Jan 31, 2014 01:44 PM
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Being from Thrissur, Kerala I get a little angry every time they show a tourism video of kerala showing only the beautiful beaches, backwaters, and the thrissur pooram festival and leave out most of the wildlife, forest and waterfalls more often than not. I am forced to write this review since the tourism department cant seem to be bothered.
This is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala and many tourist are oblivious about this waterfall located in the heart of kerala state. Kerala isn't just about the placid backwaters. Come the monsoon and the Thrissur district springs to life with natural beauty all around. One of the best places in thrissur is the Athirapally Falls, which can be seen in full flow during the rainy season. They are far from being as high as Jog Falls of Karnataka or other waterfalls of India, but they are definitely a sight to behold.
Situated around 55 km northeast of the Kochi Airport, and around 70 km from Thrissur, as you start your the journey to Athirapally Falls, you realize that even the road down to the falls is breathtaking! Snake roads filled with an amazing range of flora and fauna - rubber trees, palm trees, coconut trees and small streams running amidst them, it is even more beautiful if you are travelling by a motorbike. En-route to the waterfalls, don't forget to check out the Thumboormuzhy botanical gardens and check dam, which is just 14 kms before reaching the waterfalls and is also a very beautiful place. There is a small park for kids, and the entry fee is only RS 10 per person. It offers a clear view of the huge chalakuddy river and is a good place for couples to relax(wink wink) as there are not many people and no security guards to bother you.
Just before reaching the falls, there is a ticket counter, Rs 40 per person and I think around Rs40 for still camera and Rs60 for handy cam. It is a small 5 minute walk from the main entrance gate to the top of the falls.If you want to reach the bottom of the falls, its almost a 20 minute trek. As you walk, the forest area is quiet and you can hear different types of birds singing and recognize each bird from its voice. During monsoon, the trek turns slippery and you should be careful while descending. As you reach the bottom you can hear the roar of the falls and lo! The falls are absolutely magnificent when viewed from the bottom. You will definitely get wet due to the spray coming from the falls, so you shouldn't venture too close if you don't want to get wet. Entry is restricted during the rainy season, but you are allowed to walk right to the edge during the summer months. The falls are so huge that for a minute you can't believe that they can be so big. The trek is absolutely worth it, only problem is the upward trek back to the top will drain you of any energy you have. Best to take a 15 minute break after reaching the top.
The waterfall sight has been a favorite with film directors for their locations. Mani Ratnam's Raavan, Dil Se, Guru and Iruvar have all been shot here. It has been said that Abhishek Bachchan made that much-talked about jump into the river here. However, it is still not confirmed whether Abhishek used a body double or not for this! I'm thinking he did.
If one is on a holiday to Kerala, then a visit to the Athirapally Falls becomes a must-watch experience as it is a favorite destination for all those who love the magnificence of nature and beauty. Hire a taxi that takes you to the falls and there are some decent resorts also nearby, where you can halt for lunch or dinner. Ideal time to visit the Falls is during the monsoon when the rain water is falling on the river, and fishermen are busy catching fish sitting by the river. Swimming here is not recommended as the river undercurrents are very strong and there have been occasional crocodile sightings, the last one being back in 2008. However you can still find local villagers swimming in unknown waters.
If you have the time, you can cross the check post located at Athirapally and travel through dense jungle to visit valparai, located about 55km from the check post, which is also a beautiful place. You cross two dams to reach here and the roads are amazing bar for a 3km stretch that is unpaved. The rest of the route is filled with hairpins and s curves, a biker's dream. Entry is allowed only from 9 am to 6 pm, since elephants are common on the route after dark. If your are visiting Kerala, make it a point to visit the athirapally falls. You will not be left disappointed.
