Athirappilly Waterfalls

I recently visited a most beautiful place where most of the film shootings are happening. Its Athirappilly Waterfalls comes under Thrissur District of Kerela. Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala.Athirappilly is famous among tourists. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. The two picturesque and majestic waterfalls, Athirappilly and Vazhachal are located just five km apart, on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges. The Athirappilly falls join the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down 80 ft. The cool spray that covers a large area near the falls makes Athirappilly a scenic location. The picturesque Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River.

Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, this 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. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirappilly . These scintillating waterfalls in thick green forest are a part of the Chalakudy river stream.

Other Attractions

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens:

In the midst of these two water theme parks is Thumpurmuzhi, an ideal stopover with its garden, scenic splendor and a classic waterfall.

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.

Malakapara Tea Gardens:

A 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 just 51 km from Athirappilly.

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.

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.

The Climate:

• Summer: (January - May ) 300 to 360C

• Monsoon: (June - October) 260 to 320C

WILDLIFE:

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.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Distance from various spots to Athirappilly:

Kochi International Airport - 55 Km

Plantations Valley - 2 Km

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens - 13 Km

Malakapara Tea Garden - 50 Km

Chalakudy Railway station - 33 Km

Trichur - 63 Km

Vazhachal Waterfalls - 05 Km

Peringalkuthu Dam - 20 Km

Nearest railway stations:

Thrissur - 63 Km

Chalakudy -33 Km

Nearest airport:

Cochin International Airport - 55 Km

Bus services:

There are frequent buses to Athirappilly from Chalakudy or you can catch a cab (Taxi) from Chalakudy Railway Station.