Palaruvi: The stream of milk

Submitted by aurora on

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.The falls, which is a memorable experience, is visited by one lakh people every year.The force of the waterfall produces milky white froth, and hence the name Palaruvi. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.Situated miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a tour to Palaruvi indeed goes a long way in rejuvenating your senses and bringing you close to nature.The Palaruvi waterfall will rejuvenate your soul.The Best Time to Visit Palaruvi is from June to January.

Palaruvi is inside thick forests on the high ranges off Thenmala in Kollam district. It is near the Tamil Nadu border, 5 kms from Ariankavu.The water falls is into a shallow pool and is ideal for swimming. During the rainy season, Palaruvi waterfalls is attarctive and normally get crowded by thousands of tourists. The water gushing during the monsoon season is a sight to behold. The fall gets dry during the summer season and the mansoons bring it to its full glory. The area is considered family safe and the pool is relatively shallow for a dip.Visitors love the cool shower.The water is known to have healing properties which cures the people and so they take a bath in the pool of water formed by the waterfall Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi. At Perumthenaruvi, the waterfall crashes down to a rocky bed 100 ft. deep in the ravine. This place too is quite often visited.

Besides bathing in the delightful waterfall, trekking is the main activity at Palaruvi which attracts a lot of tourists. Palaruvi Trekking- Covering 5 km, this trek to the top of the fall and back, covering streams, ancient caves, evergreen forests and reed breaks of the upper reaches will take about 3 hours.The second trekking path covers fall, crossing streams, forest and endangered Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica) to the borders of Tamilnadu. This Trek known as the Kurishumala Trekking

Palaruvi was the place, where the Travancore Rajas built their palace. But the legends say that it turned to be unlucky for them and they shifted to Courtallam. The remnants of yesteryear grandeur in the form of 'mandapams' and a stable can still be seen here.There is also a horse stable.

The near by Thenmala is an adventure spot for daring people. Merging into the hands of nature while traveling through the woods make the journey fresh and exciting. Thenmala with its rolling wilderness awakens the adventurous spirit in anyones mind. The trip is equally refreshing and helps anyone Identify with the nature. Excellent trails and many day hike opportunities are available at Thenmala