Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in
Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the
west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the
Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls
are popular tourist destinations. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is
nicknamed "The Niagara of India". Controversy about a
state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began
in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.
Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi
(Cochin), Kerala 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.
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 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 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 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.
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Nearby Places of Interest
Vazhachal Waterfalls
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.
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.
Getting there
By rail:
Thrissur (Major station) about 63 km & Chalakkudy, about
35 km.
By air:
Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur, is
the nearest airport.
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