PALARUVI WATERFALLS

PALARUVI WATERFALLS

Palaruvi Waterfalls, 40th highest river falls when counted among Indian waterfalls and 3rd highest among the list of Kerala’s waterfalls. The waterfalls is inside the forests near Aryankavu ofKolla district, Kerala Meenmutty andSoochipara waterfalls are in first and second place among the waterfalls in Kerala state considering the falling heights. Palaruvi the third highest waterfalls seen in the River Kallada. Palaruvi falls has a height of 299 feet, ie 91 meters whereas Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls of Wayanadu district/Kerala, are having heights 300 meters and 200 meters respectively. Palaruvi waterfalls is classified under Horse Tail shaped single drop falls. Ofcouse the white stream of riverfalls resembles the shape of a white horse's tail, narrow at the starting point and spreads out by the tail end. Palaruvi [Stream of Milk] waterfalls are a seasonal waterfalls which shows its mightiness during the monsoons and mostly dries up in the midst of summer. The photographs of the river falls posted here are taken during the month of August, monsoon was going on moderately that time. In h Location : About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road

Best time to visit : June – Januar Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over South India The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk white burst of foam that resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest. Visitors love the cool shower. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi. Getting there: Palaruvi is about 75 km from Kollam town. Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 75 kmNearest air port Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 77 km from Kollam town.

The mountain fresh river stream is having its course through forests rich in medical plants and herbal flowers. Palaruvi waterfalls is thus considered to be much ideal for an ayurvedic herbal bath from the nature itself. Heard there are ayurvedic physicians who insists to take bath in this waterfalls.Watching closer, the water falling down seems like white threads through the rocks. Every single drop getting smashed through the rocks and spraying down like a white shower. Taking this snap standing just infront of the pool formed inside the rocks below the waterfalls. Obviously a pool filled with water and tourists taking dips and enjoying the fresh shower.The pool is shallow and swimmable.

A photo snap from the waterfall front, seen when you are nearing the falls through the rocks down there under the falls. As seen in the picture it's a two step waterfalls with two pools. The upper step falls into the first pool up in the rocks and inturn that pool spills and falls down through the rocks into the lower pool.Its said the upper pool is much deep and so dangerous and exploring there seems not a a nice idea considering the drownings happened before. Most of them at a primitive stage of this place before being a famous tourist spot. But most of the deaths were due to carelessness and taking alcoholic drinks.Now alcohol is strictly prohibited in here and places around. Palaruvi is now one of the safest and an amazing forest picnic point in southers Kerala. Special bathing places for Ladies and Kids are arranged downstream the main falls. Separate changing room for the ladies are built. Men and women life guards are posted who are always around incase you need a hand. If you are not under the influence of alcohol and you can watch your steps while walking through those rocks your life is safe here.

A small cafeteria where you can get snacks etc are is near the vehicleparking area from where we walks into the waterfalls. From the main route of Kollam-Thirumangalom, ie NH208, about 5kilometres you have to travel through the forest road to reach the palaruvi falls after taking the entry passes in the main gate seen besides the highway. Two check posts are on the way till reaching the falls. Exploring the forest will be nice if willing to walk,The forest around is filled with medical plants and trees. Some of them on the way to the waterfalls are labelled in green boards.Nice time to visit Palaruvi Waterfalls is from June to November. Point is it has to be rainy season or not much after the rainy season. Summer visits will make you witness only rocks instead of the falls.One problem is the place gets much crowded in times.: Palaruvi waterfalls is one of kerala’s most scenic waterfalls situated near the kerala – tamil nadu border, about 5 kms from Aryankavu. Palaruvi is at a distance of 75 kms from kollam town on the kollam – shencottai road. Palaruvi literally means stream of milk and the waterfall cascades down from a height of 300 feet. The surrounding mountains ranges with blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to this waterfall. Even the journey to this waterfall is a spellbinding experience in itself. Palaruvi is a favourite picnic spot for tourists from south India. The best time to visit this waterfall is in the months of june – January as during the summer it runs dry. Contact number for Palaruvi Tourism enquiries- 0475 2211200

                                                                           Prof. John Kurakar