Palaruvi is a slender thread of water hurtling down from a height of about 300 feet. Situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shencottai road, this area was once a retreat for the Maharajas of Travancore. Palaruvi, which literally means 'stream of milk' collects in a little pool below, where visitors are allowed to take a dip. The remnants of yesteryear grandeur in the form of 'mandapams' and a stable can still be seen here. To get to the falls, one has to trek through narrow paths that run through the woods. Covered with dense tropical forests, the scenic beauty of the place enhanced by hills, valleys and cascades, is breathtaking. A sought-after picnic spot, the Palaruvi Falls is managed by the local community and is best visited after the summer months.
Besides bathing in the delightful waterfall, trekking is the main activity at Palaruvi which attracts a lot of tourists.
Palaruvi Trekking: (7 am to 2 pm) - 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. A minimum of 5 trekkers is required at the time of trekking.
Kurishumala Trekking: (7 am and 11 am) - A distance of 8 km will be covered during this six-hour trek which involves climbing up to the top of the fall, crossing streams, caves, evergreen forests and reed breaks of the upper reaches of the fall. Visit to the special habitat of the endemic and endangered Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica) in its natural setting through Vilakkumaram-Rajacoupe up to the state border gives a glimpse of the neighbouring Tamil Nadu. A minimum of 5 trekkers is required at the time of trekking.
Getting there:
Rail: Nearest railway station is Kollam (broad gauge) and Aryankavu (metre gauge).
Road: 77 km from Kollam town (Kottarakara-Punalur-Thenmala on the NH 208), 85 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Nedumangad-Thenmala-Shencottai) and 15 km from Shencottai (Tamil Nadu).
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