Vattapparai Falls, Boothapandi, Kanyakumari
Vattapparai
Falls is located in the Keeriparai Reserve forest near Boothapandi on the Pazhayar River in Kanyakumari
District of Tamilnadu. Keeriparai Reserve forest area of about 20 km2 (7.7 sq. mi)
is proposed to be a Wildlife Sanctuary. There are a few small waterfalls in this area - the famous
ones being Vattapparai Falls and Kalikesam falls. The falls is falling from a
height of 60 feet on rocks and as the rocks does not provide standing space, it
is not possible to take a bath in the falls.
This is
a serene and peaceful place. One can enjoy water rushing through small mountain
streams, ferns and pebbles in the rainforests. The falls are surrounded by
forest on all sides and forms part of an active animal corridor. The long
stream is pollution-free. People can take a natural bath here and it is
believed that the water from the stream has some medicinal effects. It is unlike the most popular falls in this
district, the Thirparappu Water Falls on the Kodayar River, which has become a typical crowded tourist
spot.
The
forest is also a haven for nature walkers and trekkers alike. Many small
streams and rivers can be seen running along the forest tracks. In addition,
this is a perfect place for nature lovers which rejuvenate its visitors through
its untouched beauty. Overall, Keeriparai is one among the few well preserved forests
in South of India. The Keeriparai and Maramalai hills are habitats for
wild Elephants and Indian
Bison.
The
forests contain species such as Mesua ferrea, Bischofia
Javanica, Vitex altissima to smaller trees of Dillini a
species festooning climber, shrubs, valuable herbs, variety of orchids, two
types of canes, many indigenous palms and cycas. The important timbers are
teak, rosewood, vengai and aini. There are different varieties of medicinal
plants that are found in the forest of Keeriparai. This place is rich in
wildlife with at least 25 types of mammals, about 60 species of birds including
14 species of migratory birds and many species of fishes, reptiles and
amphibians listed.
Connectivity
Vattapparai
Falls is exactly located on the north west of Kanyakumari near Boothapandi in
Keeriparai reserve forest. Vattapparai Falls is located at about 750 meters from
Boothapandi, 1.5 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 7 Kms from Putheri, 14 Kms from Thovalai,
12 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 10 Kms from Thadikkarankonam, 6
Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 17 Kms from Chellanthurithy, 27 Kms from Kulasekharam,
5 Kms from Thazhakudy, 18 Kms from Keeriparai, 30 Kms from Kanyakumari and 83
Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Aralvaimozhi
and Nagercoil. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
State
transport or private buses/cabs can be hired to reach the place. From
Nagercoil, Vattapparai Falls can be reached via Putheri towards Thadikarankonam
and Keeriparai. After reaching Keeriparai there is a small bridge. The road
forks onto two here - the left after the bridge goes to Kalikesam and the
right after the bridge goes to Vattapparai falls and Balmore Estate. It is
better if you have your own vehicle. Otherwise you will have to rely on
erratic State Govt. bus services from Nagercoil.