At a distance of 4 km from Papanasam and 51 km from Tirunelveli, Papanasam Falls, also known as Agasthiyar Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Papanasam in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Located in the Western Ghats, Papanasam Falls is a prominent tourist destination in Tamil Nadu and is usually frequented by devotees of the Papanasanathar Temple.
Formed over Thamirabarani River, Papanasam Falls drop down from a height of 120 m. The river Thamirabarani, which flows from the Western Ghats of the Podhigai Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. This is highly revered by the locals both for their immense beauty and religious significance. Papanasam means absolution of sins and it is an important pilgrim center where people take bath in the sacred water to relieve themselves from sins.
Agasthiyar Temple is situated near the falls. According to legend, during the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, all the Gods and Goddesses from Heaven had gone to Mount Kailash. On the order of Lord Shiva, Agasthiyar came to Papanasam to balance the world. After the wedding, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati appeared to Agasthiyar Munivar, who is meditating at Papanasam. Every year his idol is brought out as a procession to the Papanasanathar Temple to witness the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati.
Papanasam Falls can be reached by 3 km trekking or one can hire an auto from Papanasam Town. The place is frequented by animals like Tigers and Panthers, which are frequently spotted in the route from Agasthiyar Falls to Papanasam as both are located close to Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Good place to go with children and safe place to take bath.
The best season to visit this fall is after monsoon.
DETAILS
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Distance (From Tirunelveli): 51 Kms
Trip Duration (From Papanasam , Including Travel): 3 Hours
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