Kalakkayam waterfalls at Thiruvananthapuram

If you are the kind of person least bothered about venturing out in the woods during the rainy season and is ready to take some risk and watch a waterfall in its full glory, then head for Kalakkayam waterfall located in the forests near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram district.

To reach Kalakkayam from Thiruvananthapuram, one has to come via Palode, which is about 35 kms from the city. From Palode take a deviation to reach Peringamala. Take a right turn from Peringamala to reach Kurisadi via Idinjaar, 12 km away. Since there are no signboards leading to the falls, from Kurisadi, one may seek local assistance to reach the spot of the waterfalls.

In and around the Kalakkayam waterfalls, it is an ambiance that defies words. The waterfall is part of the Mankayam stream that originates in the Agasthyavanam forest. A pool formed at the base of the waterfall is indeed worth a dip and the cool water simply enlivens your body. While attempting to cross the stream to reach the waterfall, one needs to watch the steps, as there are moss covered rocks, which are quite slippery.

The forest nearby the waterfall is also a great spot to watch birds and also other species of fauna and flora. A trail along the stream to explore the sights on either side is yet another option for those who would love to walk around a bit.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, about 50 km
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 60 km

Mordhana Dam vellore

Mordhana Dam

 It is a picnic spot where the dam is constructed between two hills which are dotted with bowers and greenery.

Thiruvallam Vellore

Thiruvallam Vellore

Thiruvallam (22 kms)  Located on the western bank of the Nuga river, a tributary of Palar river, it is famous for the ancient Shiva temple dedicated to Sri Vallanadeheeswarar. A note worthy feature of this shrine is that the Nandhi is not facing the Lord, but sits facing east.

Virinjipuram Vellore

Virinjipuram

Virinjipuram(19 kms) This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the southern bank of the River Palar. Around the basements and the pillars of the temple are a number of well-executed figures that can be seen singly and in lively groups in dramatic settings representing scenes in the social life of the people. There are several inscriptions here both in Grantham and in Tamil. The lion faced Simmakulam tank is considered to be very sacred.

padavedu temple vellore

padavedu temple vellore

Padavedu (35 kms)  This is now a desolate village with two important ancient temples, both of which are interesting places of pilgrimage. One is dedicated to Sri Ramachandraswamy and the other to Goddess Renukambal Amman. The temple of Sri Renukambal Amman is situated in an area of 6.29 acres. There are beautiful carvings depicting the invitation of Parasurama by Sri Renukadevi.

Government Museum Vellore

Government Museum 

 This is a multi purpose museum maintained by the Department of Museum Government of Tamil Nadu. It treasures ancient and present day curios relating to Anthropology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-history, Zoology, etc. Historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot district are gracefully depicted in the gallery. This museum is kept open on all days between 9.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m and 5.00 p.m. except on holidays.

Kalakshetra Foundation Chennai

Kalakshetra Foundation 

  In Thiruvanmiyur, beyond Elliots Beach is the Kalakshetra Foundation or the Temple of Art. Rukmani Devi Arundale founded it in 1936. The purpose of this center was to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. Ph: 24911844.