Agastyar Falls: Perfect Solution to Beat Summer Heat

Summers are well and truly here and the heat has started affecting everyone. Summer vacations are also round the corner. Instead of staying couped up inside air conditioned environments all summer, there is a natural solution to beat the summer heat. And that natural solution is Agastyar Falls, a medicinal waterfall that is on the Thamirabharani river inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve near Papanasam in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

The perennial Agastyar falls offers that perfect getaway for a bath under a herbal waterfall that is located amidst dense greenery. You also get a beautiful forest drive thrown in as an added bonus.



So, if you are headed to South Tamil Nadu during the summer holidays, do try visiting Agastyar Falls and find rich solace from the summer heat. At Agastyar Falls and the nearby Thamirabharani river, you can indulge in swimming, play some water sports, watch birds and wildlife, relax with friends and family and enjoy a picnic with them. If you wish to cool down further, you can try the summer fruit and drink - nongu and padhani after a rejuvenating waterfall bath. And if you happen to take bath in the early hours of the morning or later hours of the evening, you can try the local chukku malli kaapi and find a magical remedy to all your tiredness.

There are separate areas for men and women to bathe with small changing rooms nearby. There are metal barricades to protect you from slipping in case the force of the water is higher than normal. And there is lots of shade under large trees for you to eat your picnic lunch and catch an afternoon siesta.



Such waterfall baths are nature’s perfect recipe for summer holidays. Unlike most of the waterfalls, which go dry during the dry summer months, Agastyar falls and nearby Manimuthar falls, both located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve are perennial waterfalls that flow from deep in the Western Ghats. While both of them are perfect getaways for summers, Agastyar Falls is more accessible as motorcycles, autorickshaws and four wheelers are allowed, while only four wheelers are allowed towards Manimuthar Falls. Sorimuthu Ayyanar temple and the forest drive are also nearby attractions if you happen to choose Agastyar Falls. And then there is the temple town of Papanasam with its fast flowing Thamirabharani river enroute that also doubles up as an added attraction. Overall, Agastyar Falls packs a punch as a top summer holiday getaway. Let me know how you like this forest experience in rustic Tamil Nadu.

Ottakkal Weir View Point: Lovely Pit Stop on the Thenmala – Kollam Highway

It is home to a lookout tower that offers an aerial view of a weir bridge, the Kallada river, the Shendurney wildlife sanctuary and the mountains of the Western Ghats in the background. It is a great place for photographers, nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. I am talking about the Ottakkal weir view point and its 20 meter high tower with a spiral staircase and a circular platform at two levels all of which make for a lovely pit stop on the Thenmala – Kollam highway.



The Ottakkal weir view point that is part of the Thenmala ecotourism project and a major point of Kallada Irrigation Project, is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate your senses with soothing sounds and sights of nature. Once you are done enjoying the view from the lookout and if you have time at hand, you can walk down to the river base and weir bridge. This will allow you to get closer to the river and get a different view of the surrounding nature. There is also a motorable road that connects to the weir bridge, but it looks like one needs permission from the authorities to take their vehicle in. No permissions required if you are on foot. This place would make for a fabulous pit stop during the rainy season when the river is full of water and the surroundings are full of lush nature. Do not miss to take a break at this pit stop when you are driving or riding towards Thenmala from either Kollam or Thiruvananthapuram. There are a couple of shacks selling some local fruits, tea and snacks. It might be a great idea to have a mini brunch here while enjoying the serene views.



Other nearby tourist attractions

1) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycle route through pristine forest

2) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages

3) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu

4) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely Brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views

5) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway

6) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala

7) Kambhavurutty Falls: Scenic Waterfall Holiday Destination of Kerala

8) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

9) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

10) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways

11) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

12) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers

13) Achankovil Saastha Temple: That happy Lord Ayyappa in the middle of pristine jungle

14) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky

15) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view

16) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats

17) The exotic tropical fruits of Puliyarai

18) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple

19) Shangumugham Beach: The tranquil and divine beach of Thiruvananthapuram

20) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

21) Varkala Beach: The stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

22) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail

23) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama