Travel
Athirapally Waterfalls, Kerala
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Kerala as a state is often referred to as “God’s own country”. This is of course
not without reason because anyone who has had the privilege of visiting Kerala is
enthralled by the sheer beauty that it offers. Scores of coconut trees extending
as long as the eye can see bordering calm, greenish backwaters is a common sight.
Blessed with abundant greenery and water, Kerala is also home to some awesome waterfalls.
Magnificent and famous, the best of them is the Athirapally waterfall which
to this day remains a pride of Kerala.
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A white frothy mist huddled in the midst of dense green foliage is the treat your
eyes get to witness when you visit Athirapally Waterfalls. Many well known directors
have chosen this picturesque backdrop for their movies. When your eyes chance upon
this spectacular vision you are unlikely to question the wisdom of their choice.
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Athirapally is the largest waterfall among several silver cascades which adorn the
Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats. It merges with the Chalakudy river after falling
from an imposing height of 80 feet. Little wonder that this gift from nature is
often referred to as the “Indian Niagara”.
As a nature lover you have several reasons to feel enthused about your visit to
“God’s own country”. Close on the heels of the magnificent Athirapally falls is
another marvel from nature, the Vazhachal falls. These riparian forests are an important
biodiversity hotspot and nurture several endangered species of flora and fauna including
the four endangered species of Hornbill. These riparian forests cover an expanse
of 58.5 hectares of which 26.4 hectares including three large islands of densely
covered riparian forests lie within the Vazhachal area.
Athirapally is 78km from Cochin (Kochi).You can reach this lovely location by hiring
a private vehicle or a bus from Chalakudy. If you are planning to drive down on
your own, this route map can help you reach quite easily.
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Alternately you can also reach these falls from Tamilnadu. You will need to trace
your route through Coimbatore – Pollachi – Valparai and then into the wilderness
of Malakkiparai. A word of caution though! Between Malakkiparai and your next stop
Peringalkuthu Dam there is absolutely no sign of human habitation. Hence night
driving is certainly not advisable. From the dam you can drive down to Vazhachal
falls and finally to Athirapally which is only 5kms from Vazhachal.
The monsoon season from June to September is the best time of the year to visit
this shimmering beauty.
Words cannot do justice while describing this enchanting vision. What truly will
do justice is a personal visit to the Athirapally falls.
So shake off the dreary monotony that your life may have imposed upon you and drive
down to visit this joy. This is one treat you surely wouldn’t want to miss!!!
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