbar hall, the museum, and the clock tower. The palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 35 per person, and the camera fee is Rs. 50 per camera.
Mathur Aqueduct: This is a remarkable and impressive engineering marvel that is the longest and highest aqueduct in Asia. It is located about 15 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is built over the Pahrali River. The aqueduct is 1240 meters long and 115 meters high, and has 28 pillars supporting it. You can walk on the aqueduct, and enjoy the panoramic views of the river, the hills, and the fields. You can also spot some birds and animals along the way, such as peacocks, monkeys, and squirrels. The aqueduct is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and is free of cost.
Vattakottai Fort: This is a historic and scenic fort that was built by the Travancore kings in the 18th century. It is located about 40 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is situated on the seashore. The fort is made of granite, and has a circular shape. You can see the remnants of the fort, such as the walls, the cannons, and the watchtowers. You can also enjoy the views of the sea, the beach, and the windmills. The fort is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and is free of cost.
Where to Stay near Thirparappu Falls
There are many options for accommodation near Thirparappu Falls, that will suit your budget and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts near the waterfall, with their ratings, prices, and features:
Hotel Tamilnadu: This is a budget and comfortable hotel that is located about 10 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. The hotel has 20 rooms, with basic amenities such as TV, AC, and attached bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a garden, and a parking facility. The hotel is rated 3.5 out of 5, and the price is Rs. 1000 per night for a double room.
Anantya Resort: This is a luxury and eco-friendly resort that is located about 20 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is situated on the banks of the Chittar Lake. The resort has 21 cottages, with modern amenities such as TV, AC, mini-bar, and balcony. The resort also has a spa, a pool, a restaurant, and a library. The resort is rated 4.5 out of 5, and the price is Rs. 8000 per night for a double room.
Estuary Island Resort: This is a premium and exotic resort that is located about 30 km from Thirparappu Falls, and is situated on an island surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the Poovar River, and the Neyyar Lake. The resort has 71 rooms, with elegant amenities such as TV, AC, fridge, and jacuzzi. The resort also has a gym, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The resort is rated 4 out of 5, and the price is Rs. 6000 per night for a double room.
Conclusion
Thirparappu Falls is a hidden gem in Kanyakumari that you should not miss. It is a stunning waterfall that offers a refreshing and relaxing experience to the visitors. You can enjoy the beauty and the charm of the waterfall, and also indulge in some activities and experiences that will make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. You can also visit some of the places near the waterfall, that will make your trip more enriching and rewarding. You can also find some of the best hotels and resorts near the waterfall, that will suit your budget and preferences. Thirparappu Falls is a perfect destination for anyone who loves waterfalls, nature, and culture.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Thirparappu Falls and enjoy its beauty and charm.
