Getting involved in water activities can be a lot of fun. Thirparappu Waterfalls is one such place to have a fantastic experience. Visitors can make lasting memories with their family or friends at this beautiful spot by trying activities such as boating, swimming, taking photos, and taking a refreshing dip in the waterfalls.
This is a well-known and often busy tourist spot, especially in the evenings and on holidays. International tourists, as well as locals from various districts and states, visit this place to spend their day and enjoy the waterfall.
Thirparappu Waterfalls is situated in the Thirparappu town of Kanyakumari district. It’s close to the towns of Kulasekharam and Marthandam. It’s about 7 km from Kulasekharam and 15.5 km from Marthandam. Nearby cities include Nagercoil, which is 35 km away, and Thiruvananthapuram, which is 61.7 km away.
It typically takes around 3-4 hours or more to explore, take pictures, and have a good time in the water. There is a designated area for men and women to enjoy the waterfall separately, which is especially considerate for women’s comfort and privacy.
Visitors must wear shorts as a minimum dress requirement when bathing, and bathing in underwear or naked is not allowed. Close to the waterfalls, there are dressing rooms available for both men and women, ensuring they have their own private spaces. If you forget to bring shorts, you can purchase them at the shops located at the entrance area.
Thirparappu Waterfalls is a place suitable for families, equipped with amenities such as a dining hall, a room for mothers to feed their babies, toilet rooms, and a spot to charge your phones. Additionally, there’s a locker room available for you to securely store your belongings. These are essential facilities that every tourist destination should provide.
Children’s park
A children’s park offers a delightful space for kids to enjoy themselves and engage in various activities. However, please note that the swings are intended for children up to the age of 10. Near the children’s park, there’s a canteen where you can purchase tea, coffee, or snacks. You can enjoy a hot beverage while taking in the breathtaking view of the waterfalls.
Swimming pool
There’s a children’s swimming pool where kids under the age of 12 can swim and even learn how to swim. You may spot some kids learning to swim here with their fathers.
Shopping and snacks
Near the entrance of the waterfalls, you’ll find several toy shops, which are great for shopping. Additionally, there are a few local snack shops where you can buy items like tea, bajji, pazham pori, vada, tapioca chips, banana chips and more.
Boating
To go boating from Thirparappu Waterfalls, you’ll need to walk a bit, especially if you arrive by car, van, or bus, as the route is only suitable for bikes. You can purchase your boating ticket at the same counter where you get your waterfall ticket.
Two types of boating are available: pedal boating and motor boating. The motorboat can carry a maximum of 10 people, while the pedal boat can have up to 4 people. You’ll receive protective life jackets before boarding the boat. The fee for a pedal boat is 50 rupees, and for a motorboat, it’s 100 rupees for half an hour.
Here are some important instructions given by boating administration:
- The person traveling on the pedal boat should operate it.
- Ensure the safety of your belongings, as the boating administration will not assume responsibility for them.
- Wearing a life jacket is mandatory, and you must return it undamaged after your trip. If it’s damaged, there will be a penalty fee.
- Under no circumstances should you consume alcohol and then get on the boat.
- While on the boat, refrain from jumping into the water. If this happens, actions can be taken, and fines may be imposed.
Accommodation
For accommodation, there are plenty of tourist homes, hotels, and restaurants in the nearby area, making it convenient to stay and enjoy your visit.
Timings
Thirparappu Waterfalls will be open to the public every day, starting at 7:00 AM and closing at 6:00 PM.
By Air
For a visit to Thirparappu Waterfalls, the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located just 53.7 kilometers away.
By Train
Kuzhithurai (KZT) is the closest railway station to Thirparappu Waterfalls, situated just 16.8 kilometers away.
By bus
Thirparappu Waterfalls is only 15.2 kilometers away from Marthandam. Whether you’re arriving from Nagercoil or Thiruvananthapuram, you can take a bus to Marthandam and then transfer to Kulasekharam-bound bus. From Kulasekharam, you can catch a bus to Thirparappu.
Tips on visiting Thirparappu waterfalls
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore tourist destinations in Kanyakumari district is from October to March when the sun’s heat is less intense.
- Wear Shorts: Remember to bring shorts with you during your visit for comfortable exploration.
- Digital Payments: There are no ATM machines nearby, so it’s a good idea to install and set up digital payment methods on your phone to avoid the hassle of searching for an ATM.
- Early Visits: If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the early morning when there are fewer people around.
- Phone Charging: Don’t worry if your phone’s battery runs low; there is a place in the dining hall where you can charge your phone.
- Morning and Evening: Visiting during the morning and evening hours can provide a lovely and peaceful atmosphere.
- Pack Snacks: Feel free to bring your snacks and homemade goodies as there is a dining hall where you can savor them.
Entry ticket fee
The entry fee for Thirparappu Waterfalls is 10 rupees per person for those above 5 years of age. Children below 5 years old do not require an entry ticket. Visitors can take videos and photos at the Waterfalls, but there’s a small fee for these activities. It’s 150 rupees for using a video camera and 20 rupees for a photo camera. You can pay with digital apps like GPay or PhonePe.
Note: Most of the shops, hotels, and restaurants near the waterfalls accept digital payments, so you can enjoy your time there without needing to carry cash.
Parking Fee
There’s ample parking space for various types of vehicles just a short distance from the waterfalls. The parking fees are as follows:
- Tourist Bus – 100 Rs
- Truck/Tata Sumo – 50 Rs
- Car – 40 Rs
- Auto – 20 Rs
- Bike – 10 Rs
Tourist places near to Thirparappu Waterfalls
- Mathur Aqueduct – 10 km.
2. Chitharal Rock Jain Temple – 11.6 km.
3. Padmanabhapuram palace – 21 km.
4. Udayagiri Fort – 25.7 km.
5. Poovar Island – 30.4 km.
6. Muttom Beach – 36.6 km.
7. Lemur Beach – 39.7 km.
8. Napier Museum – 50.7 km.
9. Kanyakumari Beach – 55.8 km.
10. Vattakottai Beach – 63.6 km.
