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.
