Aryankavu, Aryankavu Hill Station Of Kerala, Aryankavu Tourist Attractions

Aryankavu - Hill Station of Kerala

Aryankavu is a beautiful Hill Station village of Kollam Kerala is a must-see destination for anyone who wishes to explore Kerala. It is one of the most serene and charming tourist place in Kerala. It is one of the pilgrimage center, which is situated about 73 km away from the east of the Kollam. It is known as the valley of Western Ghats Range (Sahya Parvatham). It is an important commercial route for merchants on either side of the Western Ghats. The natural beauty with the hills, valleys and fountains are covered by luxurious green forests, which is amazing. It is the gateway to the Tamilnadu. The Punalur – Shenkottai meter gauge railway line passes through Aryankavu. The central attractions of Aryankavu are Palaruvi, know as  the river of milk and the Church devoted to mother of Lady, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and St; George Malakara Catholic Church. One of the famous temples has dedicated to Lord Sastha (Ayyappan). The main festivals are Mandala pooja and Thirukalyanam are celebrated in the month of December. Thousands of pilgrims are herd to the temple during this time. The temple has some fine sculptures and abstract paintings. The other major attractions of Aryankavu are Kadamanapara Sandal Forest, which is the second largest sandal forest in this beautiful village and Rose Mala, which is the ecotourism spots located about 11km from Aryankavu.

Attraction in Aryankavu:
Maximum places of South India are famous for holy values. Aryankavu is also having some historical temples, houses and locations to visit

Aryankavu Shasta Temple:
Aryankavu is known throughout Kerala for its Ayyappa Temple named as Aryankavu Shasta temple. Of the four chief temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kollam district alone, Arankavu temple worships Lord in the form of a teenager. In fact, Aryankavu owes its name itself to the Aryankavu Sree Shasta temple for one of the many names of Lord Ayyappa is ‘Tiru Aryan’.

The temple is situated amidst the woods and the region is of spectacular scenic beauty. Although the temple is in Kerala, it follows pujas and rituals as per the Tamil customs. If you are a woman between the age of 10 and 50, you would not be allowed entry inside the temple. Even the famous Sastha temple in Sabarimala follows the same tradition. The architectural design of the temple is especially noteworthy since it is made 35 feet below the regular pathway. The mural paintings and sculptures inside the temple premises evoke awe in its devotees. Aryankavu Shasta Temple

Palaruvi falls:
Palaruvi is formed of two words in Malayalam language, ‘pal’ means ‘milk’ and ‘aruvi’ means ‘stream’. The literal meaning of the word is ‘stream of milk’. Water falls from over a height of 300 feet. Water brimming at the small pond below the falls essentially appears so clear and bubbly that you would realize that there could be no better name for the falls. Waterfalls charm human minds like no other. But spending time near the slender brook makes you feel like never before. Is it the lush green surroundings or the musical flow or milky stream of water? I cannot say for all I know is if you are a nature lover, you cannot afford to miss this stunning natural rivulet.

Even the kings of bygone eras realized this, Maharajas of Travancore have built grand mandapams and a stable here. Palaruvi served as their favorite place for retreat. Getting to the falls is not so easy. You will have to trek through the forest pathways, which for nature lovers is another precious opportunity to experience nature’s footsteps.

The trek route which passes through dense forests will enable you to see old caves, streams reed breaks etc. It is roughly 5 Km long. The sheer pleasure of bathing in its crystalline water is enough to remove any fatigue resulting from the trek. Palaruvi Waterfalls

Rosemala
Rosemala is another spot in Aryankavu which its tourists hardly miss. It is about 12 Km away from the main junction at Aryankavu. It is known in tourist itineraries as an enchanting ecotourism spot. The deep forests of Rosemala is scarcely populated, majority of its inhabitants being tribals and farmers. Many spots are scattered across rosemala that gives grand views of the Thenmala dam set against the backdrop of green hills.

Other places of interest in Aryankavu include its sandal forest at Kadamanpara, which is the second largest sandal forest of the state and Bourdillion’s plot, world’s first stumped planted teak gardens. Rosemala

How to reach:

How to reach Aryankavu?

From Trivandrum by Road

Trivandrum→ Nedumangadu → Palode → Kulathupuzha → Thenmala → Aryankavu.

From Kollam by Road and Rail

Kollam → Kottarakkara → Punalur → Thenmala → Aryankavu                                               

From Kottayam Kerala by Road and Rail

Kottayam  → Adoor → Kottarakkara → Punalur → Thenmala → Aryankavu

From Madurai TamilNadu by Road and Rail

Madurai  → Tenkasi → Sencottah → Puliyarai → Aryankavu

By Rail: Aryankavu is the hill station and meter gauge rail line is available in the town. However, the closest big station is Punalu that is 35 few km distant from Aryankavu.

By Air: Closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram located at 95 Km distance. Flights for Thiruvananthapuram are available from Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and many other cities so people looking to reach Aryankavu.

By road: Aryankavu is connected to both Kollam (77 Km) and Thiruvanantha Puram (85Km).

Aryankavu: Top Attractions & Must-Visit Places in Aryankavu, Kollam, Kerala

About Aryankavu 

Aryankavu (Ariencavu) is a picturesque tourist destination located in the Kollam district of Kerala, nestled within the Western Ghats (Sahyaparvatham). Situated approximately 73 km east of Kollam, Aryankavu is not only a significant pilgrimage center but also an important trade route for merchants traveling between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The region boasts a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, with attractions such as the famous Palaruvi Waterfall, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, St. George Malankara Catholic Church, and the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple. Aryankavu is also home to one of the longest rail tunnels connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Aryankavu Shastha Temple, renowned for its fine sculptures and mural paintings, attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Mandala Pooja and Thrikalyanam festivals in December.

Palaruvi Waterfall

Palaruvi Waterfall, which translates to "River of Milk," is one of the most famous waterfalls in South India. Cascading from a height of 300 feet, this stunning waterfall is located 70 km from Kollam, along the Kollam-Sencottah NH 208 highway in Aryankavu. Surrounded by lush tropical forests and rolling hills, the beauty of the waterfall is captivating, especially during the monsoon season. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the shallow pool at the base of the falls. The ideal time to visit is between June and January. Aryankavu is well connected by rail, with trains stopping at Aryankavu, and buses running between Kollam and Sencottah.

Kollam Town

Kollam Railway Station is just 1 km from the town center (Chinnakkada) and serves as a major stop for express, superfast, and passenger trains. Trains to Aryankavu are readily available. Additionally, KSRTC operates Express, Fast Passenger, and Ordinary buses connecting Kollam to Aryankavu, as well as other cities like Trivandrum, Kottarakara, Punalur, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam. Buses and trains also operate from Tamil Nadu, including Sencottai, Tenkassi, Thirunelveli, Thuthukudy, and Madurai.

Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple

The Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple, also known as Aryankavu Shastha Temple, is located about 73 km east of Kollam and 31 km from Punalur. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Sastha (Ayyappa). It is one of the five ancient Ayyappa temples and has an interesting architectural feature, being built 35 feet below the road level. The temple is known for its exquisite sculptures and mural paintings. The legend of Lord Ayyappa here is similar to that of Sabarimala, with the key difference being that Ayyappa in Aryankavu was brought up by the Pandi Raja of Madhura, rather than the Raja of Pandalam. Major festivals like Mandala Pooja and Thrikalyanam draw thousands of pilgrims, and the temple’s rituals follow Tamil traditions. Notably, women aged 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the temple. The temple complex also houses idols of Devi and Shiva, with Lord Ayyappa sitting at the center.

Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temple

Another significant shrine nearby is the Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temple, located near Thenmala in Kollam. This temple, dedicated to Lord Manikantan (child form of Lord Ayyappa), is set on the banks of the Kulathupuzha River. The temple is famous for its legend involving a Brahmin who discovered the presence of Lord Ayyappa in the form of a child. The deity in the temple is represented as a stone idol of Lord Ayyappa, with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu also worshiped here. Kulathupuzha is situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road and is 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 64 km from Kollam.

Also read: "Discover the serene beauty of Rosemala: a hidden eco-tourism haven and hill station with breathtaking attractions."Rosemala

Conclusion:

Aryankavu, with its rich blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage, stands as a captivating destination in Kollam District, Kerala. Whether you are drawn to the serene landscapes of Palaruvi Waterfall, the ancient Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple, or the lush forests surrounding the area, Aryankavu offers a unique experience that combines both tranquility and spirituality. The village's connection to the Western Ghats and its role as a pilgrimage center only add to its charm, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, pilgrims, and travelers alike. A visit to Aryankavu promises not only a glimpse into the beauty of Kerala but also a deeper connection to the region's vibrant history and traditions.