Ayyanar Falls
Ayyanar Falls are located 10 km (6.2 mi) west of Rajapalayam
city and municipality in Virudhunagar District in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu.
They can be placed at a distance of 10
kilometers from Rajapalayam village. Ayyanar Falls are a part of the eastern
slopes of the Western Ghats of the south. The source of water to these falls is
the monsoon rains in the region. The water of the cascade is believed to be
very pure and hence used by the nearby villages for drinking purpose. These waters are also used for irrigation in the surrounding areas, by the local
farmers. The area near the Ayyanar falls is ideal for woodland mountain
climbing for the tourists.
The falls is one
of the main attractions of Rajapalayam, and is a
famous tourist spot for the people living in East part of Virudhunagar District,
especially Srivilliputtur and Sivakasi.
It provides good opportunity for woodland mountain
climbing. A dam is
situated on the way to Ayyanar Falls which provides water for the whole city.
The name Ayyanar is
given to these falls because there is a small forest temple named Ayyanar
Temple beside the falls. Water from Ayyanar Falls is the only source of water
for irrigation developments
in the city of Rajapalayam. Ayyanar falls are amongst many cascades that grace
the southern part of the state of Tamil Nadu.
A long trek of
about 3 hours, along with some climbing, leads to the prestigious falls of
Ayyanar. The Ayyanar falls are a natural flowing cascade. The height of these
falls is 15 feet above sea level. The ideal time to visit the Ayyanar falls is
in the months of September to January, after the monsoons subside. The Ayyanar
forest area is graced with many water bodies such as waterfalls, springs and
streams, bringing greenery into the area.
The 15 feet high
segmented Ayyanar Falls has dense forest as its backdrop. The forest with its
natural beauty is an added attraction to this place. It is advised by the
forest department not to venture near the falls during heavy monsoon rains as
it would cause the waters to flood in a very short span of time.
Geographically
protected by verdant hills on all sides, the falls is located in the midst of
scenic green vegetation and is off-limits for the public. But several spots on
the way to the falls appear to be popular picnic locations. Many rare and
endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes here.
The falls are
maintained by the Department of Forest, Tamil Nadu and by the Rajapalayam
Municipality. Located in lush woodlands, Ayyanar Falls is a delightful place to
enjoy the magnificence of nature. Located on the eastern slopes of the mighty
Western Ghats, trekking to these falls will give you a great opportunity to
enjoy woodland mountain climbing. You will need permission from the Forest
Department to trek to Ayyanar Falls. The ascent to the falls will take you
about three hours.
The forest is home to the Grizzled Squirrel
and Varaiyadu Goat, so it is a protected area. It is recommended that you
return before sundown as the forests are home to wild elephants.
Apart from the
Ayyanar falls, other tourist destinations around the area are Ayyanar Kovil, a
dam near the falls, Srivilliputtur, Ayyanar Koil Forest area, Sri Vallakattu
Karuppasamy Kovil, Sanjeevi Hills and Shenbagathoppu Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife
Sanctuary. Tourism is the main source of livelihood for the people residing in
the neighboring villages of the Ayyanar falls. Some of the important tourist
destinations have been elaborated below:
Ayyanar Koil Forest Area
The Ayyanar
forest area is graced with many water bodies such as waterfalls, springs and
streams, bringing greenery into the area. The famous Ayyanar temple is
located within this forest. Hiking, trekking and mountaineering is undertaken
by the locals and tourists visiting this forest area.
Sri Vallakattu Karuppasamy
Kovil
This temple is
located near the Ayyanar temple, in the middle of the Ayyanar forest area. This
temple is the most coveted in the region.
Connectivity
By Air
The nearest
airport to Rajapalayam is Madurai which is located at a distance of about 79
Kms. After reaching here, you can reach Rajapalayam through train, bus or by
hiring a private taxi.
By Rail
The nearest rail
head to Ayyanar Falls is Rajapalayam at a distance of about 12 Km from the
Ayyanar falls. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the falls from
the railway station.
By Road
The nearest bus
station is located in Rajapalayam at a distance of about 10 Km and it in turn
is connected with other major cities of Tamil Nadu through a well developed
network of roads.