Kalikesam Forest & Waterfalls – Kalikesam Falls
The
Kalikesam Falls is located in the Kanyakumari district of the southern Indian
state of Tamil Nadu. Kalikesam falls along with several other small cascades
are encased in the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary. The falls is surrounded by
forest on all sides and forms part of an active animal corridor. The long
stream is pollution-free and adds to the natural charm of the place. The
stream that flows at the end of the falls is believed to have healing powers,
to cure maladies. Unlike the Thirparappu fall, which has become a typical
tourist spot, here people are allowed to take ‘natural bath’.
The
place is depicted by spectacular flora and fauna. Apart from assorted flora and
fauna, the region has grown in to a bird watcher’s heaven. The other
cascade in the sanctuary apart from Kalikesam, is the Vattapparai Falls. Both
the falls form a part of the waterfalls created by the Western Ghats. The
Kalikesam Falls are particularly sourced by the River Boothapandi. Due to the rain forests surrounding the
cascades, animal wandering is common at the falls.
The
Kalikesam Falls were discovered by an enthusiastic trekker, exploring the
rainforests of the area. One can take a dip in the pond created by the
Kalikesam Falls below. However, the winter months are considered ideal to visit
these falls, as the animal frequency is restricted to night time. The Kalikesam
Falls remain perennial even in the dry months of summer season. Kalikesam Falls
is a charming spot where you can take pleasure in the beauty and tranquility of
nature at its best.
The
beauty of Kalikesam Falls is their purity – it’s one of the few streams in
India that is unpolluted so the water is crystal clear as it bubbles over rocks
and pebbles. Unlike many tourist spots, it still has a lovely untouched air
about it with pure, mountain water surging forward through magical mountains.
Kalikesam has a serpentine beauty which never lost the people’s attention. Kalikesam
Waterfalls is located uphill in another kilometer from Kali temple. The place
is quite safe and secluded and you could have real fun.
The
access to the Kalikesam Falls is only through a private vehicle, as there is no
public transportation facility available. There are no man-made facilities at
the Kalikesam Falls. A small shop selling tea and biscuits is the sole facility
in the area. The road leading to the area of the falls is also in a bad and
severe condition. Due to this, the entire area is under developed and lacks
even the basic infrastructural facilities.
