With the monsoon restoring its legendary milky flow, the Palaruvi waterfalls nestled inside the thick forests near Aryankavu here is once again attracting visitors.
Forest Range Officer (Aryankavu) Jiyaz Jamaluddin Labba said from Thursday morning itself tourists thronged the entry point to see the falls that had been closed to visitors due to lack of water. “It is tourist season at Palaruvi for the next three months,” he said.
From June to November, close to 1,000 tourists visit the horsetail-category waterfall daily. Many arrive for a bath, as it is believed that the waters of the Palaruvi have medicinal properties.
This time, tourist vehicles will not be allowed on the 4-km stretch from the entry point to the falls. The Forest Department has arranged two minibuses with seating capacity of 32 each. Each ticket holder may enjoy the falls for two hours. The rate per adult is ₹40 and for children, ₹30. It takes about 15 minutes for the bus to return to the entry point after dropping tourists at the falls. Mr. Lebba said parking problems at the waterfall location and an increase in the number of accidents along the 4-km stretch last year prompted the department to work out the new arrangement.
On contract now
The 4-km stretch is narrow at some points and has a number of gorges. Mr. Lebba said the two buses had been taken on contract this time. Gauging the flow of tourists in the next three months, the department would decide whether to purchase vehicles for the operation.
The flow of tourists from Tamil Nadu and Kerala has been increasing every year. This year, the department expects a record flow because of the scorching summer. Mr. Lebba said the department was also planning to allow trekking on the 4-km stretch. Formal sanction was awaited. For those crossing the time limit at the falls, a fine would be imposed, he added.
