Kallar is small town in Thiruvananthapuram district in Idukki district of Kerala, south India wherein flows the Kallar river.It is located 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.The majestic Vamanapuram River flows through the town. Torrential rains raise the level of the river and sweep away things that come in its way occasionally causing flash floods.Many varieties of birds and trees can also be seen in and around Kallar.
Situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi which is located 15 km from the capital, the place Kallar gets its name from the river Kallar, which flows through the region. Kallu means stone and Aru means river, hence the name Kallar. The river is well known for its abundance of attractive, round-shaped boulders and pebbles, especially in the upper reaches and middle portion of its course.
Kallar is about 50 kms from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, and is an idyllic location. It is a favourite haunt for picnickers and attracts many with an interest in trekking, angling and bird watching.At Kallar, the main attractions are the nearby Golden Valley, and the Meenmutti waterfall. Unlike the Meenmutti waterfall, the Golden Valley is easily accessible form the main road. Here one can take a dip in the crystal clear waters to cool off, and also watch the many rapids and small pools that dot a good part of the river in this area.
Apart from Golden Valley, those with a zeal for trekking and bird watching can take a narrow track, starting from the right side of the Kallar bridge. The track will lead one to a medium sized, but captivating waterfall, popularly known as Meenmutty. The waterfall is situated 3-4 kms from the main road. On the way to the waterfall, one could come across ample bird life, and many species of butterflies. The forest here is mostly tropical in nature, and during the rainy season, one has to be on the alert for leeches.
