Athirapally Waterfalls
The
scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls presents a spectacular visual
extravagance to visitors. A very popular picnic spot, Athirapilly is located
close to Chalakudy in Kerala. The falls are located amidst dense forests and
the entire region looks ‘picture-perfect’ in every way. Athirapilly-Vazhachal
waterfalls are situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kms
apart.This sparkling cascade of silvery water, falls from a height of
approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below. You can have a
spectacular view from the top of the waterfalls when you walk through the rock
pathway that leads from the main entrance. And for those with an adventurous
streak, there is a fantastic view from the bottom of the waterfalls which can
be reached with a little bit of trekking on slippery mountain trails. It’s a
beautiful trail and you can relish the water from the falls sprinkling all over
you. The view of the entire landscape is amazing.
But
the falls can be treacherous, especially during the monsoons due to the
slippery grounds, changing currents and the presence of huge rocks. So, enjoy
the view, but be careful, all the same. Best Time to Visit Athirapilly
Waterfalls is July to September. Unique attractions in and around Athirapilly Waterfalls
are Chapra Falls (1.5 km away from Athirapilly), Vazhachal Falls (about 5 km
from Athirapilly), Dream World Amusement Park (24 kms from Athirapilly) and
Silver Storm Amusement Parks – (about 30 km from Athirapilly).
Location :
Athirampally and
Vazhachal Waterfalls are located at the at the distance of 90 km from Kochi.
They are located in the district of Thrissur close to the Sholayar forests
ranges in Kerala.
Athirampally is approximately 63 km and Vazhachal is approximately 68 km
Thrissur. After running down 80 feet Athirampally fall joins the Chalakkudy
river. The pristine Vazhachal waterfall is located amidst the dense green
forests and is the part of the Chalakkudy river. You can visit the waterfalls
any day between the 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit the waterfalls is
after the monsoons, between the month of September to February. Athirampally
and Vazhachal waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls in the country.
Tourists attractions :
Vazhachal is quite
popular among the tourists for its exotic flora and herbal plantations. The
major attraction among the tourists are the two water themes parks namely the
Silver stone and Dream World, which are located west of Athirampally. The
scenic Thumpurmuzhi gardens are beautifully tucked between the two theme
gardens. Another waterfall which is quite popular in the area is the Charpa
fall, situated on the eastern side of Athirampally. Tourists have the golden
opportunity to venture into the fascinating Malakapara tea gardens. You can
make a visit to a beautiful Vachumaram lake, where you may get the chance to
spot the wild elephants and spotted deers.
Picnic :
If you are looking for a
break from the busy routine life of yours, Athirampally and Vazhachal
waterfalls are the best place to seek. The natural spell bounding beauty of the
area has made it a favourite picnic spot among the nature lovers. This is the
place where you can spend time at leisure exploring its rich flora and fauna.
The natural beauty of the Athirampally and Vazhachal is hard to describe in
words.
Things to Remember :
Tourists are requested to
maintain eco tourism in the area. Do not throw the waste anywhere
unnecessarily. Do not smoke and do not consume alcohol. Please mind that
swimming is strictly prohibited in the area. Tourists are recommended to wear
comfortable clothes while visiting the place. Carry along with yourself insect
repellent and first aid box. You are requested not to feed the animals
especially the monkeys as the waterfalls are plastic free zones.
How to reach
The Waterfalls is in Athirapally panchayat in Thrissur District of
Kerala- the south western state of India.
The nearest Railway
Station is in Chalakudy and is about 30 kms from this tourist spot. you can
take either a taxi car or private service buses from the bust terminal here in
Chalakudi.Enjoy the ride when your vehicle traverses through the windy hill
roads and lush green rain forest.
Athirampally and
Vazhachal are on the road route connecting Tamilnadu and Kerala, and if
you are coming from Tamilnadu you will witness much wildlife for the road is
through the dense rain forest.The forest is rich in varities of wild life
starting from the biggest- elephants , leapords, sambars, procupine, sloth
bears, Nilgiri Langurs, deers, hornbills etc. Advisable to avoid the night journey
through the road, for the wild life may or mayn't like you.
Cochin International
airport is about 55 Kms from here. From Cochin town its about 78 Kms to
Athirapilly.
Visiting Time
Its from morning 8 to
evening 6. Tourist entry to the waterfalls and respective areas is restricted
by pass costing a meare amount of money. Forest guards are all over for taking
care of you.
Season to Visit
The beast season to visit
this waterfalls is from june to September, i during the monsoons when you can
see the river in its full strength and fury. A problem during the time is you
won't be allowed to go that near to the falls as we can go in other times when
the water level is low. Guards restricts the visitors with ropes.