About Athirapally Waterfalls

Country: India | State: Kerala

Ideal Trip Duration: Half Day to Full Day

Nearest City to Athirapally Waterfalls: Kochi (70 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Athirapally Waterfalls: September to January

Peak Season: October to December

At a distance of 32 km from Chalakudy, 59 km from Thrissur, 73 km from Kochi, 100 km from Munnar, 122 km from Kottayam, 170 km from Kozhikode, 174 km from Coimbatore & 269 km from Trivandrum, Athirapally Waterfall is a scenic waterfall situated at the entrance of Sholayar hill range in the Thrissur district. It is one of the best waterfalls in India, and among the most famous tourist places in Kerala.

Formed over the Chalakudy River, Athirapally is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. This waterfall drops down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams offering a great scenic beauty. In the monsoon season, the water gets strength and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala and is well-known for its scenic beauty. It is one of the popular places to visit near Kochi.

One can reach the top of the waterfall with about 15 minutes walk from the falls entrance. It offers spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and a unique view of the waterfalls from this spot. About 10-15 minutes trek down from the top of the falls will take you to the bottom of the falls where the greatest beauty of the waterfalls can be experienced. Swimming is possible in the stream at bottom of the falls as part of Athirapally tour packages.

Down from the waterfall, the stream continues as Chalakudy River which ultimately drains into the Arabian Sea. This river is a biodiversity hotspot with 85 species of freshwater fish living in it. The Athirapally Forest is also the natural habitat of different species like the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque.

The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Sholayar Dam, Valparai, and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary are other prominent places to visit in Athirapally. It also offers adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.

Chalakudy (32 km) is the nearest junction to Athirapally and it is connected by bus with Thrissur, Kochi, and Palakkad. One can take public/private vehicles from Chalakudy to reach Athirapally. Cochin Airport is the nearest airport to Athirapally which is 40 km away. Kochi and Thrissur are two major railway junctions nearby. The nearest railway station is Chalakudy Railway Station situated 32 km from Athirapally.

Munnar is about 100 km from Athirapally. If you are traveling from Kochi to Munnar, you can visit Athirapally along with Munnar packages if you can dedicate 3 extra hours.

Athirapally falls never dries out and can be visited anytime during the year. Though the waterfall appears in its full glory during monsoons, heavy rains can cause great inconvenience. So, the best time to visit is from September to January. It usually takes 2-3 hours to explore Athirappally falls.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

...read more

Other Info
Internet Availability: Internet Not Available
STD Code: 04882
Languages Spoken: Malayalam, Hindi & English
Major Festivals: Details Not Available
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Athirapally Waterfalls

By Air

Nearest Airport: Kochi - Cochin International Airport (55 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Chalakudy Railway Station (30 Kms)
Thrissur Railway Station (55 Kms)
Ernakulam Jn (South) Railway Station (70 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Athirapally Bus Station (0 Kms)
Chalakudy (30 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

Waterfall

#1 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 7 km from Athirapally & 75 km from Kochi, Vazhachal Waterfall is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall situated very close to Athirapally - Valparai road. It is one of the popular tourist places in Athirapally.

Near the entrance of the Sholayar forest range, the waterfall is formed on Chalakkudy River at the lower stream of Athirapally Waterfalls. The surroundings of the waterfalls offer rich natural views. Unlike Athirapally Waterfalls, Vazhachal flows through an inclined slope of more than 300 feet to descend into a huge pool. It is very difficult and dangerous to step into the flow or to reach the bottom of the flow.

This waterfall became famous for not just its view but the endemic species found in the surrounding dense forests. Researchers have found four endangered species of the Hornbill here, the only .....

...read more

Hill Station

#2 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 65 km from Pollachi, 105 km from Coimbatore, 60 km from Athirapally Falls and 600 km from Chennai, Valparai is a charming Hill Station and a municipality located in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. Originally known as Poonachimalai, it is one of the least explored hill stations in India, and among the top tourist place to visit in Tamilnadu.

Situated at an altitude of 3500 feet, Valparai is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats. Evergreen deciduous forests loaded with lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and lush green valleys are the main attractions one can experience as part of Valparai tour packages. Anamalai Hill Ranges is known for its pristine environment, accommodating large varieties of flora and fauna. Valparai receives among the highest rainfall .....

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 60 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): Full Day
.....

...read more

Backwaters

#3 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 23 km from Valparai, and 55 km from Athirapally, Sholayar Dam is a masonry- gravity dam situated on Valparai-Athirapally road. It is one of the top tourist places to visit near Athirapally Waterfall, and among the must include places in Valparai tour packages.

The Solaiyar Dam is part of the Solaiyar Hydroelectric Project (HEP) which comprises the main Soliayar Dam, the Solaiyar Flanking, and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam. Solaiyar Dam was officially opened in 1965. The Solaiyar Flanking was built in 1964 and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam in 1965.

The dam is an important reservoir under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project. The height of the main dam is 66 m, its width is 430 m, and its length 430.60 m. The reservoir's overflowing waters are let into the Parambikulam Reservoir through the saddle dam. The surroundings of the dam are full of great natural beauty.

It is not worth visiting other than in monsoons as the .....

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 55 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): 3 Hours
.....

...read more

Heritage | Pilgrimage

#4 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 55 km from Athirapally, 69 km from Palakkad, 81 km from Kochi, 113 km from Kozhikode, 114 km from Coimbatore, 279 km from Trivandrum and 280 km from Madurai, Thrissur (also known as Trichur) is a city situated in central Kerala. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala, and among the famous places to visit near Coimbatore & Kochi as well.

The name Thrissur was derived from Tiru-Shiva-Peru which means the big town of Lord Shiva. The name owes itself to the most famous Vadakkunathan Temple, among the must-visit places as part of Thrissur tour packages. Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual, and religious leanings throughout history.

Thrissur had witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties that include the Chera and Kulasekharas .....

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 55 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): 1-2 Days
.....

...read more

Beach | City

#5 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 190 km from Coimbatore, 204 km from Trivandrum, 426 km from Mangalore, and 516 km from Bangalore, Kochi, also known as Cochin is a port city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Also referred to as 'The Queen of the Arabian Sea', Kochi is the financial capital of Kerala, and among the prime tourist Kerala tourist places.

The city derives its name from the Malayalam word Kochazhi meaning small lagoon. Kochi is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The city has 3 parts - Fort Kochi, Willington Island, and Ernakulam. Vasco da Gama, whose arrival in Kerala about 500 years ago opened up a new era of trade between India and Europe. Kochi & Ernakulam are twin cities that are separated by Kayal backwaters. Kochi is the starting point for many tours in Kerala including the famous Alleppey tour packages.

Till the early 16th century, Kochi was a small fishing village .....

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 70 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): 1-2 Days
.....

...read more

Hill Station

#6 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 120 km from Kochi, 284 km from Trivandrum, 142 km from Coimbatore, 134 km from Kottayam, 153 km from Thrissur, 100 km from Athirapally Falls, and 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a fascinating hill resort located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the best hill stations in India, and among the must include places in Kerala tour packages.

Munnar town is situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills in Devikulam taluk and is the largest town in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 sq. km. It is also called the Swiss of South India. This is also one of the famous places to visit near Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai cities. Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Tea Museum are among the must include places in your Munnar tour packages.

Munnar .....

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 100 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): 1-2 Days
.....

...read more

Backwaters

#7 of 7 Places to Visit in Athirapally Waterfalls

At a distance of 40 km from Athirapally & 76 km from Kochi, Edamalayar Dam, also known as Idamalayar Dam located near Vadattupara is a picturesque location and one of the major reservoirs of Kerala.

The Dam is built across Edamalayar River which is merged into Periyar River. The forests around reservoir provide shelter for variety of wildlife. Edamalayar is a heaven for people interested in birding and trekking activities. You can find different species of birds in the forest around the reservoir.

Boating in the reservoir will leave a memorable experience.

Distance (From Athirapally Waterfalls): 40 Kms
Trip Duration (From Athirapally Waterfalls - Including Travel): 3 Hours
.....

...read more


Top 5 Athirapally Falls Tours