Papanasam Waterfalls: Watch The Sparkling Water Cascade Down The Rocks

Papanasam waterfall, the twin brother of Banatheertham Falls, is a pristine white sheet of water that cascades through the Western Ghats jungles, captivating everyone with its height, beauty, and volume. The people hold the 120-metre-dropping Papanasam Falls in the highest regard for its religious importance as well as their breathtaking beauty. It is said that one can atone for all their sins by taking a swim in its waters. As a result, it is also known as Papanasam waterfalls, which means “the removal of all sins” in the local dialect.

Location

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Papanasam Waterfalls, also called Agasthiyar Falls, is a beautiful waterfall in the Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu, close to the town of Papanasam. It is located 4 km from Papanasam and 51 km from Tirunelveli. One of Tamil Nadu’s most well-known waterfalls and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Tirunelveli is Papanasam Falls, which is situated in the Western Ghats.

How To Reach Papanasam Waterfalls

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By Air: Madurai, which is around 150 kilometres from Tirunelveli, has the closest airport. In Tirunelveli, taxis and public buses are available until Papanasam.

By Rail: The closest rail head with good access to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is Tirunelveli.

By Road: Roads provide good access to the Biosphere reserve. From Papanasam, which is only 20 km from the Biosphere Reserve, one can take a public bus or call a cab.

Places To Visit Near Papanasam Waterfalls

Here is a list of places to explore along whilst visiting the Papanasam waterfalls to elevate your experience:

1. Papanasanathar Temple

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Papanasanathar is a magnificent temple with lush greenery situated by the banks of the Thamirabarani River. Although the exact date of this temple’s founding is unknown, it is rife with myths. According to one account, the large crowd at Kailash prevented Sage Agastyar from witnessing the heavenly marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Agastyar Falls is the site where the divine couple answered his prayers, and Papanasathar Temple is a nearby temple.

Address: Papanasam, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and PM – 8 PM

2. Thamirabarani River

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One of the most notable rivers in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is the Thamirabarani. Before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, it passes through the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi after rising from the well-known Agastyarkoodam peak in the Western Ghats. In the lives of those who live nearby, the river is extremely significant. It is a lifeline that supports the area’s irrigation, agricultural, and drinking water supply in addition to being a source of water.

Timings: Open 24 hours

3. Manimuthar Dam And Falls

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Another lovely location to take in the splendour of nature is the Manimuthar Dam, which is close to the Agasthiyar Falls. The road overbridge, which is fifteen metres above the falls, is where Manimuthar Waterfalls is situated. It is located in the Tirunelveli District on the hill road that leads from Kallidaikurichi to Manjolai Estate Manimuthar. An 80-foot-deep natural swimming pool is filled with water from the falls.

Address: 50 km from Tirunelveli, near Manimuthar village, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

4. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

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This wildlife refuge serves as a shelter for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. Founded in 1988, the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is tucked away in the tranquil shadows of the magnificent Western Ghats. In addition to reptiles like the King Cobra, Python, Pit Viper, and Monitor Lizard. The Great Indian Hornbill, Grey-Headed Bulbul, Oriental Bay Bowl, Great Pied Hornbill, Broad-tailed Grass Warbler, and so on are among the birds that freely fly around the sanctuary.

Address: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

5. Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple

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The Arulmigu Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is halfway between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam. One of the six significant Sastha Temples in South India, it is situated on the banks of the River Thamirabarani. Mahalinga Swamy is the temple’s presiding deity. People who decide to start the Sabarimala yatra come here to wear their mala because it is the first Ayyappan temple. “Pon Soriyum Muthiar,” which translates to “the Lord who pours down golden rain on the plateau,” is the source of the temple’s name.

Address: 12 km from Papanasam
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM

Where To Stay

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There are several accommodation facilities near the Papanasam waterfalls. You can book hotels online or directly book the stay after reaching the destination. There are various options for accommodations like stays, and hotels according to your budget. You can have a look at the hotel which is perfect according to your comfort and budget. There are various hotels including Ambai Residency, Hotel Ambai Grand, Sri Venkateshwara Lodging, Saaral Resort, Eco Stay Cottages, etc.

Where To Eat

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There are very limited stalls or shops near the waterfall to protect the nature and environment so you can eat from the nearby towns Ambasamudram and Tenkasi. You can find various other places to eat good food in the area. Many local stalls and restaurants are offering authentic South Indian food.

Other Factors To consider

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Tips For Travellers

• One can attend early in the day or steer clear of public holidays to escape the crowds.
• Keep spare clothes on hand.
• Use the handrails beneath the waterfall and pay attention to your steps.
• Guests are permitted to bring their food and drinks.
• Avoid littering.
• Avoid contaminating the water with detergents and soaps.
• To keep separate areas for men and women, a wall separates the waterfall’s area.
• This arrangement was specifically created to ensure that women could pleasantly enjoy their visit to the waterfall.

Anybody who enjoys the outdoors adventure, or is on a pilgrimage should visit Agasthiyar Falls and Papanasam Waterfalls in Papanasam. This location is genuinely unique due to its blend of religious significance and natural beauty. For a revitalising getaway into nature, gather your belongings and travel to Papanasam Falls in Tirunelveli with TripXL! For the best and most surreal experience TripXL will help you throughout your trip!

Cover Photo: Sanakara Subramanian / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions