Palaruvi Falls

Aryankavu, Kerala, India

About Palaruvi Falls

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Palaruvi Falls was one of those waterfalls that apparently had ayurvedic healing properties.

We were told that such properties came about as a result of the stream meandering through some natural herbal groves further upstream.

Palaruvi_Falls_044_11192009 - Looking up towards the top of the Palaruvi Falls
Looking up towards the top of the Palaruvi Falls

To make it easier for visitors to get the benefit of these ayurvedic properties by bathing in the waterfall’s waters, Julie and I noticed there were changing rooms as well as designated gender-separated bathing areas in the stream itself.

Experiencing the Palaruvi Falls

As for photographing the Palaruvi Falls, I found out that it wasn’t easy as the most direct view of the falls was only available in the ladies only section so only the ladies could get it.

However, even that view wasn’t that great thanks to large boulders obstructing views of the bottommost sections of the tall waterfall.

The difficulty was exacerbated because the male-only side appeared to be off limits due to a rockfall (probably the same one that obstructed views from the ladies side) that apparently washed out a bridge.

Palaruvi_Falls_006_11192009 - Context of the Palaruvi Falls and the gender segregated paths each yielding a different viewing experience
Context of the Palaruvi Falls and the gender segregated paths each yielding a different viewing experience

So I had to rely on Julie to go to the female section to take the more frontal photographs of the waterfall.

Beyond the bathing area, the walking path ascended a set of stairs leading up to a sheltered overlook.

From that vantage point, it was difficult to capture the whole falls since it was too close to Palaruvi Falls, especially since the waterfall itself was too tall.

Proclamations about the Palaruvi Falls

It was said that this falls was around 300ft tall (other sources have claimed it to be 91m tall or 299ft).

Nonetheless, there were more cascades and rapids further downstream of the main falls perhaps adding to our perception that Palaruvi Falls was indeed tall and impressive.

Palaruvi_Falls_005_jx_11192009 - The most direct view of the Palaruvi Falls, which Julie managed to capture from the ladies only side
The most direct view of the Palaruvi Falls, which Julie managed to capture from the ladies only side

There was also a sign near the turnoff from the main road proclaiming that this was the most beautiful falls in Kerala.

Well, we thought that claim might be a bit boastful since we felt Athirappilly Falls was more scenic than this one.

Nonetheless, beauty is ultimately in the eye of the beholder so I’m sure someone else could easily think otherwise.

The Family of Ayurvedic Waterfalls

The Palaruvi Falls were actually considered to be a member of a cluster of other waterfalls apparently with ayurvedic healing properties.

This one was the only one in that cluster that I know of in Kerala while the others were across the nearby state border in the state of Tamil Nadu near the town of Courtallam (pronounced “kor-TALL-um”).

Palaruvi_Falls_022_11192009 - Looking down towards the bottom of the Palaruvi Falls near the closed men's only area, where I'd imagine some people would bathe in to get some of the Ayurvedic properties of the water
Looking down towards the bottom of the Palaruvi Falls near the closed men’s only area, where I’d imagine some people would bathe in to get some of the Ayurvedic properties of the water

I understand that the name Palaruvi meant “stream of milk” in the local dialect.

Like Dudhsagar Falls, I’m sure there was a bit of a religious Hindu tie-in with the milk reference.

Authorities

Palaruvi Falls resides near Kollam in the Kollam District of Kerala State, India. It is administered by the Kollam District Government. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can visit their website.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: kollam, kerala, ayurvedic, bathing, india, waterfall, tamil nadu, border, palaruvi, milk



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.