Sunday, December 22, 2013

Ulakkai Aruvi Falls, Azhagiapandipuram, Kanyakumari

Ulakkai Aruvi Falls, Azhagiapandipuram, Kanyakumari
Ulakkai Aruvi is a natural picturesque waterfall situated near Azhagiapandipuram Village of Thovalai Taluk in Tamilnadu. Ulakkai Aruvi, also referred to as Rod Falls, is a beautiful fall on Pazhayar (a village - meaning where several rivers merge). When the falls is viewed from a distance it resembles a pestle which in Tamil language is called "Ulakkai", hence the name. Even as the surrounding water sources and forests dry up in the sweltering summers, but the water still keeps flowing from this natural waterfall.








A pathway through the Reserve Forest leads tourists to this scenic waterfall. According to legends, the waters of the Ulakkai Aruvi have rejuvenating powers. Many tourists come here for bathing and to enjoy the nature. The falls is up in the middle of forested hills (the hills of the Western Ghats), which is accessible only by foot from the base of the hills. On a clear day, one can view the waterfalls from the base of the hills through naked eye, or even better through binoculars / zoom lens.









Waterfalls
Ullakaarvi waterfall comprises of two falls, the lower falls that serves as a beautiful picnic spot for the tourists visiting the area. The other is the higher falls that is located uphill. The water is basically spring water, coming in as a stream up from the hills nearby. Visitors can either enjoy bathing in the lower falls or trek further up to the higher falls.







Lower Falls:
The lower part of the Ullakaarvi waterfall is the place where trekker reach after hiking. The exquisite place serves as a great picnic spot where tourists can enjoy themselves listening to the resonating sounds of the cascading water. Visitors can also enjoy bathing here as the water is cool and then relax here for some time. Even during the summer months, the water here remains cool. However, during summer the flow of the water reduces to a certain extent. The water here can also be consumed.
Higher Falls:
To reach the Higher falls, one needs to climb about 200 meters uphill from Lower Falls (recommended only for healthy people who can climb and swim).
Connectivity
Ulakkai Aruvi Falls is located at about 2 Kms from Perunthalaikadu, 5 Kms from Azhagiapandipuram, 5 Kms from Derisanamcope, 7 Kms from Thittu Vilai, 8 Kms from Boothapandi, 19 Kms from Aralvaimozhi, 21 Kms from Thovalai, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 25 Kms from Suchindram, 44 Kms from Kanyakumari and 82 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Regular Buses are available from Nagercoil & Kanyakumari to Azhagiapandipuram. From Perunthalaikadu village, visitors need to walk about 2 Kms through bumpy & hilly path inside the forest to reach Ulakkai Aruvi Falls. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Nagercoil and Aralvaimozhi. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.