Athirappilly waterfalls
The Athirappilly Falls is situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy river in 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. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. About 7 million tourists visit the falls and the Vazhachal picnic spot each year.
Athirapally is the land of rivers and forests and great waterfalls!.The destination houses the largest waterfall in Kerala, the Athirapally waterfall,a major tourist attraction. This patch in Sholayar ranges so beautifully intertwined with lush green forest cover and sizzling silver cascades and located central to Cochin and River Nila (Bharathapuzha),is a treat for the eyes during the monsoon. The cool spray that covers a large area near the falls makes Athirapally a scenic location. The picturesque Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy river. Charpa, Vazhachal and Athirapally are ideal places where the monsoon is to be enjoyed.
Local communities along the Chalakudy river banded together to stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam upstream from Athirapally Waterfall. The proposed dam would have submerged more than 140 hectares of forest, dried up extensive riparian areas downstream and destroyed Athirapally Waterfall, one of several scenic waterfalls important to the local tourism industry.The dam also would have destroyed the critical habitat of many important species, including the rare Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, the endangered Great Indian Hornbill, the Lion-Tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Langur.
Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), 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 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. The charm of the Athirapally nature cannot be described by words. The thick lush green forest around the beautiful waterfall, will lure you definitely. If you are a person, who love to have an adventurous trip or trekking, the Athirapally waterfalls will be a perfect place for you to indulge with. You will have to collect an entry pass in order to be at Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls.
Now there is a narrow path leading to the bottom of the waterfall, which will give you a chance to enjoy the spectacular waterfall in close proximity. The view of the waterfalls from here is something you can never run away from your memories. Close your eyes and enjoy the roaring sound of the water falling upon the rocks and feel the water drops sprinkling upon you. You should be more careful, while climbing upon the rocks as they may turn slippery and there is a chance for you to fall down.
Attractions around Athirappally
Thumpurmuzhi Gardens
In the midst of these two water theme parks is Thumpurmuzhi, an ideal stopover with its garden, scenic splendor and a classic waterfall. The park is ideally placed 55 km away from Thrissur. The park is situated on the banks of Chalakkudy river and you can also sight Thumpurmuzhi dam here. You can find here over 180 species of colourful butterflies. Some of them are lemon butterfly, southern birdwing, common rose, light blue tiger, dark blue tiger etc.
If you are able to reach here in the morning, you will be lucky enough to sight big and several species of butterflies. You can also see here various plants like pagoda flower, rattlepods, Mexican heather or Hawaiin heather, rubiaceae, flame lilly etc, feeding the butterflies. Children can very well enjoy here as there is a children's park inside this beautiful garden. You will get various facilities like DTPC restaurant, bathing ghat, snack bar, Chinese pavilion, washrooms and parking areas.
This destination is well connected by roads and railway. You will have to pay a nominal entry fee for visiting Thumburmuzhi and if you want to take good snaps, take your camera along with you by paying the camera fee.
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. Located in the Athirapally Panchayat in Thrissur district, the Charpa falls lay in between the beautiful Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls, in the Chalakudy river.
When compared to other falls, the Charpa waterfall is from a low height, but often tourists are attracted towards to this spectacular fall. The waterfall is ideally located around 60 km away from Thrissur.
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.
Valparai
Valparai, this particular place is the only spot throughout the Western Ghats where some endangered Hornbill varieties are found. The Western Ghats can be just one of the most significant biodiversity sizzling locations in the globe. This priceless natural earth is undoubtedly degraded by means of mining, exploration, and hydro electric tasks.
From Coimbatore to Pollachi it is about forty Kilometers, Valparai is around sixty five kilometer from Pollachi town, and the highway climbs way up steeply through Aziyar, Attagatti, Waterfall tea estates and Kavarkal to Valparai. From the Valparai town and on the way to Solayar, the highway will go via lustrous outrageous jungles following Malakkiparai. Road is as employs: From Valparai to Malakkiparai about twenty miles, from Sholayar twenty one miles, Athirapalli Five kilometer. Generally there is completely no human being settlement among Malakkiparai Dam. Animals like elephants and bison - spread around the highway, and evening traveling is frustrated. Athirapalli is on the Chalakudy River or canal.
Poringalkuthu Hydel Project
One can never skip to visit 'Poringalkuthu Hydel Project', while their trip to Athirappally. Around 5 kms away from Vazhachal, you can spot Poringalkuthu Hydel Project. Here, you will definitely experience a breathtaking view of the enchanting nature around. Here you can sight a dam built on behalf of the hydel project before independence. The dam was commissioned in the year 1959. The equipments were bought from UK.
The dam and its premises can be enjoyed in its close proximity through boating. One can also make use of the pedal boats to experience the serene ambiance here. Enjoy the magnificent green environment around, while having a calm voyage through the water. At Poringalkuthu, you can also visit an inspection bungalow of the Kerala State Electricity Board. It is an Anglican-style building, built before independence. You will have to get prior permission to enter the dam site. For boating and for entrance, you will have to pay a nominal fee.
Anakkayam
Anakkayam is a beautiful place blessed with attractive lakes, spectacular waterfalls, mesmerizing green forest, rocks etc. Those who want to get away with the hustles and bustles of the city life, Anakkayam will be an ideal choice for making their trip the most memorable one. Anakkayam is ideally placed near Chalakkudy.
The waterfall here is nestled in between the lush greenish environment and the sight of this will make you delightful. The name 'Anakkayam' means 'Elephant's pit'. Now it is believed that elephants had got drowned in the lake here and thus got the name 'Anakkayam'. This particular place was once the battle field of Khilafath against the English.
Anakkayam is a heaven for adventure lovers. Come and explore the mysterious forest at Anakkayam. The breathtakingly beautiful Anakkayam will be revealed again and again. Here you will be getting a very rare chance to come closer to the nature and you will feel that you are one with the nature. The best time to be at Anakkayam is from October to March.
