Valara waterfalls

Just a few kilometers past the tiers of Cheeyappara, we encounter its more elusive cousin, the Valara Waterfalls. While Cheeyappara is defined by its horizontal steps, Valara is characterized by its vertical plunge through a…

The story of Valara begins high in the Western Ghats with the Deviyar River. Unlike the major rivers that are often dammed for electricity, the Deviyar maintains a more wild, seasonal character. …

Valara is situated in what geographers call the 'Adimali Gap,' a natural depression in the Western Ghats that has served as a transition point for both water and human traffic for centuries. The steep cliffs that flank the…

The undisturbed nature of the forest surrounding Valara makes it a haven for birdlife. If you have brought your binoculars, as many scholars of the natural world do, you might spot the 'Great Indian Hornbill' soaring across the…

The trees that surround Valara are true tropical giants. This is a region of 'West Coast Semi-Evergreen Forest,' where the rainfall is high enough to support massive trees that stay green throughout the year. …

In the scholarly view, a waterfall like Valara is a seasonal clock, marking the passage of time in the Kerala calendar. During the peak of summer, it may dwindle to a silver thread, a ghost of its monsoon self. …

For the visual artist and the photographer, Valara offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Unlike Cheeyappara, which is wide and bright, Valara is often in shadow, creating a moody, atmospheric lighting that is perfect for…

As we conclude our stop at Valara, let us reflect on the contrast between the thunder of Cheeyappara and the shrouded elegance we see here. We have explored the hydrology of the Deviyar River, the geological scale of the Adimali…