Athirapally Water Falls is situated in Kerala, India on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 80 feet.
Athirappally is a first-grade Grama Panjayat with 489.00 km2 area in Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District in Kerala, India. It is located 60 km from Thrissur city, 70 km northeast of Kochi city, 55 km northeast of Cochin International Airport, and 30 km from Chalakudy town.
Athirapally Water Falls
The Athirappally is situated 1000 feet above sea level on the Chalakudy River, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats; Athirappalli is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area.
Located in the Western Ghats
This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spots in the world. This valuable natural world is already degraded by mining and hydroelectric projects. Environmentalists claim that Athirapally is a one-of its-kind riparian ecosystem in Kerala.
V.S. Vijayan, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and former Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, has been quoted in Down to Earth magazine as affirming that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State.
The International Bird Association has declared it an “Important Bird Area” and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park, he points out. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India’s best elephant conservation efforts. “Any disruption to this fragile ecosystem will spell disaster,” says Vijayan.
Tourism
Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappally Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala, which Athirappilly States with neighboring Ayyampuzha Panchayath. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy River and it is approximately 80 feet in height.
Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Proper precautions are taken on-site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, night driving is not advised. But you can enjoy the adventurous drive in the middle of the jungle.
Jungle Safari
Daily Jungle Safari trips are organized by Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council with Athirappally Destination Management Council from Chalakudy to Malakkappara. It is the most attractive wildlife watch and Ecotourism Jungle safari through the evergreen forest of Sholayar ranges of Western Ghats – Kerala. It is also the most beautiful Jungle Safari watching Wildlife in entire Kerala and is about 90 km across the rain forests of Sholayar ranges.
A unique opportunity to experience the rich flora & fauna of Athirapally-Vazhachal Ecotourism, covering Kauthukapark, Thumboormuzhy Dam & Butterflygarden, Athirapally waterfalls, Vazhachal falls, 40 km of amidst thick forests, valleys, lofty peaks, tea garden and wildlife.
Athirappilly hydro-electric project
The 163-MW Athirappilly hydro-electric project was proposed in 1996 by the Kerala State Electricity Board, which was to include a dam of 23-metre height, with a storage capacity of 8.44MCM, on the Chalakkudy River in the Vazhachal Forest Division.
Maniratnam film location
Noted Tamil film director, Maniratnam, has a huge fascination for this spot that a lot of his movies are shot here. Ravanan was almost fully shot in this location. The movies Dil Se, Kannathil Muthamittal, Iruvar, Guru have songs shot here.
“Arjuna Arjuna” song featuring Sarathkumar and Namitha was shot in this location. The rain song (“Adada Mazhaida”) Tamil movie featuring Karthi and Tamannaah, was shot at the Athirappilly waterfalls in Kerala. Punnagaimannan and captain Prabhakaran also shot here.
Best time to visit
An Athirapally waterfall never dries out and can be visited anytime during the year. Though the waterfall appears in its full glory during monsoons, heavy rains cause inconvenience. So, the best time to visit is from September to January. Near the top of the falls yes, you can swim/splash, take a bath in the pool areas.
Athirapally Falls
- Weather: 26° C.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Time Required: 6-7 hours.
- Entry Fee: INR 15 per person for adults
