Palaruvi Waterfalls
The lovely cascade, extending over 300 feet and aptly named "the stream of milk", has been the summer getaway of the Travancore royalty since the 17th century. The tourism society, formed under the Forestdept., has now set up safe bathing and boarding facilities near the waterfalls for tourists. 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 water lavishly bubbles down with a white tinge and a hiss caused by a natural churning that gives it a milky hue, thus aptly christened Palaruvi. The remnants of yesteryear grandeur in the form of 'mandapams' and a stable can still be seen here. To get to the falls, one has to trek through narrow paths that run through the woods. Covered with dense tropical forests, the scenic beauty of the place enhanced by hills, valleys and cascades, is breathtaking. 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. 75 Kms away from Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkottai Roadnear Aryankavu, is the Palaruvi waterfalls. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Aryankavu. A sought-after picnic spot, the Palaruvi Fallsis managed by the local community and is best visited after the summer months.
75
Kms away from Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkottai road near Aryankavu, is the
Palaruvi waterfalls. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Aryankavu.
There
is a Palaruvi Vana Samrakshana Samiti created to protect this spot and some
incidents of fights were recently reported in the media between some visitors
and the PVSS. However the area is a
family torus spot with the help and vigil of local community.
Access
to palaruvi is 35 kilometers east of Punalur on the Quilon - Shenkottah road.
It is near Ariankavu mountain pass. There you can see ruins of ancient temples.
The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said
to be a preventive for many diseases.
Palaruvi
which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300
feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow
and the KTDC Motel 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 80 km.
