Paniyeli Poru Rapids — Attraction in Kerala

Paniyeli Poru is in Ernakulam District of Kerala state in India.

The Periyar River flowing through rocks and between dense rain forests is an amazing sight. The vast view of distant green hillocks and the tranquility around the place is really great.

A canopy of trees, sweet warbling birds and the crystal-clear water of a lovely river. This is Paniyeli Poru, a serene, scenic picnic spot. It forms part of the Periyar River and is located at Paniyeli, Vengoor near Perumbavoor. This little-known destination is fast attracting tourist attention. This place is now a favourite location for filmmakers, with many Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films shot in its backdrop.

Mid-November to end of May is the best time to visit as the water flow will be reduced during this time thus exposing the rocks and whirlpools.

For adventurous travellers, a little known picnic spot, on the outskirts of Kochi, awaits you. Paniyeli Poru, near Vengoor, Perumbavoor, has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna, where the visitors can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are no restrictions, but the visitors must be cautious.

Resting by sitting on the banks of the river surrounded by dense trees is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The river Periyar flowing in between two main lands Malayattoor in the north and Paniyeli in the south, provides a panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St. Thomas Mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad forms part of Paniyeli Poru.

History

The name ‘Poru’ (which means 'fight' in Malayalam) was derived from the old custom of raftsmen fighting with the unruly waves and deep vortex to sail out from the area. The raft forms after bamboo cut from the Edamalayar forest, tied as logs. It was the old practice of bamboo cutters, to carry logs to destination like Kalady and Malayattoor, through river Periyar. Only an experienced raftsman could sail the log through the unruly water here. The area, where the rafts man fights fiercely against these adversities, was later called by Poru. Nowadays logs of bamboo cut from the forest are carried away through the road in vehicles.

Poru came in to the limelight of tourist map in 2000-01. Heavy rush of tourists appear on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During summer season in March-April, people in large numbers throng here to escape from hot, sweaty conditions. A bath in fresh, crystal clear water of Periyar makes your body and mind cool and fresh. Beware of the death trap between the strata of rocks connecting mangroves existing in the river belt. Do not immerse in deep and farther water. Don’t step in to water after consuming liquor. The rocks in between the mangroves is slippery due to the in flow of gushy dam water and rain. Normally, the concerned department announce in advance, the opening of shutters of Edamalayar and Idukki dams.

Get in

Paniyeli Poru is 55 km from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva, 35 km from this place. Poru is 20 km away from Perumbavoor, the nearest town. From here take a left deviation from the MGM School Junction, Kuruppumpady, on the busy Aluva-Munnar (AM Road) road. There are bus services from Perumbavoor to Paniyeli on one hour duration. You must walk at least a kilometre to Poru after alighting the bus at Paniyeli. Jeeps and motorcycles can take you up to entrance office. The roads to Poru are not tarred and in very bad shape. It is better to leave the cars and scooters and trek all the way.

Fees and permits

As this property is under the Reserved Forests and under the control of Kerala State Forest Department, a pass of a nominal fee is needed at the entrance to this area.

There are forest department volunteer guards available there and they are of great help.

No liquor is allowed in this area. Also, this is a no-plastic zone. You are not allowed to carry any plastic items to the area. Entry passes are valid for times between...

A beauty of a place in Ernakulam. The place is recommended for January to May, when the water level is lower and you can enter the river. It is a quite refreshing and relaxing experience, to take a dip in the cool river on a hot summer evening.

There is a stone paved walkway inside the forest which leads to the river side. On the way there are a few swings, and benches to take a quick rest. There is also a small tree house.

Further inside, you can go towards the edge of the river, where you can enter the cool stream, small foot bridges are also made for crossing the wide areas and there is a great view from above the rocks.

There are guides at regular intervals, who are very helpful and friendly. Follow them to enter the river at the best parts and enjoy your day.

It is really appreciated that the place is beautifully maintained. So please make sure not to litter and damage this beautiful ecosystem.

One limitation is that there is no changing room facilities near the river, so the best option is to change clothes at the washroom area near the entrance before going towards the river. The washroom facility is also limited.

The road to the place is currently having some broken areas, but still it is quite easily commutable for most vehicles.

Apart from such small points, this is definitely a great experience and a perfect location for a ...

The Periyar river has the name Poru which literally means "fight" in Malayalam in Paniyeli area. Interestingly, the rocky bed of the river and the continuos erosion has turned a particular area of the river into full of potholes and cracks in the rocks. As a result, one can see the swiftly flowing water as if it is fighting with itself, justifying the name of the area.

Surrounded by thickly forested hills around it, the shallow waters have become a major tourist destination in recent years.

Forest department, along with the local community are bound to develop its serenity by protecting the ecological diversity. Visitors are under surveillance and guidance of committed guards who not only ensure the safety of visitors but protection of the area as well.

There are restrictionsfor food items inside but snacks and drinking water is allowed. Plastic wastes are carefully collected. ( Yet, I failed to notice a proper disposal of the same)

The riverbed could be tricky and fatal for those who ignore the warning signs and instructions. Keep in mind that many people who avoided these warnings had to pay heavy price in the past.

Different from other wildlife areas, Poru is suitable and safe even for small kids. Summer is the peak season as flow of river is naturally high during...