Athirapilly Falls is situated in Athirapilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District 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 81.5 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapilly to the Vazhachal Falls, which is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed “The Niagara of South India”.It originates from the upper parts of Western Ghats at the entrance of the Sholayar region. The Athirappilly waterfalls flow through the verdant greenery of the Vazhachal forest toward the Arabian Sea, creating a spectacular vista of scintillating water, emerald jungles, and azure sky. The magnanimous waterfalls are worth your vacation.
You can also witness the beauty of Vazhachal waterfalls which is located 5 KM away from the Athirappilly waterfalls. The dense forest nearby the waterfalls promise you a spellbound experience by allowing you to witness many endangered and epidemic species flora and fauna. Along with the international tourists, the scenic beauty of Athirappilly falls also attracts a lot of filmmakers and the place has been the location for various South Indian as well as North Indian movies.
When you land in Athirapally, you are greeted with the sight of charming green Sholayar Peaks peering over the rushing gush of the falls. Standing against the backdrop of a rustling jungle foliage, this many films and music videos are shot here. Bird lovers cannot miss this place, for it is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. There is a pool above the falls where you can relax and unwind. To get a view of the waterfall, one needs to get down from the mountain for about 100 meters. Another interesting fact to note is that the fall joins forces with the Chalakkudy river before reaching its final destination into the sea. There are a couple of water theme parks on the way to Athirappilly called Silver Storm and Dream World and many resorts as well.
FLORA IN VAZHACHAL FOREST DIVISION
Very rare and famous medicinal flora found in Vazhachal Forest area. Some of them are Artocarpus Hirsutus, Antiaris toxicaria, Calophyllum polyanthum, Canarium strictum, Dipterocarpus indicus, Grewia tillifolia, Hopea parviflora, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Mesua ferrea, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia crenulata, Terminalia bellirica, Vateria indica, Xylia xylocarpa, Canes, Reeds and Bamboos etc.
FAUNA AND WILDLIFE SIGHTING IN VAZHACHAL FOREST DIVISION
Vazhachal Forest area maintains its abundant animal assets. Some of them are: Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Bison, Sambar, Porcupine, Lion tailed Macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Viper, King Cobra, etc. Lucky tourists can enjoy the wildlife sightings while moving from Athirapilly to Pokkalapara through the main road in the late evenings.
JUNGLE SAFARI
Jungle safari is managed on daily basis by Athirapiily Destination Management Council and Thrissur District Tourism Council. The safari is organised from Chalakudy to Malakkappara. The country’s best efforts to conserve elephants could be seen here. The safari takes a time of one to two hours for making you visit the jungle and watching the wildlife there. There are benches around the Vazhachal waterfall where you can sit and spend your ample time. The view of the Vazhachal waterfalls is so eye-catching that you can spend hours sitting there. Though there is no rigid timings yet you are recommended to visit there in the daytime.
The falls never dry out and can be visited anytime during the year. Though the waterfalls appear in full glory during monsoons, heavy rains can cause great inconvenience. So, the best time to visit is from September to January.
