KERALA TOURS - SOUTH KERALA WATERFALLS KAALAKKAYAM

KAALAKKAYAM WATERFALLS

It is the season of the Monsoon and the rivers and water bodies of Kerala are experiencing a new lease of life. If you are the kind of person least bothered about venturing out in the woods during the rainy season and is ready to take some risk and watch a waterfall in its full glory, then head for Kaalakkayam waterfall located in the forests near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram District. 

To reach Kaalakkayam from Thiruvananthapuram, one has to come via Palode, which is about 35 kms from the city. From Palode take a deviation to reach Peringamala. Take a right turn from Peringamala to reach Kurissadi via Idinjaar, 12 km away. Since there are no signboards leading to the falls, from Kurissadi, one may seek local assistance to reach the spot of the waterfalls. 

In and around the Kaalakkayam waterfalls, it is an ambiance that defies words. The waterfall is part of the Mankayam stream that originates in the Agasthyavanam forest. A pool formed at the base of the waterfall is indeed worth a dip and the cool water simply enlivens your body. While attempting to cross the stream to reach the waterfall, one needs to watch the steps, as there are moss covered rocks, which are quite slippery. 

The forest nearby the waterfall is also a great spot to watch birds and also other species of fauna and flora. A trail along the stream to explore the sights on either side is yet another option for those who would love to walk around a bit. 

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, about 50 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 60 km.

KERALA TOURS - SOUTH KERALA WATERFALLS MANKAYAM

MANKAYAM WATERFALL

Close to the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram is Mankayam, situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk. This water spectacle can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department.

At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State.

Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi. The spectacular falls at Kalakayam and Kurisadi can be seen and enjoyed from view points provided by authorities. The Kurisadi Ghat offers an excellent spot for bathing.
With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.

From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. An interior area trek here, covering Iruthala Moola - Ayampara is a half day trek, which also would enable one to witness the Ayampara waterfalls and some of the wildlife in the area. Adventure inclined visitors may opt for the one day Mankayam - Varayadin Mottai trek. This trek would take one through rolling valleys, grasslands and shola forests. You would also come across the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; a species of wild goat, at the peak of Varayadin Mottai. Camping options are available here along with trained guides
Getting there
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 55 kms.
Nearest railway station: Thiruvanathapuram Central, about 45 kms.

KERALA TOURS - SOUTH KERALA WATERFALLS PERUNTHENARUVI

PERUNTHENARUVI WATERFALL

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, is a natural fall

 down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot

GETTING THERE:
36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira 

KERALA TOURS - SOUTH KERALA WATER FALLS ARUVIKKUZHI

ARUVIKKUZHI WATERFALL

Aruvikkuzhi is a beautiful picnic spot with a waterfall cascading down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. It is located a few km away from Kottayam town.

KERALA TOURS - SOUTH KERALA WATERFALL PALARUVI

PALARUVI WATERFALL

Location: About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

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.

Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel here offer comfortable accommodation.

The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam about 75 km. 
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 km from Kollam town.