The Vattaparai Falls is located in the Kanyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located at an elevation of 40 m (130 ft). The falls is located close to the Boothapandi village and is in the Keeriparai Reserve Forest. Located near the Pazhaiyar River it is almost 25 km north of Nagercoil and 32 km north-west of Kanyakumari.
Tourists can locate many waterfalls and springs in this area. Among them the Vattaparai Falls and Kalikesam Falls are mostly visited. It serves as a beautiful tourist spot surrounded by greenery. A small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali has been constructed here close to the falls. Devotees coming to this place visit the temple and offer worship to the deity. The small clear streams gushing out of the small hills adorn the beauty of this place. These streams are believed to have some medicinal values. People coming here take bath in these clean waters of the streams. This is a very serene and undeveloped place with only one small tea stall. One can enjoy water rushing through small mountain streams, ferns and pebbles in the rainforests.
Flora and Fauna of Vattaparai Falls
The Vattaparai Falls remains enclosed by thick green forests on all sides and these are home to a variety of animals, birds and insects. This is the elegant land of thick rainforest with rich flora and fauna. Many plants, trees and herbs grow here in the forests. The sight of the ferns and pebbles in the rainforests are alluring. The tourist spot is spread over an area of 20 sqkm and has been proposed to be developed into a Wildlife Sanctuary. This pollution free area is mostly visited by tourists wishing to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The area around the waterfall is untouched due to which one experiences an old world charm and beauty here. Vattaparai is known for its clean, clear crystal like water which it is believed has medicinal properties.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Vattaparai Fall is anytime between months November and June.
Nearby Places to Visit
There are some visiting places that are located at the vicinity of this waterfall.
•Thiruparappu Falls: It is notable for its surrounding which include a temple, attractive dams and paddy fields. Thiruparappu fall is born out of the fall of Kodiayar River. The river has a rocky bed which is about 91 m in length. The waterfall is located at a distance of 13 km from Pechiparao Dam.
•Padmanabhapuram Palace: The Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Nagercoil. The palace was built in 17th Century by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhraa Perumal. The wall of the palace is mostly wooden and reflects the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The palace is spread over an area of 6 acres and is located at the foot of Veli Hills of Western Ghats.
•Udaygiri Fort: The fort is located at Puliyoorkurichi which is situated a distance of 14 km from Nagercoil. Udaygiri Fort stands as the remains of the ancient Travancore power. The fort was constructed in 1600 AD which was later re-built by the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. One can also find a biodiversity park which is located within the Fort.
How to Reach Vattaparai Falls
Kanyakumari is well connected with other districts of Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Nagercoil and Kanyakumari. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is the nearest airway service that can be accessed by the tourists to visit the Vattaparai Falls.