Imagine standing in front of a massive waterfall that plunges from a height of 80 feet and spans across 330 feet, creating a misty spray and a thunderous roar. Imagine feeling the cool breeze and the refreshing water on your skin.
Imagine seeing the rainbow colors and the sun rays dancing on the water droplets. Imagine hearing the birds chirping and the monkeys chattering in the lush green forest. Imagine smelling the fresh air and the earthy fragrance of the soil. This is not a dream.
This is Athirappilly Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in India, located in Thrissur, Kerala.
Athirappilly Falls is also known as the Niagara Falls of India, because of its resemblance to the famous waterfall in North America. It is formed by the Chalakudy River, which originates from the Western Ghats and flows through the Sholayar Forest. The waterfall has two main drops, one at the top and one at the bottom, creating a stunning sight that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Athirappilly Falls is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural and cinematic landmark. It is home to many tribal villages that have preserved their ancient traditions and customs. It is also a popular location for many movies that have showcased its beauty and grandeur, such as Bahubali, Raavan, Guru, Dil Se, etc.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to visiting and enjoying Athirappilly Falls and nearby attractions.
Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, a photographer, or a movie buff, you will find something that suits your taste and interest at Athirappilly Falls. So read on and get ready to plan your next trip to this natural wonder.
How to Reach Athirappilly Falls:
Athirappilly Falls is located about 60 km from Thrissur city and 70 km from Cochin city in Kerala. You can reach the waterfall by air, train, or road, depending on your convenience and budget. Here are the details of each mode of transportation:
By air:
The nearest airport to Athirappilly Falls is Cochin International Airport, which is about 40 km away. You can take a flight from any major city in India or abroad to Cochin and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach the waterfall. The taxi fare may vary from INR 1000 to INR 1500 depending on the season and availability. The bus fare may be around INR 100 per person.
By train:
The nearest railway stations to Athirappilly Falls are Chalakudy or Angamaly, which are about 30 km and 35 km away respectively. You can take a train from any major city in India to either of these stations and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach the waterfall. The taxi fare may vary from INR 800 to INR 1200 depending on the season and availability. The bus fare may be around INR 80 per person.
By road:
The most convenient and scenic way to reach Athirappilly Falls is by road. You can drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a bus from Thrissur or Cochin or any other nearby city. The route to the waterfall passes through Chalakudy, which is a small town with many shops and restaurants. You can stop here for refreshments or shopping. From Chalakudy, you have to take a left turn at Vettilapara junction and follow the signboards for Athirappilly Falls. The road is narrow and winding but well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the forest and river. The distance from Chalakudy to Athirappilly Falls is about 30 km and takes about an hour to cover.
Some of the nearby attractions to Athirappilly Falls are:
Vazhachal Waterfalls:
This is another stunning waterfall that is located about 5 km from Athirappilly Falls on the same road. It is a cascading waterfall that flows through a series of steps and rocks, creating a scenic view. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this waterfall and also visit the nearby herbal garden and fish spa. The entry fee for Vazhachal Waterfalls is INR 40 per person for adults.
Sholayar Forest:
This is a biodiversity hotspot that surrounds Athirappilly Falls and extends to the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the Malabar giant squirrel, the great hornbill, etc. You can explore this forest by taking a jungle safari or a trekking tour with prior permission from the forest department. The entry fee for Sholayar Forest is INR 50 per person for adults.
Tribal Villages:
There are several tribal villages in and around Athirappilly Falls that belong to different communities such as the Malayarayan, the Kadar, the Muthuvan, etc. These tribes have their own unique culture, customs, and traditions that have been preserved for centuries. You can visit these villages with prior approval from the government authorities and learn about their lifestyle, history, and beliefs. You can also buy some handicrafts and souvenirs made by them.
Charpa Falls:
This is another beautiful waterfall that is located about 3 km from Athirappilly Falls on the same road. It is smaller than Athirappilly Falls but equally stunning. It is best seen during the monsoon season when it gushes down with full force. You can trek to Charpa Falls from Athirappilly Falls along the road or through the forest. The trek is easy and takes about an hour to complete.
Thumboormuzhi Dam:
This is a dam that is located about 14 km from Athirappilly Falls on the Chalakudy River. It is a popular picnic spot that offers a panoramic view of the river and the forest. You can also visit the butterfly park and the hanging bridge near the dam. The entry fee for Thumboormuzhi Dam is INR 10 per person for adults.
Anakkayam Lake:
This is a serene lake that is located about 20 km from Athirappilly Falls on the way to Valparai. It is surrounded by hills and forests and offers a peaceful escape from the crowd. You can trek to Anakkayam Lake from Athirappilly Falls along the road or through the forest. The trek is moderate and takes about 3 hours to complete.
You may also like to read: Majestic, Breathtaking and Bahubali Waterfall - Athirapally Falls, Kerala
Best Time To Visit Athirappilly Falls
The best time to visit Athirappilly Falls depends on your preferences and goals. The waterfall and its surroundings have different seasons and weather conditions that affect its beauty and accessibility. Here are the details of each season and its pros and cons:
Monsoon season (June to September):
This is the peak season for visiting Athirappilly Falls, as the waterfall is at its fullest and most spectacular during this time. The rain enhances the greenery and freshness of the forest and creates a misty and magical atmosphere. You can also see many rainbows and sun rays on the water droplets. However, this season also has some drawbacks, such as heavy rain, slippery roads, leeches, landslides, etc. You should avoid this season if you are not comfortable with wet and muddy conditions or if you want to do some activities such as river bathing or trekking.
Winter season (October to February):
This is the ideal season for visiting Athirappilly Falls, as the weather is pleasant and clear during this time. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C and the humidity is low. You can enjoy the scenic views of the waterfall and the forest without any obstruction or disturbance. You can also do some activities such as river bathing or trekking without any risk or difficulty. However, this season also has some drawbacks, such as reduced water flow, crowded places, higher prices, etc. You should avoid this season if you want to see the waterfall at its best or if you want to avoid the crowd.
Summer season (March to May):
This is the off-season for visiting Athirappilly Falls, as the weather is hot and humid during this time. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C and the humidity is high. The water level of the waterfall is low and the forest is dry and dull. You may not enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the waterfall and its surroundings as much as in other seasons. However, this season also has some advantages, such as lower prices, fewer tourists, more availability, etc. You should choose this season if you want to save some money or if you want to have some privacy.
Where To Eat & Drink Near Athirappilly Falls
There are many restaurants and cafes near Athirappilly Falls that offer a variety of cuisines and dishes to suit your taste and budget. Here are some of the options that you can choose from:
CLIRIND: This is a restaurant that is part of the Clirind Resorts, which is located on the banks of the Chalakudy River, just 2 km from the waterfall. The restaurant serves Chinese, Indian, Southwestern, Contemporary, and Arabic food, with a focus on fresh and organic ingredients. The restaurant also has a beautiful view of the river and the forest, and offers facilities such as changing rooms, lockers, towels, etc. The restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM and the average cost for two people is INR 1000.
Coffee CUP Cafe: This is a cafe that is located near Dhanya Traders, Muringoor, Koratty, which is about 14 km from the waterfall. The cafe serves cafe, barbecue, and Arabic food, with a speciality in grilled chicken and shawarma. The cafe also has a cozy and friendly ambiance, and offers free Wi-Fi and parking. The cafe is open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM and the average cost for two people is INR 300.
The Food Castle: This is a restaurant that is located near Athirappilly Falls on the same road. The restaurant serves Chinese, Indian, Asian, and Arabic food, with a variety of dishes such as biryani, noodles, fried rice, curry, etc. The restaurant also has a spacious and clean dining area, and offers home delivery and catering services. The restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM and the average cost for two people is INR 500.
Dewland Restaurant: This is a restaurant that is part of the Dewland Hotel, which is located near Kurichilakode,Kodanad Road. The restaurant serves Chinese, Indian, Asian, and Arabic food, with a focus on seafood and Kerala cuisine. The restaurant also has a scenic view of the river and the forest, and offers facilities such as swimming pool, spa, gym, etc. The restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM and the average cost for two people is INR 800.
India Coffee House: This is a coffee house that is located near Round in Thrissur city, which is about 60 km from the waterfall. The coffee house serves Indian and cafe food, with a speciality in filter coffee and dosa. The coffee house also has a nostalgic and retro vibe, and offers reasonable prices and quick service. The coffee house is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and the average cost for two people is INR 200.
Best Places To Stay Near Athirappilly Falls
There are many options for staying near Athirappilly Falls, depending on your budget and preference. If you are looking for premium resorts, here are some of the best ones that you can choose from:
Rainforest Resort:
This is a luxury resort that is located just 0.4 km from Athirappilly Falls and offers a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the forest from its rooms and balconies. The resort has 10 rooms, each with a unique design and theme, such as tree house, luxury cottage, celestial room, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a spa, and a conference hall. The resort is ideal for couples, families, and groups who want to enjoy nature and privacy. The price for a night at the resort ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 depending on the season and availability.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Casa Rio Resort:
This is a premium resort that is located just 2 km from Athirappilly Falls and offers a serene and relaxing experience on the banks of the Chalakudy River. The resort has 24 rooms, each with a modern and elegant decor, such as deluxe room, suite room, river view room, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a swimming pool, and a spa. The resort is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy river bathing, fishing, boating, etc. The price for a night at the resort ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 depending on the season and availability.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Hydel Palace Hotel & Resorts:
H1s, each with a cozy and comfortable design, such as standard room, deluxe room, suite room, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a swimming pool, and a conference hall. The resort is ideal for business travelers, families, and groups who want to enjoy a convenient and relaxing stay. The price for a night at the resort ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 depending on the season and availability
To book a stay at this property click here.
Some of the tips or precautions for visiting Athirappilly Falls are:
1. Carry water and snacks with you, as there are not many shops or restaurants near the waterfall. However, do not carry food in plastic bags or containers, as they may attract monkeys and other animals. Dispose of your waste properly and do not litter or pollute the environment.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get wet, as you may have to walk on slippery rocks or cross streams to reach the waterfall. You can also bring a change of clothes or a raincoat if you want to avoid getting soaked by the spray of the waterfall.
3. Avoid visiting the waterfall during the monsoon season (June to September) if you are not comfortable with heavy rain, landslides, leeches, etc. The waterfall is at its best during this time, but it can also be dangerous and inaccessible. If you do visit during this time, check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go and follow the instructions of the authorities.
4. Beware of monkeys and leeches that may be present near the waterfall. Do not feed or provoke the monkeys, as they may become aggressive and snatch your belongings. Do not walk barefoot or sit on the ground, as leeches may attach to your skin and suck your blood. Carry some salt or tobacco to remove them if they do.
5. Respect the tribal culture and customs of the villages near the waterfall. Do not enter their premises without their permission or take pictures of them without their consent. Do not disturb their peace or privacy or interfere with their activities. Learn about their history and beliefs from a local guide or a government official.
You may also like to read: An Unforgettable Trip to the Pristine Athirapally Falls in Kerala
Athirappilly Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Kerala that you should visit. You can visit the waterfall in any season, but monsoon is the best. You should follow some tips and precautions to have a safe and comfortable trip.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope to see you soon at Athirappilly Falls. Happy traveling!
