Athirappilly Waterfall: Explore The Largest Waterfall Of Kerala!

Athirappilly Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala. This place is the most beautiful and offers an evocative scenic beauty. This waterfall is surrounded by green hills on all sides.  This place was pretty unexplored by the end of the 1980s.

However, soon after, the famous Tamil movie ‘Punnagai Mannan’ featured these Athirappilly Falls. This waterfall gained a lot of importance over the period of years ever since then. Today it has become a very memorable hotspot. It is a picturesque backdrop.

Location

Athirappilly Waterfall is located on the Chalakudy River. It is located in the Sholayar Reserve Forest of the Thrissur district of Kerala. It is located 40 km to the northeast of Kochi airport. The Chalakudy River basically originates from the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu.

This river joins the famous Kerala Backwaters and then finally meets the Arabian Sea at Azhikode in Kochi. The location is very strategic and is home to a diversified variety of flora and fauna.

Climatic Conditions

The Athirappilly Waterfalls experience a classic temperate and tropical climate. The temperature is very moderate throughout the year. It is usually warm during the day and cold during the night.

The temperature during the summer months of March, April, and May range from 30-36 degree Celsius. The temperature during the winter months of October, November, December, and January is from 15-25 degrees Celsius.

The place receives heavy rainfall for most part of the year. The weather is very pleasant and it is a perfect place to visit.

Best Time To Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls

The best time to visit these waterfalls is usually during the monsoon season. This season basically stretches from June to November. This is the time of the year when festivals like Onam are celebrated in Kerala with great pomp and show.

Most of the tourists visit this waterfall on weekends and public holidays. However, if the visitors want a calm environment to enjoy the surroundings, then weekdays must be preferred over. 

How To Reach Athirappilly Waterfalls

As a visitor, it is very easy to reach Athirappilly Falls. There are different modes of traveling to these waterfalls. Let us explore them one by one:

• Taxi: People can easily take a taxi from the Kochi airport via State Highway 21. This highway runs through the Chalakudy-Anamala Road and crosses the dense forests of Tamil Nadu in order to reach the waterfall. The taxi is likely to cost around Rs. 1400 for this purpose.
• Buses: Both private and state buses run over the roads. These buses usually run every hour and are very cost-effective. 
• By Road: Visitors can access these waterfalls through the tea gardens of the Munnar in Kerala. 
• Forests: If the visitors are planning to access the waterfalls through the forests, then they are required to take permission from the Forest Department. The entry to this forest land opens at 8 a.m to closes at 5 p.m. The tickets basically cost around Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. An additional fee of Rs. 20 is payable for accessing the camera. 

Attractions Near Athirappilly Waterfalls

There are different types of attractions available near the Athirappilly Waterfalls. These attractions are very exotic and truly amazing in every regard. Let us explore these attractions one by one so that the readers have an idea about how to spend their time near the waterfalls.

Charpa Falls

Charpa Falls is located adjacent to the Athirappilly Waterfalls. They have a vertical drop of 82 feet. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful hills.

This is a perennial waterfall. However, it plunges with water during the rainy season.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

This waterfall is located 5 kilometers to the east of the Athirappilly Waterfalls. It is a perfect scenic spot. The place is usually crowded with tourists. The place is very iconic in terms of the beauty it has got to offer.

Jungle Safari

There is a wonderful jungle safari adjacent to the waterfalls. This jungle safari enables one to explore the hidden flora and fauna in the forests nearby.

This usually includes a fun ride and a safari ride. Visitors get to experience the diversified wildlife.

Bird Watching 

People can also view the wonderful and beautiful bird-watching sights. There are many species of birds that migrate to these waterfalls every year. This is basically around the months of October and November.

There are different varieties of domestic and exotic birds available in this area. These birds are very colorful and watching them is actually a treat to the eyes. 

Food And Accommodation

There are many food spots available around the area. People can enjoy the local delicacies and traditional food. There are many street vendors and hawkers who are available in this area. These places are very crowded. People from different parts of the country come to visit this place. 

Things To Remember While Visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls

If you are willing to visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls, then you must remember some of the following factors. These factors include:

• Always remember to carry umbrellas and raincoats along as these waterfalls are always prone to heavy rainfalls.
• These waterfalls are located at a height, therefore, there is a need to ensure that people do not go near the waterfalls so much as the flow is very fast most of the time.
• The weather remains cold for most part of the year. Therefore always carry warm clothes with you when you visit this place.

Conclusion

With all of this information, it has become possible for anyone who is willing to visit this place to plan a proper itinerary to the location. This location is very iconic and every year many people visit this place.

Read More:

Poovar: Explore A Serene Coastal Village in Kerala!

Peermade: Explore The Charming Hill Station In Kerala!