The Niagara of India - Athirapally waterfalls

Athirapally or often spelled Athirapilly, is one of the wildest water falls in the Chalakudy river in Thrishur district, of the Kerala and attracts millions of visitors every year. Together with Vazhachal and the picturesque route through Western Ghats presented Athirapally is one of the best waterfalls in the India. It is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".

The falls originates in the Western Ghats. Athirapalli Falls are situated on the Chalakudi River in Trissur district in Kerala located approximately 170 Kms from Coimbatore and around 30 Km from Chalakudi town. Athirapally will be flooded with water in the monsoon, and even in summer it has more amount of water making it a prominent seat in India. The water drops down from a height of 80 feet and join Chalakkudy River.

Athirapally has come into more prominence of late because of the scenic beauty which has been captured so beautifully in Mani Ratnam’s films. Raavanan (or Raavan) was almost fully shot in this location. The movies Dil Se.., Iruvar, Guru have songs shot here.

Athirapally water falls is a panoramic, charming and bewitching place for the tourists to relax and de-stress. The place is surrounded by the dense forest of Sholayar and much wildlife along with rare species of plants and fishes are present in the forest and the river. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. The scenic and picturesque beauty of the place has made it the ultimate location for shooting movies, particularly the duet songs.

You can visit either from above or below, and both because the views are truly spectacular, just know that the way down to the foot of the falls is quite steep and slippery.

Recently the Athirapally falls is all over in news for a dispute going on between the nature lovers and the government, regarding another Hydro electric Project Dam in the course of the river above Athirapally falls.

NEARBY PLACES:

Vazhachal Waterfalls :

There is another waterfalls named vazhachal, very near to Athirapally. The Vazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. The Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Its cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience for visitors. But you can't get inside the water at vazhachal, as it is very steep and dangerous too.

Charpa Falls :

To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.

Anakkayam :

About 20 km from Chalakudy on the sholayar peringalkuthu route, Anakkayam means the "Elephant pit". It is noted for a lake with cool and placid waters. The place is a forest untouched by human encroachments and is a haven for those who wish to escape from concrete jungles. It attracts the visitor with its bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora.

Water Theme Parks :

For those who want a little extra recreation there are two water theme parks nearby with plenty of adventure games and water sports.

Malakapara Tea Gardens :

For the adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges (Western Ghats) complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife.

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens :

Thumpurmuzhi is an ideal stopover with its garden, scenic splendor and a classic waterfall.

Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams :

Deep in the forest on the way to Valpara are the two dams that generate hydroelectric power to the state. Entry to the dam site is with special permission only.

Vazhachal Forest Gardens :

With the abundant flora and even herbal plantation maintained by the forest department, Vazhachal is a Botanist's treasure trove.

HOW TO REACH ATHIRAPALLY?

• To reach Athirapally (and Vazhachal) one has to first travel to Chalakudy a small town in Trissur District located around 30 Kms from Trichur on the Trichur-Ernakulam highway.
• From Chalakudy you need to travel around 30 Kms off highway. It's better take some fast or super fast KSRTC buses.
• This is a narrow, winding but a good well maintained road and the drive was scenic and enjoyable. You drive along the banks of the Chalakudy river (down stream) and a bit of forest area before reaching Athirapally.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Cochin and tourists can get to Athirapally by road from here. Athirapally is 90 kilometers from Cochin.

By Rail:

The Chalakudy Railway Station is around 30 kilometers from Athirapally and tourists can hire a cab or taxi from the station to Athirapally.

By Road:

Bus services are available from Chalakudy on the Cochin-Trichur highway.

MY TRAVEL ITINERARY:

• The Guruvayur Temple is a famous Krishna temple and is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus and is often referred to as "Bhooloka Vaikuntam". After visiting the temple, we have time, so I plan to visit Athirapally waterfalls.
• Athirapally waterfalls in Thrissur district located at a distance of approx 90 km from Guruvayur and 63 km from Thrissur Town.
• I come back to Thrissur and get a bus till Chalakkudy (it's better take some fast or super fast KSRTC buses). I get down at Chalakkudy and get a bus to Athirappally water falls. It takes approx 40 minutes.
• For about two and an-half hour journey, I had reached Athirapally which offers picturesque views.

CAUTION:

• It is always recommended to visit Athirapally waterfalls on the weekends in morning if your team includes girls or families, as the local people are not so good and there will no police or guards to help you if any thing happens.
• There are plenty of monkeys here which move freely amongst tourists and many of them are eating garbage and stealing chocolate from the hands of unsuspecting tourists.