This is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. Athirapally falls comes down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams. In the monsoon season, in its full might, the waterfalls appear like Niagara Falls.
One can reach the top of Athirapally falls in about 15 minutes’ wall. It is blessed with spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and the Western Ghats.
The trek down from the top of the waterfalls is about 10-15 minutes trek. Swimming is possible in the stream as you enjoy the spray of the water. Rainbows are also a common sight. It usually takes 2-3 hours to explore the waterfalls.
Trekking in Athirapally
The precarious yet thrilling pathways up to the falls is a treat for mountaineers who are looking for a quick adventure. The trek routes are very well maintained and you get to savour a spectacular view of the falls thoughout.
Colourful birds and lots of monkeys will keep you company throughout the way, and if you're lucky some Samba deer might pay you a visit as well! Washrooms are available throughout the way for the convenience of the travellers.
Traveller Tips
• The waterfalls is at a distance of 15 minutes of walk from the entrance. Hence, it requires quite a fair amount of walking on an irregular forest terrain. So wear comfortable clothes and shoes.• In order to enjoy the waterfall to the fullest plan with enough time in hand. It will require a considerable time. Hence, keep half a day allotted for this.
• Remember that you are travelling inside a forest region. So please don’t litter the place with plastics.
• Be safe with burnable Equipments like matchsticks and cigarettes. Don’t leave them here and there leading to a prospect of a fire.
• Food and water supplies aren’t available here. So, keep in mind to carry such necessary items.
Things to Do
• Enjoy the sound of the bustling waters hitting those rock bottoms. Hear the call of nature and relish it.
• Relish the grand show of light and shadow – of sunrays peeping behind the leaves and falling into the glistening water.
• Go for fun relaxing picnic time with your friends and family.
• Swim in the gushing streams and sing mowgli and baloo from the jungle book.
• Go on bird watching spree and capture those enigmatic creatures through your camera.
• Visit the amusement parks lying nearby.
• Enjoy the beauty of the Sholayar hills and trek down from the waterfalls to its bottom.
Best Time to Visit
The waterfalls unleashes it spell when it is bustling with waters. Thus it is best suited for a monsoon visit when the forest is green and the water flows with full force. The dry months of April-May- June aren’t that fulfilling.The ideal comes in July and august but the heavy rain may often be hazardous for swim and other activities. So, it’s better to visit the post monsoon season that is in September-October.
How to Reach
The waterfalls resides at a distance of 59kms from Thrissur and 70 kms from Cochin. The nearest railway station is Chalakuddy. Thrissur and Ernakulum railway station lies at a distance of 55km and 70 km respectively. Cochin airport at 55km is the nearest airports. Regular buses and hired cars or taxis ply from Thrissur, Chalakuddy and Cochin.Interesting Facts and Trivia
• The waterfall is 80feet high.• Its gushing streams leads to the formation of the Chalakudy river.
• It is a reservoir of exotic fresh water fishes. More than 85 species of fishes are found here.
Nearby Attractions
• A string of waterfalls, dam and sanctuary lies in the vicinity. This includes the Sholayar dam, Vazhachal falls, Charpa falls, Kundoormad Waterfalls, Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary etc.
• Chalakudy river and Thumbormuzhi dam and garden are interesting tourist destinations.
• Paniely Poru and Abhayaranyam Zoo lies within 12 km of Athirapally.
• Peringalkuthu Dam and Kodanand Elephant Training Centre are other formidable destination lying within 10 km radius.
Cost:
INR 15 per person for adultsOpen Time:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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