Athirappilly Water falls- The most beautiful water falls in India.

Athirappilly is a first grade Grama panchayat with 489.00 km² area in Mukundapuram Taluk, in Thrissur District  in Kerala,inIndia. It is located 60 km from Thrissur  city , 70 km fromKochi city, 55 km fromKochi International Air Port, and 30 km from Chalakudy Town.

The Athirappilly waterfalls  is situated on the Chalakudy river, which originates in the upper reaches of the western ghats . Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill  species are seen. The lion tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Langur are also the endangered species. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world. This valuable natural world is already degraded by mining and hydro electric projects.

Athirappilly is popular among tourists.  Athirappilly Water falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal waterfalls. Athirappilly Falls is a part ofChalakkudy river (Branch of Periyar)  and it is approximately 80 feet in height. Athirappilly is easily reachable fromChalakudy  by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal.

Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway connecting Tamil Nadu  and Kerala, night driving is not advised. But you can enjoy the adventurous drive in the middle of jungle.

Route through Valparai

Distance details are as follows:

Coimbatore-Pollachi 40 km-Valparai 65 km From Pollachi onwards, the road climbs up steeply thorugh tea estates to Valparai. From Valparai, the road goes through dense wild jungles after Malakkiparai. Route is as follows: Valparai-Malakkiparai 22 km-Sholayar 24-Peringalkuthu Dam 25-Vazhachal 5-Athirapalli 5-Chalakudy 33 km.

There is absolutely no human settlement between Malakkiparai and Peringalkuthu Dam. Wildlife - elephants and bison - spill over onto the road, and night driving is discouraged. Both Vazhachal and Athirapalli are on the same Chalakudy river.

Athirapalli falls is best visited during rains, rest of the year there is water flow but hardly the spectacle it is during Jun-Oct.

Maniratnam Connection

Noted Tamil film director, Maniratnam, has a huge fascination for this spot that a lot of his movies are shot here. Ravan was almost fully shot in this location. The moviesDil se, Kanathil Muthamittal,Iruvar,  Guru .have songs shot here. This was also the location for most of the film directed by Kunjacko in early days.

Important to Note: Even though this is the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala this is also very dangerous.  All are requested not togo to ehe moving water.  So many lost their lives in this child’s play.  So please tray away from water.  Simply watch and enjoy.