The charm of the Athirapally waterfalls cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala ‘God’s own country’, a must visit spot for anybody who would like to enjoy the beauty of Kerala is Athirapally Waterfalls.
It 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 (80ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. It is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".
I went their in monsoon and I can easily say one must plan their trip here during or post monsoon to get the full view of this fall :-)... Driving in the rain was a pleasant experience. Once you hit the highway, you will be surprised to see an excellent tarmac. The winding road is charming with greenery all around. Being in rainy season, I was greeted by small streams jumping over the rocks making eye-catching waterfalls. This is one of the best-managed waterfall in the country I can say!
Stay at rainforest Resort Athirapalli
I stayed at Rainforest Resort Athirapally Falls ,one of the best luxury resorts in this area. This is a true get-away resort and that exactly what I did. I threw away my gadgets, abandoned the idiot box and immersed myself in doing absolutely nothing. The views to the waterfall are breathtaking and you can even do that from the comfort of your own Jacuzzi! (not in all rooms). I Loved the interiors, spacious and clean and really chic bathroom which also had a view of the falls. The otudoors was not the well manicured look you get in hotels world wide but rather kept true to the nature around, which I really liked. Pool was relaxing in the good weather but as I went in monsoon this wasn't an option:-) The moment you enter the room you see the waterfall with lemon grass fragrance in the room.The bed is situated on a higher platform so that you can view the falls from there. The balcony has an easy chair and a coffee table. The restaurant too, faces the falls. You just can't miss the falls while you're here. Believe me if nature is your thing, this hotel is perfect. It had a nice balance of luxury without interfering with the forest in which it is set.
After relaxing for a while I walked near the area of waterfall. The access to the waterfall is literally a walk in the wild. if you have an adventurous streak like me, than do go down near the stream, its a 500-600 meters strenuous walk (not really strenuous for trekkers who are regular on hills but the route gets slushy and slippery after rains).
Though the forest department have made pebbled pathway, I had to be careful as it was slippery due to rain. It started pouring mid way. Fortunately I carried my umbrella. After reaching the bottom of the waterfalls is where the actual fun begins. The water level was high and the spray of mist made all of us who were their totally drenched. We had to wait for the mist cover to clear to get a glimpse of the falls. When it lifted, we were greeted to a natural spectacle! also one very important thing , don’t carry anything to eat down the pathway there, as there are wild monkeys on the way, they wont spare anything for you.
After here I moved for a wildlife safari..The safari was quite authentic. If your into roughing it out a bit I'd even recommend the overnight stay with the tribal in the jungle (I found a spider the size of my palm in my shorts so this is not for the faint hearted). I've been to other safari's before and hate going with a bunch of whiners who can't shut up and constantly ask the guide if a tiger or panther is going to show up so I was thrilled that I got personal attention and was able to enjoy the jungle in silence. I saw enough Malabar giant squirrels on this route, a pair of Elephants mock charged us because we got too close and some truly an exceptional variety of butterflies, moths and birds in this forest range. please if you are into photography do carry your zoom lenses and battery for some great shots.
Travel Information
Getting there
By Air – Nearest airport is Kochi airport. The distance from Kochi to Athirapally falls is 55 KMs. You can hire a taxi from airport to falls.
By Train – Chalakkudy is the nearest railways station (30 KMs). It is on main trunk line and is connected to all parts of the country.
By Bus – There are buses going to the falls from major towns in Kerala.
The distance of Athirapally Falls to Munnar is 140 KMs
Travel Tips
a) The falls is open between 8 AM to 5 PM.
b) Do not go the edge of the waterfalls. The rocks may be slippery and it may prove fatal.
c) No selfies at the edge of waterfalls.
d) Walk down to the bottom of waterfalls. Do not try to go to the middle of the river to click pictures. The water force is very high and there are whirlpools. The rocks are slippery. Stand on the side and enjoy the panoramic view of the falls.
e) There are many stay options around the falls. Pick as per your choice & budget.
f) There are many restaurants near the falls. Pick any as per your choice.
g) Drive down for 25 KMs on the road to Valparai if you have time. The road goes through lovely forest with beautiful views of backwaters of Poringalkuthu reservoir. You can also get a chance to visit Vazhachal falls.
h) Help forest department to keep the place neat and clean.
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