Vattaparai Waterfall |
About: |
Vattaparai Falls is situated at an elevation of 40 meters in the Keeriparai Reserve Forest, near Bhoothapandi village along the Pazhayar River in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, South India. It is located 13 km north of Nagercoil and 32 km northwest of Kanyakumari. This region, covering around 20 km², is proposed to be designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can explore several small waterfalls in this area, with the most notable being Vattaparai Falls and Kalikesam Falls. A small Kali temple is located near the falls, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The location is underdeveloped, maintaining its natural beauty with only a small tea stall nearby. Visitors can enjoy the sound of water rushing through small mountain streams, surrounded by lush ferns, pebbles, and rainforest vegetation. The falls are located within a forested area that forms part of an active animal corridor, preserving the region’s ecological balance. The stream is pollution-free, and visitors are allowed to take natural baths, with some locals believing that the water has medicinal properties. |
Location info: |
Address: Keeriparai Reserve Forest, Bhoothapandi, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India |
District: Kanyakumari District |
Nearest City: Nagercoil (13 km north) |
Best time to visit: June to October (Monsoon season) |
Climate/Weather: |
Summer (March to May): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. |
Monsoon (June to October): Heavy rainfall, making the waterfall more active and the surroundings lush and green. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C. |
Winter (November to February): Pleasant weather, with cooler temperatures between 20°C and 27°C, ideal for visiting. |
Interesting Places to Visit: |
Kanyakumari Beach: The Kanyakumari Beach with its multi-colored sand and rocky shoreline is one of the most beautiful beaches in South India. Although the waves are strong and frequent, making swimming difficult, the beach offers stunning views of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Vivekananda Memorial Rock: Situated about 500 meters off the mainland, this memorial is built on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters. Built in 1970, the memorial honors Swami Vivekananda, who meditated on the rock. A meditation hall is attached to the memorial, offering a peaceful space for reflection. Gandhi Mandapam: Near the Kumari Amman Temple, this memorial was built at the location where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept for public viewing before immersion. The temple-like structure is designed so that on Gandhiji’s birthday, the sun's rays fall on the exact spot where the ashes were placed. Kalikesam Falls: Another serene waterfall located near Vattaparai Falls, surrounded by dense forests, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat for nature lovers. Padmanabhapuram Palace: A grand historical palace showcasing traditional Kerala architecture, located around 25 km from Vattaparai Falls. |
How to Reach: |
By Road: Vattaparai Falls is easily accessible by road. It is located 13 km north of Nagercoil and 32 km northwest of Kanyakumari. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Nagercoil or Kanyakumari to Bhoothapandi village, from where the falls are a short trek into the Keeriparai Reserve Forest. |
By Train: The nearest railway station is Nagercoil Junction, located about 13 km away from the falls. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Bhoothapandi village. |
By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 70 km from Vattaparai Falls. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nagercoil, and then proceed to the falls. |
Nearest Visiting Places: |
Vattakottai Fort & Beach: Vattakottai Fort (or 'Circular Fort') is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. Built in the 18th century as a coastal defense fortification and barracks for the Travancore kingdom, it was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer who became the commander of the Travancore army. The fort provides scenic views of the ocean and is a great spot for history enthusiasts. |
Padmanabhapuram Palace: Located in Padmanabhapuram Fort near the town of Thuckalay, about 20 km from Nagercoil, this historical palace is surrounded by a granite fortress. The palace is situated at the foot of the Veli Hills, part of the Western Ghats, and showcases traditional Kerala architecture. It is a significant cultural and architectural site in the region. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
1. Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Bhoothapandi: Located approximately 6 km from Vattaparai Falls, this is the nearest petrol station, conveniently accessible for visitors traveling by road. |
2. HP Petrol Pump, Aralvaimozhi: Situated about 12 km from the falls, this is another nearby option for refueling on the way to or from Vattaparai. |
3. Bharat Petroleum Pump, Nagercoil: Located around 13 km from the falls in Nagercoil town, this petrol pump is well-suited for visitors coming from the town. |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Singaar, Kanyakumari: A well-known hotel offering comfortable accommodations and sea views, located in the heart of Kanyakumari. Hotel Sea View, Kanyakumari: A popular choice for travelers, this hotel provides luxurious rooms and panoramic views of the ocean, close to key tourist spots. Hotel Samudra, Kanyakumari: This beachfront hotel offers serene views and easy access to Kanyakumari Beach, providing a relaxing stay. Hotel Trisea, Kanyakumari: Located near the main tourist attractions, this hotel offers modern amenities and comfortable lodging options. |
Help Line/Phone Numbers: |
Police Stations: Kanyakumari Police Station: Phone: 245678 Asaripallam Police Station Office Of The Superintendent Of Police Kottar Police Station |
Nearest Hospitals: CSI Hospital: 221111 Vijayakumar Hospital: 276789 Abdul Kadher Hospital: 240900 Catherine Booth Hospital: 275789 Dr. Kumarsamy Health Center: 270789 Kumaran Nursing Home: 231500 Irudhayams Hospital: 241789 Bedesta Hospital: 232900 Jeyasekhran Hospital: 271900 Krishnakumar Hospital: 230100 J. Mathias Hospital: 223900 Manju Nursing Home: 273900 Holy Cross Hospital: 230700 Moses Mathias Hospital: 232900 Moris Mathias Hospital: 276100 |
Vattaparai Waterfall |
VattaKotai Fort & Beach: |
Vattakottai Fort (also known as the 'Circular Fort') is a remarkable seaside fort located near Kanyakumari at the southernmost tip of India. Constructed in the 18th century, this fort was designed as part of the coastal defense system for the Travancore kingdom. Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, a former Dutch naval officer who became a trusted commander in the Travancore army under King Marthanda Varma, oversaw the construction of this fort. The fort's strategic location provided protection from sea invasions, and today, it offers panoramic views of the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The fort’s unique architecture, lush greenery, and pristine beach make it a popular destination for history lovers and travelers looking for serene natural beauty... more |
Padbanabhapuram Palace: |
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located within Padmanabhapuram Fort, near the town of Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. It is about 20 km from Nagercoil and is one of the finest examples of traditional Kerala architecture. The palace complex, situated inside an ancient granite fortress approximately four kilometers in length, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Nestled at the foot of the Veli Hills, part of the Western Ghats, the palace features intricately carved wooden ceilings, beautiful murals, and a remarkable collection of antiques and artifacts. The scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery, makes Padmanabhapuram Palace a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and admirers of architecture... more |