With mercury soaring to unbearable levels this summer, even popular hills-towns like Ooty and Kodaikanal are registering temperatures above normal. One way to escape the heat, is staying in water all day! Surprisingly, there are a couple of lesser-known places that also hold some running water this season for you to either dip your feet, take a dip or simply stay by the cool environs and get some much-needed respite from the sun.
Pichankarai
Pichankarai is a beautiful patch of greenery in the foothills of the Western Ghats and the Kottakudi river meanders through it. On the way to Kurangani from Bodi town, to the right is Pichankarai that also has an age-old Ayyanar temple, behind which is a check dam that holds knee-deep water ideal for a swim. Walk further into the woods for about 100 metres and you will find places to take a dip. At certain places, the water flows over rocky boulders on the river bed, where it forms little waterfalls. Located in the far west of Theni district, Pichankarai is about 105 kms from Madurai.
Veerapandi
The famous chariot festival of Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple is round the corner and water from the Mullaiperiyar dam has been released into the Mullai river. Flanked by coconut and mango groves on either side, the Mullai river, abutting the temple is a great place to cool off this summer. There are steps leading to the river and cemented troughs for taking a safe dip. It’s also an ideal place for family picnics and children to have fun in the water. Veerapandi is 84 kms from Madurai and seven kms from Theni.
Karanthamalai
The hamlet of Natham in the neighbouring Dindigul district is surrounded by the fragments of the Eastern Ghats and one among them is the Karanthamalai hill atop which there are three villages. A short hike of three kilometres from Ayyanarpuram on the Natham – Senthurai Road, takes you to the Ayyanar falls, a perennial water source that doesn’t run dry even in harsh summers. A natural water spring, the water flow is continuous and steady, perfect for a shower. Surrounded by huge trees, the place offers a cool shelter from the Sun. Karanthamalai is 50 kms from Madurai.
Kurangani
Nestled in the Western Ghats is Kurangani, a perfect summer get away. Though the waterfalls is having a minimal flow now, there’s ample water to dip your feet, wade through and stay cool under the thick canopy of trees, this summer. A favourite among nature lovers, Kurangani is among the few places that stays pristine despite the tourist flow it witnesses. It’s located 17 kms from Bodi town and 108 kms from Madurai.
