Mathur Aqueduct & Thirparappu Falls - Trip Report

These two attractions are within 60KM of Kanyakumari and are both worth a visit. Getting to these places can be a problem and as first timers, we got lost a few times before locating the spots - the roads are narrow and not well maintained and direction markers are rare - so, you end up having to check with the locals and most of them don’t speak anything other than Tamil.

Mathur Aqueduct is one of the longest and highest aqueducts in South Asia. It was constructed in 1966 over the Pahrali River to carry water for irrigation from one hill to the other over a distance of about one kilometer. It is held up by 28 huge concrete pillars that reach a maximum height of 115 feet. The trough has a height of 7ft and width of 7.5ft. The concrete slabs on top of the trough allow visitors to walk on the bridge. A huge flight of stairs allow access to the trough from the level of the Pahrali river. The scenery from the top is fantastic - beautiful greenery flanked by the Western Ghats and the river flowing through the middle - and the mountain air is amazingly fresh.  Extra precaution must be taken when taking small kids up - there is a  gap between the concrete rails through which kids can easily slip through.

Thirparappu falls is located near Kulasekaram. The falls is in the Kodayar River, about 13KM from Pechiparai Dam. Thirparappu weir is a short distance up the river and that irrigates the adjacent farms. Between these two spots is a Siva Temple and a swimming pool is available there as well. The temple is famous for its many inscriptions dating back to the Pandiya King of the 9th century. The falls are around 300ft wide and drops about 50ft. There is a very nominal entry fee of Rs 5 for adults and there are changing rooms, separate for men and women. The rooms and the facilities in general are in poor condition (toilets are repulsive) but one can still enjoy what is on offer from mother nature, with the right mindset. 






Related Posts: 

  1. Kanyakumari (Cape Comerin) Trip Report
  2. Mathur Aqueduct & Thirparappu Falls - Trip Report
Last Updated: 11/2013. 


No comments :

Post a Comment