The twin brother of Banatirtha Falls, Papanasam waterfalls/Agasthiyar Falls is a mesmerising pure white sheet of water flowing in the rainforests of the Western Ghats. Enchanting everyone with its perfect size, beauty and height. The Papanasam falls timings are from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Papanasam Falls
Papanasam Falls, also called Agasthiyar Falls. It locates at the height of 120 meters. The locals highly revere it due to its immense beauty and religious significance.
It believed that bathing in its water removes all their sins. Hence it is also known as Papanasam Falls. Papanasam in the local language means to remove all sins.
These lovely waterfalls have unique herbal and medicinal properties. And those waters are so nourishing that it feels like a soothing oil massage.
Papanasam Waterfalls Myth
Agasthiyar Falls is of major religious significance in the region. The name Agastya is said to have originated from a saint named Agastya, who, according to Hindu mythology. I prayed to see the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Pleased with Agastya’s devotion, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati appeared at Papansanathar, where he made his abode and named the nearby waterfall Agastya Falls.
According to another legend, Indra, the king of all the gods, killed a demon named Dvasta while seeking superior power.
He is the son of Shukracharya, the guru of the Dvasta Asuras. He seeks dominion to destroy the gods. It had said that Indra made the error of Brahmatti, which is the sin of killing a Brahmin.
To pay for this sin, Indra wandered a lot, but to no avail. After the advice of Bruhaspati, Indra entered Papanasam, where Papanasam forgave his sin. Since then, the place had known as Papanasam.
Geography
Waters from the Papanasam Falls flow towards the river to the Papanasam Hydroelectric Project on the Western Ghats in India.
It reaches the catchment area of the Papanasam Dam. This waterfall is very close to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Calcutta;
Hence most animals are often found in this area. Rainfall plays a significant role.
It receives most of its water from October to December. During the northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon from May to September each year. Also, it is close to the Papanasam dam, so Agustiar Falls never dries up and flows all year round.
Cultural Rituals
- The Chittirai Vishnu festival is celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April to May) on the Tamil New Year.
- Pilgrims who visit the Papanasanathar Temple to bathe before visiting the temple visit the waterfalls.
- From November to December, tourists visit the waterfall during their Sabarimala tour to bathe in limbo for religious purposes.
Best time to visit
Winter is the best time to visit Papanasam Falls, i.e. from November to January. The temperature is enjoyable due to low humidity levels, and the entrance to the falls is not closed due to floods.
Tips
The authorities are watching the area, but there is no reason why one should not be responsible for their safety.
- To avoid congestion, visit early in the day or avoid public holidays.
- Carry extra clothing.
- Watch your foot and use the handrails under the waterfall.
- Visitors can bring their food and drinks.
- Carrying and consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- There are some checkposts on the falls, and all passing vehicles had carefully inspected.
- Do not throw garbage.
- Do not contaminate water using soaps and detergents.
- The waterfall area had divided by a wall to maintain separate sections for men and women. It had specially arranged for women to see their waterfall comfortably.
Things to do at Papanasam Waterfalls
- Visit the deep forest to view animals like deer and monkeys in their natural habitat.
- Bathe in the Agasthiyar Falls, where the water comes with a lot of energy.
- Visit the ancient Papanasar Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with devotion.
- Perform wildlife photography in the forests and take shots of the temple architecture style.
- Visit the massive Papanasam Dam built on the Tamirabarani River for the area’s water needs and enjoy the breathtaking view of the reservoir.
- Get your adrenaline pumping by trekking through dense forests.
- If the water level in Papanasam Dam is high enough, enjoy the boating that is sometimes allowed.
- Bike riding up to Manimuttar Falls is another activity that adventure does.
- Try many local dishes locally to taste the area’s authenticity.
Papanasam Falls Timings
Below is the Papanasam falls timings:
| Day | Papanasam Falls Timings |
| Monday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM – 5 PM |
Nearby Restaurants
- Chennai Restaurant
- Singh bakery
- Saravana Bakery
- Sri Murugan Cafe
Nearby places to visit at Papanasam Falls
Kalakaddu Wildlife Sanctuary:
Kalakaddu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the country, creating it one of the most biologically diverse sanctuaries in flora and fauna.
Papanasam:
Papanasam is a small village close to the main town. The village is mainly famous for the Papanasam Temple. Papavinasheshwara, the incarnation of Lord Shiva, is worshipped in the temple. Another famous interest of the place is the Papansham Dam, built on the Tamirabarani River.
Kanthimathi and nelaiyyappar:
The Kantimati and Nelayappar twin temples are Tirunelveli’s most famous religious sites. Each dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the two temples are no less than human excellence.
Coutrallam waterfalls:
Kurtalam Falls locates in the heart of the Panchayat town in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its enormity and brutality within the state. At 160 meters (520 feet) high, the Cascade Towers had perched on its lush green surroundings and magnificent hill.
Vettuvan Koil:
Vettuvan Koil is famous as a sculptor’s paradise built in the 8th and 9th centuries, unfinished with carved stone.
These sculptures reflect the architectural style of the southern temple of the Pandya period. Only the top of the temple is complete.
How to reach Papanasam Falls?
By Air:
The nearest airport is Madurai, about 150 km from Tirunelveli. You can rent a cab or a public bus to Papanasam in Tirunelveli.
By Rail:
Tirunelveli is the nearest rail link to the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
By Road:
The Biosphere Reserve had well connected by road. You can take a public bus or a cab from Papanasam falls, just 20 km from the Biosphere Reserve.
Address
Papanasam Waterfalls,
Tirunelveli district,
Tamil Nadu, India