Thirparappu Falls

Thirparappu Falls is a 50-foot cascade waterfall on the Kodayar River at Thirparappu in Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, about 35 km from Nagercoil. Fed by water released from the Pechiparai Dam, it flows over a rocky bed adjacent to the 9th-century Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple. The falls features a wide, shallow pool at its base used for bathing and is a popular day-trip destination in southern Tamil Nadu.

Visitors can expect a wide, low-height cascade flowing over rocky ledges into a shallow bathing pool on the Kodayar River. The site has stepped access to the water, fenced viewing areas, and a park-like surroundings with food stalls and seating. The adjacent Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple is within walking distance. The area is open and rocky with opportunities for sightseeing, photography and bathing when water levels permit.

The falls is located beside the Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple, a Shiva temple traditionally dated to the 9th century and associated with the Chera and Pandya periods. The temple and falls are linked to the Kodayar river system developed with the Pechiparai Dam built in 1948-1953.

The site holds religious significance due to the adjacent Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple, one of the 12 Shiva temples celebrated in the Shivalaya Ottam pilgrimage during Shivaratri. The falls itself is considered sacred for ritual bathing by devotees visiting the temple.