Ulakkai Aruvi is a natural waterfall situated in Azhagiapandipuram village of Thovalai Taluk. Water will be available in this water fall even in the summer season. Many tourists come here for bathing and to enjoy the nature. The pathway to this waterfall lies in the Reserve Forest. Ulakkai Aruvi is a beautiful falls on Pazhayar, close to its origin. It is so named as it resembles a wooden utensil in the shape of hour glass
Ulakkai Aruvi falls is about 35 km from Kanyakumari town and about 17 km from Nagercoil town, near Azhakiyapandiapuram village. The falls is up in the middle of forested hills (the hills of the Western Ghats), which is accessible only by foot from the base of the hills. When the falls is viewed from a distance it resembles a pestle which in Tamil language is called "Ulakkai", hence the name. The hour's trek from the base of the hills is through rocky, forested area, which is thrilling in itself. (On a clear day, one can view the waterfalls from the base of the hills through naked eye, or even better through binoculars / zoom lens).
There are two falls - the lower falls, which is a good picnic spot, and the higher falls, which is further uphill.
The water is basically spring water, coming in as a stream up from the hills nearby.
The lower portion of the waterfalls and the spot one reaches after the trek. This is a good picnic spot. The view from this spot of the greenery below the hills is exhilarating. Good to have bath and relax for an hour. The water here is cool even during the hot months, though the water flow is less during the summer months.
To reach the Higher falls, one needs to climb about 200 meters uphill (recommended only for healthy people who can climb and swim).
Ulakkai Aruvi Falls is definitely a place to go if you are a naturalist or a person looking for a natural attraction. It is one of the many waterfalls that are situated in the southern tip of India. According to the old legends Ulakkai Aruvi Falls has the rejuvenating power for the old people. Thus many people come to Ulakkai Aruvi Falls to feel rejuvenated.
Connectivity:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (Kerala)
By Train: Nagercoil (Tamilnadu)
By Road: Regular Buses are available from Nagercoil & Kanyakumari
BUS Route: Kanyakumari - Nagercoil – Puthery - Thittuvilai - Azhakiyapandiapuram --Perunthalaikadu.
Till Perunthalaikadu, there is road network. From Perunthalaikadu, you have to trek for about 3 Kms inside the forest to reach the falls. Have to climb the rocky steps to reach Ulakkai Aruvi.
