Tamilnadu Tourism

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.

Location

Kalikesam Forest & Waterfalls, Kanyakumari

Kalikesam Forest & Waterfalls, Kanyakumari

Kalikesam is located in the Kanyakumari wild life sanctuary in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. Kalikesam is located in one of the remote areas of Kanyakumari and it is comparatively undiscovered and undeveloped to the other natural attractions of the state. Thickly forested hillsides and rubber plantations surround the area. There is a rocky river with crystal clear water. It is a nice place for people who love peace and nature. Kalikesam is unique in that it is a conjunction of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem-the shola forest where the trees are evergreen, the main forest and the marshy swamps.

The peace and calmness of the forest makes the viewers astonished. The place gets plenty of rainfall and enjoys pleasant weather round the year. Being a remote place, which attract too much of crowd for drinking liquor and some illegal activities. There are no facilities available in this place. There is only one small shop which sells tea and biscuits. It is advisable to avoid staying back at the scene after evening since there may be wild animals wandering about or a quick rain likely causing the river to flood in a few minutes which will cut your road from the main land.

When the monsoon starts in Kerala, the forest river starts getting water. Though the water is ankle deep one has to be very careful with the swirls. The forest river is a real wonder to see and step in during the summer but when there is heavy rain, it is absolutely unadvisable to go to this place. Beware, even in this technology improved decade, there is very remote chance of your mobile phones getting a signal. The specialty of this place is the river that flows in this area which is almost crystal clear. The place is quite safe when there is not much of rain.

Take food along with you if you want to spend some time here as there are no hotels nearby because of forest is come under wildlife Sanctuary. Just before reaching the spot there is a police aid post and your vehicle will be searched for liquor or substances of hazardous nature to the environment. If the driver of the vehicle is drunk, a fine is guaranteed. If any liquor bottle is ceased from your vehicle they will smash it in the rocks nearby. The water in the river is the cleanest water you will ever find and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.