Vattaparai Waterfalls - 2

We have to take right one and travel for half km. A beautiful
jungle stream which was visible from the 'V' junction is invisible now
because of a bamboo thicket that arched all along on the
right side of the road.


As we climb down on the narrow passage, we will encounter with the stream.

A few yards against the downstream will lead us to the waterfalls.

My Friends Gandhinathan & Mahesh enjoying the natural shower

The sparkling white water glistened with froth as it hit the pebbled

bedbefore meandering off into the rainforest

As the sudden downpour in the upper forests in the Western ghats

will result in sudden floods, So be alert.

Our ancestors are on patrol. So place your belongings safely.

Vattaparai - Nature in its pristine beauty. Available for Refreshment

A kind request: Please avoid using plastic bags in the forest area.

Littering of waste material is spoiling the beauty of this area.

With Inputs From

1.Mr .Soma Basu's RLT - ( The Hindu dated 3-11-2007 )

2.Family & Friends

Gandhinathan and Mahesh

Vattaparai Waterfalls - 1

Name: Vattaparai Waterfalls (Keeriparai Forest Range in Kanyakumari District)

Location: 15 km north of Nagercoil and 35 km north of Kanyakumari.

Route: Nagercoil -----> Puthery ----->
Thittuvilai -----> Alagiyapandiapuram----->
Thadikarankonam -----> Keeriparai ------> Vattaparai

The journey from Nagercoil is itself a pleasant one.
Ponds, Paddy Fields,Coconut and Plantain groves,Rubber plantations
happily welcome everyone.

As we move on, the temperature begins to fall down, ensuring that we are in the right direction




Grey clouds float above and the green cover on either side adds to the charm



After crossing a bridge in keeriparai, we will find ourselves at the 'V' junction of two roads.




While the left leads to Kalikesam (another hot spot), the right leads to Balamore Estate.

Eraniel Palace - 4

Tank
There is a small tank meant for the royal bath. It is situated in the north-east of Kuthira malika. It has a water inlet passage through which water flows from the nearby river to the pond. The passage is now blocked.


Water Inlet passage can be seen in the below picture

Eraniel Palace in 2004*

The following pictures were taken in the year 2004. Just compare it with the previous pictures taken in 2006.

Lack of maintenance and vandalism have damaged this once famous palace.The palace now is in dilapidated condition with all the struts exposed awaiting collapse.

BEWARE OF SNAKES , SWARMING BEES AND OTHER INSECTS

With Inputs From
1.Historian Dr. Benny Sir
2.Mr .Soma Basu's RLT - ( The Hindu dated 5-11-2007 )
3.Prof. Dr.Binumol Tom's The Palaces of Travancore
4.Family and Friends

*Photos by my Friend A.C.Mahesh

Eraniel Palace - 3

Spring Pavilion or Vasantha Mandapam
The Spring Pavilion or Vasantha Mandapam is situated on the westside of the Kuthira malika.





One stone cot - a beautifully carved cot in a single white granite is at the centre of the Vasantha Mandapam. An aesthetically sculptured Yaali on both sides of the header of the cot is really a cynosure. It is said that the cot adapts to the varying weather condition.

There are 4 wooden pillars surrounding the cot. In the north-east pillar, image of Vanchi Marthandavarma is said to be carved.





Faded mural paintings on the walls and roof panels depicting scenes from Ramayana and historical events remind of a glorious royal past.

On the granite bed stead used by the last of the Great Perumals, a lamp had been kept burning in and now it can be seen in thiruvanathapuram museum .Many considered the granite cot –a master piece of art and craft of the sculptor –as the sanctum sanctorum

Gabled roofs exquisite wood carvings and finely sculpted mandapam it was one of the finely architectural entities in the state

Thanks to the sculptors, for making the cot in a large single granite stone - the only reason for its existence till date.

Eraniel Palace - 2

Horse-shaped Bungalow or Kuthira malika

Since the main building resembles a horse , it is known as Kuthira malika or Horse-shaped Bungalow.

Inside the main building is the central courtyard constructed in the typical nalukattu style. It is said that the King conducted the day-to-day proceedings from the upper level rooms.

Way to First Floor



Central Courtyard





In the Ground floor, there are Rest room for Soldiers, Safe for weapons, Kitchen and Dining room.There is also a secret tunnel for emergency exit.

Rest room for soldiers




Kitchen and Dinning room




Other rooms



There is a Verandah, which runs all along the ground of Kuthira malika serving as a buffer and circulation space of the building.

Stone Pillars with deities and different traditional patterns, Lotus motifs hold the weak wooden roof.






Most of these wooden structures that have braved the ravages of times and termites are now lost - squandered by people ignorant of historical importance for construction of houses.