Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Listen to noise of rock - Irachal Parai Falls, Valparai

Perfectly titled for a waterfall that makes noise of rock, called Irachal Parai (an adaptation of two Tamil words meant noise and rock) is one of natural paradise of Valparai, in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. 7km from Valparai town, Irachal Parai Falls lies very close to the popular Balaji Temple in Valparai on the base of Akkamalai (Grass Hills).

Irachal Parai Falls
The water to the falls is originates from the springs in the Grass Hills (which is called the green carpet of Tamil Nadu) is source to perennial Nadumalai River, which flows through Valparai and also quench thirst the town people. The waterfall lies inside the Pachamalai Tea Estate and on the edge of dense forest, is allowed to visit on the permission of the tea estate management. The estate’s tea factory is where one could get permission, which is also on the left-hand side of the road that leads to falls.

Irachal parai fall's stream
Thanks to our relative who guided us there and also a resident of Valparai, had hesitated first in contacting the manager but glad he did it for us, if not we couldn’t have got a delightful opportunity getting our eyes treated in green and snow-white waterfall. Throughout the way was almost pretty shimmering in green and once crossed the check dam (that stores the water and sent it through the pipe for drinking purpose of town); the waterfall get into our sight amid lush green tea plantation and oak trees.

Pachamalai Tea Estate, Valparai
The road was narrow and partially tarred, took us windingly to a newly constructed bridge across the creek where we stopped the car and enjoyed the sights of waterfall. The place was quite silent except for the noise of rock, even the quantity of water was less makes a nice fall. It is not advice to visit this place alone because of its frequent visit by wild animals from the nearby Shola forest. An old man we met there said, even a week early to our visit, a herd of elephant had broke down the estate’s bus shelter there.

Road to Irachal Parai Falls A scenic drive
The climate was cool and water was pristine to make visible underwater creek, I enjoy the view from the bridge while others get down wetting their foot in cold creek. The most excited was our pet (Maya), who shows curious drinking water from creek. Generally, she holds affair for getting wet in water rather hate taking bath at home, was eager to enjoy in water but only we didn't allow her to do so. After sometime we find four boys come down the other side, showing their bare body was evident of their relish showered from fresh waterfalls.

The curious pet quenches thirst at creek
Maya drinking water in creek and mom holding her from getting into water; grandfather watching them from behind.
It seems one really needs daring to take bath in this waterfall with sliding rocks around and during its full fledge its highly dangerous… this waterfall and river is prohibited from taking bath because of its drinking water purpose of the town. The water flow as stream here, make lovely pools near the check dam and mound of tea plantations around create scenic pictures. Down from the check-dam, the Karumalai Church got my attention.  The pretty white church stands between tea plantations, on the hill other side wasn't clearly visible for photos and to get there we really need to make way through steps (will post few picture of the church later).

28 comments:

Optimistic Existentialist said...

This seems like an amazing place. I love how lush and green everything looks. I love waterfalls. They are majestic. I even stood in one once :)

Elsie Amata said...

Oh, Jeevan, these pictures are gorgeous! I'm not keen on the fact that the wild animals may be about but still, it'd be beautiful to visit.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful scenic place. Would love to be there anytime.

TexWisGirl said...

what a gorgeous area! glad they protect the waters to keep it clear for drinking. the waterfall is lovely. the green tea plantation is GORGEOUS! wow!

Simran said...

Had a great read and a virtual tour Valparai! :-)

Thanks for putting your experiences here. I get to learn a lot of things from your posts....thank you so much. Also, I checked your clicked pics on flikr.Loved them!

Best wishes.

Indrani said...

Grand scenic sights!
I hope I can visit some day!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a gorgeous place and you can imagine how much I loved seeing the waterfall.

Thanks for sharing this beauty with us.
Hugs,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Wow. I am so impressed with your photos. Everything looks so green. I am glad the town made a rule about not washing or bathing in the upstream areas. We made a law here in BC about factories having to take their water needs from BELOW THE FACTORY. I am going to appreciate your way of wording the beauty in your life. You are precious. I am proud to have you for a new contact in our global village.

Renu said...

what a feast to the eyes ! we have such beautiful places in our country, but we dont market them at all..

Twilight Man said...

Your photos are lovely and I like the greens!

Aditi said...

Thank you for this virtual tour and excellent write up! It's pure beauty and so glad that efforts have been made to keep the place pollution fre. Lovely!

Destination Infinity said...

I went upto monkey falls, but didn't go to valparai! Now I realize what I might have missed!! But then I don't think it's safe to climb hills with my bike. The pictures are serene and beautiful.

Destination Infinity

Ramakrishnan said...

Beautiful pictures that brings out the essence of Valparai - the lush greenery and the cool waters.

George said...

These are beautiful photos. While I really like that gorgeous waterfall, the green of the tea estate is wonderful. I'm glad you got to visit this estate and the waterfall.

Anonymous said...

What lush and lovely shots!

geeth said...

Wow! Beautiful greens.. especially the first! Looks like a wall paper photo...

Ponniyinselvan/karthikeyan(1981-2005 ) said...

Nature is nature.Nothing else can give such peace and solace.As usual photos are extremely captivating.
kalakarthik

Teamgsquare said...

Wow nice picture. Wish to visit some time soon.

Teamgsquare said...

Wow nice picture. Wish to visit some time soon.

deeps said...

through the lap of nature

Teamgsquare said...

Nice place. Lovely pictures. Worth visiting.

Jeevan said...

hi friends
i am here to say that i'am forced to take a break from blogging... i got an knee injury (a mild crack in bone) and experiencing extrcemely painful time from the day (Thursday) i slipped from wheelchair while parents transferring from bathing stool. first we thought it was tissue or muscle damage, but an xray shows a crack in knee... i will write in detail once i feel better or able to use laptop. i am suggeted to take quite bed rest and i also feel better and less pain while lying position... i post this from my Android device. wish me for quick recovers... i am suppose to meet doctor on monday at my home... only then i know about further treatments. thank you

Krishna/à´•ൃà´·്à´£ said...

beautiful scenery.... and great info

thanks

Vetirmagal said...

Lovely photographs, capturing the beauty of that special place.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Jeevan.

ashok said...

wow...lovely place and well captured by your lens Jeevan

Unknown said...

que bonitos paisajes

Unknown said...

beautiful

Unknown said...

beautiful