Athirapally - The biggest waterfall in Kerala

The Most Beautiful Waterfall of Kerala - Athirappally

Athirapally Falls is located in Athirapally Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk in Thrissur District of Kerala. The slow-running Chalakudy River originates in the Anamudi mountains and acquires vigor on nearing Athirapally, and falls down the 80ft rock and remains turbulent for 1 kilometer.  People call it the Niagara waterfall of India, as it's Kerala's biggest waterfall. It falls from a height of 80 ft and is 330 ft wide. 

On reaching the Athirapally Waterfall entrance, there are shops and food joints; from there, one has to walk to view the waterfall. You can see the river flowing and fallingfrom the rocks to the steep valley. Again you have to trek downhill to get a clear view of the waterfall. It takes 10 to 15 mins to trek down the hills to get the picturesque look of the waterfall and the frothing water. The trip to Athirapally is incomplete without this downhill trek. Almost 7 million tourists visit this biggest waterfall in Kerala every year.

Some Bollywood movies shot at the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, Athirapally, are:

• 'Dil Se' starring Shahrukh Khan, directed by Mani Ratnam, song Jiya Jale,

• 'Narumugaye' song for Tamil Movie 'Iruvar'.

• Mani Ratnam directed the movie 'Ravan' in Hindi and Ravanan in Tamil.

• 'Adada Mazhaida' song for Tamil movie Paiyaa.

• Kannathil Muthamittal song for the movie 'Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• The big-budget Indian Movie 'Baahubali.'

How to Reach Athirapally Waterfalls?

The nearest railway station to Athirapally waterfalls is Chalakudy Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport. You can book IndusGo  self-drive rent a car from Cochin International Airport after reaching Chalakudy railway station or from Cochin international airport. The drive to the waterfalls is worth it as the destination. The lush green nature and the sound of water flowing through the rivers and brooks parallel to the road are a feel-good experience. You can experience the beauty of nature in all its magnificence at Athirapally.  

Book the car of your choice and comfort online with IndusGo and get the car delivered to your preferred pick up point. The best part of booking an IndusGo  vehicle is that you can be spared from exorbitant taxi charges.

The Best Time to Visit Athirapally Falls

To enjoy the glory of Kerala's famous waterfall, you  must visit during the monsoon season, and the best time to visit is from June to October. The waterfall near  the forest has a richly biodiverse area in the state. However, this area is a fragile ecosystem, and any disruption can create a disaster. So while traveling to this special ecosystem, make sure not to disturb it and don't pollute it with plastic.

The 5 Best Tourist Places Near Athirapally Falls

• Vazhachal Falls

Another exquisite waterfall near the Athirapally Falls is the Vazhachal Falls. Embarking from River Chalakudy, the Vazhachal Falls slopes downhill from a height of over 300 feet. You can trek through the jungle here for a wonderful trekking experience. This place is a total beauty among other falls near Kerala.

• Charpa Falls

Another wing of the Chalakudy River is the enchanting Charpa Waterfalls. These falls pour down on the road that connectsVazhachal and Athirapally. The waterfall passes through seven steps before reaching the road.

It creates a pool of fresh water at each step, making for marvelous scenery. Completing the picturesque frame are the lofty hills that run parallel to the Charpa Falls. This area is a delight to the eyes as it's covered in blooming greenery and is one of Kerala's best waterfalls. 

• Sholayar Dam

The Sholayar Dam is almost 53 km from Athirapally Falls. It covers a distance of over 20 km and is the second largest and the biggest rock dam in Asia. This reservoir is situated at the Parambikulam Power Station and is a part of the Sholayar Hydroelectric Project. 

• Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Just 41. 5 km from the Athirapally Falls is the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre. If you are a nature lover, you can plan a few hours to enjoy yourself here. You can casually walk around and experience elephants bathing and interacting with the mahouts. You can also see deer, birds, and butterflies. 

• Illithode

About 10 km from the Athirapally Falls is yet another natural landscape known as Illithode. This place is a paradise for nature lovers, with thick green trees and a freshwater river. You can enjoy walking around the area just soaking in the natural ambiance. You can also enjoy birdwatching and photography with your friends and family.

Conclusion

Traveling to the Athirapally Waterfalls is now completely sorted, as we have given you the best guide to make your trip fun and adventurous. Make sure to visit all the nearby tourist spots and make the most of your holidays. Hire a self-drive car from IndusGo, and you can relieve yourself from the hassle of overpriced cab booking and stressful public transport. With cost-effective rates and attractive car hiring packages, IndusGo is the best option to enjoy sightseeing to the fullest.