Thirparappu Waterfalls and Mahadevar Temple

Last week to spent our holidays we visited the place Thirparappu/Thriparappu (Malayalam: തൃപ്പരപ്പ്, Tamil: திற்பரப்பு).  It is famous for a great waterfall and a sivalaya temple.  Commonly the waterfall of Thirparappu is known as ‘Kumari Kuttalam’ (Kuttalam is a famous waterfalls in south India, Kumari itself Kanayakumari).  We knew only that much information when we started the journey.

We started our journey from Trivandrum through Marthandam, Kulasekharam via Thirparappu.  When we reached the place Thirparappu junction we had the confusion because the main road is splitting into two.  Right side road had the bus service and the other not.  Which way we are suppose to choose to reach Thirparappu.  To avoid the confusion there is a arch in the left side road to direct the people to waterfall.  We sent our vehicle through left side.  Commonly the waterfalls may not be found in habited area. But here we traveled through the residential area.  Within few minutes we reached the spot and parked the vehicle in the parking area.

By the side of the road we could find a channel.  Other side a board invited us to Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple.  It is the third Sivalyam of Kayakumari Sivalaya temples.  We went to the temple.  The environment of the temple was so peace.  Truly our mind will get relax if we go there.  Stone made the temple and it resembles Kerala Architecture.  The temple was build by Raja Raja Cholan.  Here the God is Lord Mahadevar (Siva).  That day was the special day of the God.  So the special pooja was going on the temple.  So would find the crowd.  The main occasion of this temple is Sivarathri.  After few minutes we came out and followed the way to the waterfall.

We paid the entrance fee, also they charged for camera. Then we moved to the waterfall through the steps.  Both the sides of the steps were many plants and tress and the plants were decorated with different beautiful shapes.  By enjoying the beauty of the plants again we followed way of waterfall.  Now we are in the waterfall.  ‘Wow’ what a beautiful place and scenery.  People were taking bath in the waterfall.  An excursion team from a school also was there in the waterfall.  Since for men and women separate places are there to take bath.  There were no chances for immoral activities.  After taking bath we went to the children’s park, which is maintained by Thirparappu Panchayath.  There was a swimming pool near by the waterfall and we have to pay if we go to the swimming pool.

This waterfall is on Kothayar/Kodayar River (which is originated from Kodayar Lake created by Pechipparai Dam).   Then we went nearby the riverside.  Since it was summer season a little amount of water seen in the river.  So we tried to cross the river in the shortcut way.  There were many rocks in the river.  In the river there was a Mandapam.  So we stayed here and there and enjoyed the nature.  Many more colourful fishes were swimming in the river.

There was a lake in the river, which was formed by a check dam.  Between the river and lake there was a bridge to across them. In the lake we could find the boating service.  We traveled through the bridge and reached the other side of the river.  There was a beautiful garden and a children’s park, which were maintained by Kadayal Town Panchayath.  Children were playing in the park.  Since it was summer season many ice cream sellers were there.  We had some ice cream to get relief from the hot.  To make more beautiful our journey we had boating also.  Like that we spent half of a day in our journey in Thirparappu.  By getting some things from the shops we return.

It is very good place for one day trip with family.  Here the bus service is not frequent, so better arranging a vehicle.  We hope since the palace is very famous, the Govt. authorities can make some more developments and facilities for public.

Location
Thirparappu, Near Marthandam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, INDIA

How to reach
Trivandrum: Trivandrum-Marthandam- Thiruvattar-Kulasekharam-Thirparappu - 57km

Trivandrum: Trivandrum-Kattakada-Kallikkad-Neyyardam-Vellarada-Kaliyal-Thirparappu- 52km

Nagercoil: Nagercoil-Thucklay-Azhakiyamandapam-Verkilambi-Thiruvattar-Kulasekharam-Thirparappu - 42km

Nearest
Railway Station: Marthandam (Kuzhithurai)
Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

Nearby Attractions
Pechipparai Dam, Mathur Aqueduct, Chitharal Rock-cut Temple, Neyyar Dam, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Aruvikkarai