Kollam
The copious flow at the Paalaruvi waterfalls in Kollam district is drawing a cascade of tourists. The Vana Samrakshana Samithy (VSS) of the Thenmala Forest Division, which manages the waterfall, reports that around 5,000 tourists arrive at Paalaruvi every day, and a majority of them are from Tamil Nadu.

The bad condition of the Kottavasal-Punalur stretch on the Kollam-Thirumangalam National Highway 208 is hampering tourist arrival at Paalaruvi. Had the highway been in good condition more tourists would have arrived.

The waterfall is located in a thickly forested area 4 kms. off Aryankavu on NH 208 between Punalur and Kottavasal. The 4 km. road under the control of the Forest Department is well maintained.Tourists arrive at Paalaruvi to enjoy a lavish bath under the waterfall and they are not disappointed. The waterfall lives up to its name and resembles an endless flow of milk from the heavens.

Safety aspect
Deputy Forest Range Officer and secretary of the VSS A.J. Ramesh said that every care has been taken to ensure safety of tourists at Paalaruvi. There is a corps of VSS volunteers in uniform at the waterfall for this purpose. The corps includes both men and women.

Separate bathing areas have been set up for men and women. The area for women is manned by the womens wing of the VSS corps. There are also a row of private rooms for women.The president of the VSS, Vijaya Kumar, said that under the efficient management of the corps, no untoward incidents take place at the waterfall zone.

There is an entry fee of Rs.7 per person at the waterfall zone. Vehicles going into the zone are charged separately. The VSS also runs a snack bar at the waterfall zone. Mr. Ramesh said that a portion of the profits made by the VSS is used for social work.