Athirappilly: Free Falling

The Athirappilly Waterfall, at 24-m high, is the largest in Kerala often called ‘the Niagara of India’ by tourist guides. At the same time, the Athirappilly Waterfalls are more than a mere picnic spot. Surrounded by forests that are home to all kinds of wild animals, including elephants, leopards and bisons, this area is also known to birders as the only place where all four south Indian hornbills can be spotted – the Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Great Indian Hornbill.

The ecosystem of Athirappilly is unique in its biodiversity, to which the Chalakudy river contributes greatly. It flows placidly for the most part, but races down the rocks at Athirappilly to form the white canopy of the waterfall.

In summer, when the waterfall becomes a trickle, Athirappilly slips back into its lazy rhythm. In the winter and monsoons, this spot is transformed into a bustling tourist destination. The winding roads that lead through small hamlets and villages nestled in the rich green forests also make the drive to Athirappilly one of the most beautiful in Kerala.

ORIENTATION

Athirappilly is a small town, whose main landmark is the waterfall. It is located off the Chalakudy-Athirappilly Road on the Chalakudy river. About 1.5km down the road from the main Athirappilly Falls are the smaller Charpa Falls.

Another 5km down the river, just past the Peringalkathu Dam, are the Vazhachal Falls. Still further east on SH21, closer to the eastern borders of Kerala, are the Anakkayam Falls and the Malakapara Tea Gardens. The highway then curves towards Valparai and Pollachi in Tamil Nadu.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

The most popular sights in Athirappilly are the twin waterfalls of Athirappilly and Vazhachal. These picnic spots can draw as many as 6,000 visitors in a day at the height of the tourist season. Two amusement water parks enroute to Athirappilly from Chalakudy add to the area’s popularity.

Thumboormuzhy Gardens

Located on Athirappilly Road, the Thumbookmuzhy Gardens are beautifully landscaped and full of flowers. They are lined with areca nut palms on one side, while the Chalakudy river flows peacefully on the other. The gardens also house a coffee shop, ideal for a brief respite and relaxing conversations.

Timings 10.00am–6.00pm

Amusement Parks

The first of the two water parks in this area is the Dream World Water Park, 8km ahead of Chalakudy and 24km short of Athirappilly, on SH21. The park offers special rates for school and college trips.

Entry Adults ₹500, Children ₹400, Senior Citizens ₹300 Timings 10.30am–6.00pm Tel 0480-2746935 W dreamworldwaterpark.com

Silver Storm Water Theme Park

Silver Storm Water Theme Park, the second water park is located 9 km further from the Athirappilly Waterfall.

Entry Adults ₹490, Children ₹390, Senior Citizens ₹290 Timings 10.30am–6.30pm Tel 0480-2769116 W silverstormwaterpark.com

Athirappilly Waterfall

At the end of a bamboo-lined path off the Athirappilly Road, one can see the Chalakudy river. A little way ahead, the river plunges abruptly down 80ft, creating an extraordinary billow of white froth.

Entry Adults ₹15, Children (5–12 years old) ₹2, Students ₹7 (school certificate has to be produced to avail this discount) Parking Vehicles ₹10– 20, Two-wheelers Rs. 5

TIP This is a plastic-free zone; giving food to animals, consumption of alcohol and smoking is prohibited

Vazhachal Waterfall

The Vazhachal Waterfall is not as spectacular as the one at Athirappilly, but has its own charm. Close to the waterfall is a medicinal herb garden with plants that are said to cure arthritis, skin diseases and blood pressure as well. There is also a small canteen nearby, making the spot ideal for a small break in a picturesque setting. Swimming in the falls is not a permitted activity.

Entry ₹5 Timings 7.00am–6.30pm

SHOPPING

At Athirappilly, one is likely to find usual products and souvenirs. However, some of the roadside stalls stock wild honey while some vendors sell bamboo wall hangings and hats. The Moolika Vanitha Swasraya Samithi, next to the Vazhachal Waterfall, sells herbs, honey and herbal soaps.

WHERE TO STAY

A cluster of good hotels can be found about a kilometre before the Athirappilly Waterfall. Rainforest Resort (Tel: 0484-2702222, Cell: 09539078888; Tariff: ₹18,135–36,270) has nine rooms, and one tree house, some of which offer special views of the waterfall. It also has a restaurant and arranges boating.

Riverok Villas (Cell: 08129387474, 09447179777; Tariff: ₹2,400–3,900), off Athirappilly Road, is right on the Chalakudy River and boasts a private entrance to the riverbank. It offers seven villas, a multi-cuisine restaurant and organises sightseeing trips.

Next door is Richmond Homestay (Cell: 094478-14775; Tariff: ₹2,000, dorm ₹4,000) with two rooms and a dorm. Chedi Spring Valley (Cell: 09847811188, 08086809257; Tariff: ₹2,200), near the river, is located in a pineapple field and has five comfortable rooms for stay.

Ecogreen Homestay (Cell: 09142311171, 09961466495; Tariff: ₹2,500) is next to the Potta Divine Retreat Centre, near NH47. It offers three rooms, travel assistance, room service and arranges boating. KTDC’s Motel Araam (Tel: 2769338, Cell: 09400008705; Tariff: ₹990) has two rooms and a restaurant.

WHERE TO EAT

The best option is to eat in the hotel where you are staying. Rainforest Resort’s Foliage Restaurnt serves authentic Kerala cuisine as well as excellent Continental fare. The Sangam Restaurant at the Riverok Villas offers everything from soups and idiappams to fish biryani and fish moilee.

AROUND ATHIRAPPILLY

Potta Divine Retreat Centre

(34km)

Located on NH47 just beyond the Chalakudy Bridge at Muringoor, the Potta Divine Retreat Centre is supposedly the largest Catholic retreat centre in the world where sessions are held on a daily basis. It lies next to the Chalakudy river.

From Friday afternoon onward through the weekend, tourists may stroll through the gardens, go boating on the river on the retreat’s jetty, visit Mother Mary Grotto and dine in the Divine Restaurant.

Tel 0480-2702613 W drcm.org