Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.
The travelling is always taxing on your body, though you forget everything once you reach your destination. The picture changes drastically once you reach the top as the sudden rushing sound of the cascading waterfall makes you feel that the water has begun to fall only now. Though the fact is that the waters have maintained this suddenness for a long time and they are still persevering. The Athirapally waterfalls are 80 feet high which start at the high ranges calmly and come crashing down through the gorges.
There is a rocky road that moves around the mountain providing you with a magnificent view of the Athirapally waterfalls. Visiting the Athirapally waterfalls in September is a good idea as the waterfalls are in full force just after the monsoons.
A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places – the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal (Prounced as vaazhachaal).
The Landscape : As you move nearer through the beautifully landscaped road to Athirapally, you can enjoy the views of Arecanut Palms on one side and the Chalakudy river on the other side. First the river seems winding and then it crashes down suddenly, white with challenge. Only after a short distance, the river is back to its normal self again. Trekking is a wonderful way to explore the nearby areas, especially if you do it along the banks of the Chalakudy river.
The waterfall is located at a height in the Sholayar forest ranges and is very near to the Valparai which is a popular hill station.
The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the ‘Picturesque’ – not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.
Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala’s famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time.
Both this waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India’s highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur.
The Surroundings : There are some vendors here who sell jute hats and plastic flowers, they definitely make the place more tourist friendly. The presence of the waterfall is unmistakable everywhere in Athirapally as it is present either in the form of a painting or a topic of conversation.
Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala’s famed rain forests, the Athirapalli waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirampally. These scintillating waterfalls in thick green forest are a part of the Chalakudy river stream.
The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests.
The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species.Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered.
Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered.
While the waterfalls are the highlight of this region, there are quite a few places to see in and around Athirapally.
- The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.
- Two water-theme parks – the Dream World and Silver Storm are located to the west of Athirapally.
- The Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.
- The lesser-known Charpa falls are situated to the east of Athirapally. The water plunges on to the road in the monsoon, so get ready to get drenched if you are visiting it in the rainy season.
- If you take a ride through the deep forest and high ranges you will come across the Malakapara tea gardens. Around 50 kilometers from Athirapally, this tea garden has picturesque surroundings and sometimes one can spot wildlife here.
- Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.
- A few kilometers from Vachumaram (about 20 kilometers from Chalakudy) is Anakkayam (which means elephant pit). Tourists will find a serene lake, bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora here.
- The Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams are situated deep in the forest on the way to Valpara. Both the dams generate hydroelectric power to the state and entry to the dam site is with special permission only.
How to get There : Both Athirapally and Vazhachal are 90 kilometers from Cochin. The nearest airport is Cochin and tourists can get to Athirapally by road from here. Bus services are available from Chalakudy on the Cochin-Trichur highway. The Chalakudy Railway Station is around 30 kilometers from Athirapally and tourists can hire a cab or taxi from the station to Athirapally.
Accommodation : There are a couple of resorts at Athirapally that offer a comfortable stay.
What to buy : Athirapally is popular for herbs, wild honey, herbal soaps, bamboo wall hangings and hats.
Remember these things before you start…
- You can visit the waterfalls only between 8 am and 6 pm everyday.
- Consumption of alcohol or smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Swimming in the falls is prohibited too, as it can be very dangerous.
- Visitors are advised to refrain from feeding animals as the waterfalls are plastic-free zones.
- The best time to visit Athirapally is just after the monsoon season, when the waterfalls would still be in full force. September to February is the ideal period to visit.
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