Kerala Athirappilly Waterfalls & South Tour (6N-7D)

The Heritage of Athirappilly, Vagamon, Varkala, and Kovalam

This tour is a journey through Kerala’s breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural history, from its roaring waterfalls to its serene hills and vibrant coastal towns. Each destination has a story to tell, reflecting the diverse essence of “God’s Own Country.”

Athirappilly: The Cascade of History The history of Athirappilly is intrinsically tied to its powerful waterfalls, often called the “Niagara of India.” Located in the Sholayar forest range, this region has been a part of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats for millennia. The waterfalls have been a source of life and inspiration, and the surrounding forests are home to a variety of endemic species. While not a major historical hub in the traditional sense, Athirappilly’s history is one of natural grandeur and ecological significance, a testament to Kerala’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment.

Vagamon: The Plantation Past Vagamon, a beautiful hill station, has a history marked by its quiet transformation from a remote wilderness to a center of plantation agriculture. Its rolling hills and lush meadows were once the domain of indigenous tribes until Christian missionaries and British planters began cultivating tea, coffee, and spices. This history is reflected in the region’s serene, pastoral landscape, a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. Today, Vagamon stands as a quiet testament to a past era of agriculture and the simple beauty of nature.

Varkala: The Spiritual Cliffs Varkala holds a unique place in Kerala’s history, blending spiritual significance with stunning natural beauty. The town is famous for the `Janardanaswamy Temple`, a 2,000-year-old Hindu pilgrimage site. The cliffs are believed to contain mineral-rich water that has medicinal properties. Varkala’s history is steeped in mythology and its status as a sacred coastal town, making it a powerful destination for both spiritual seekers and tourists.

Kovalam: A Modern Beach Paradise with Ancient Roots Kovalam’s history as a world-famous beach destination is a more recent development. While its beaches have always been a part of Kerala’s coastal identity, its rise to international prominence began in the 1970s when it became a favored destination for hippies and foreign tourists. However, its history is also rooted in the nearby capital city of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the seat of the Travancore princely state. Today, Kovalam is a vibrant blend of modern tourism and traditional Kerala coastal life, famous for its three crescent-shaped beaches: Lighthouse, Hawah, and Samudra.

This tour provides a journey through these diverse locales, from the timeless power of Athirappilly’s waterfalls to the ancient spiritual cliffs of Varkala, the colonial plantations of Vagamon, and the sun-drenched shores of Kovalam.