Popular Athirapally Waterfalls: Details and Best Times for Your Visit in 2024

1. Location: Athirappilly, Chalakudy taluk, Thrissur district, Kerala, India
2. Height: 120 m (390 ft)
3. Total height: 25 m (82 ft)
4. Width: 330 feet (100 meters)
5. Nicknamed: “Niagara of India”
6. Coordinates: 10°17′5″N 76°34′7″E
7. Number of drops: 4
8. Tallest drop: 51 m (167 ft)
9. Waterway: Chalakudy River
10. Average Flow rate: 52 m3/s (1,836 cu ft/s)

Introduction to Athirapally Waterfalls

Athirappilly Falls, often called the “Niagara of India”, is a mesmerizing natural wonder in the Thrissur district of Kerala. This majestic waterfall is a tourist attraction and a beacon for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Falling from a height of over 80 feet and being about 330 feet wide, it presents a spectacular sight, especially during the monsoons when it is in full flow.

Best Time to Visit Athirapally Waterfalls

• June to September: Best time to visit Athirapally waterfalls
• October to December: Peak season

At this time, the volume of water is at its peak, making the falls look spectacular. For those who want to enjoy a less crowded experience, visiting on weekdays right after the peak monsoon season may be ideal.

Athirapally waterfalls Timings

Opening Time:

• 8 am to 5 pm

Things To Do

• Trekking
• Birdwatching
• Jungle Safari
• View the Athirappilly Falls from the bottom
• Bathe in the natural pools of the waterfall
• Visit Vazhachal Waterfalls
• Visit Peringalkuttu Dam and Charpa Falls
• Visit Malakkapara, Chimmini Wildlife, Vilangan Hills and Marottichal Falls

Activities Around Athirapally Waterfalls

• Malakkappa Jungle Safari
• Valparai Hill Safari
• Nelliyampathy Farm Tour
• Sholayar Wild Life Safari
• Athirapally Mazha Tour

Nature Walks and Hiking

The area around Athirapally Falls is a paradise for nature lovers. Several trails offer exciting experiences like bird watching and wildlife viewing. Guided tours can help explore these trails in a safer and more informative way.

Photography and Filming Opportunities

Shooting at Athirapally Falls has been quite popular among photographers and filmmakers, with several films and documentaries featuring the place.

Enthusiasts wishing to capture the stunning beauty of the waterfall should plan a shoot in the early morning or afternoon to get the best light.

Athirapally Waterfalls Famous food

• Fresh seafood
• Kerala cuisine
• Filter coffee and dosa

How to get there Athirapally Waterfalls

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located 55 km from the waterfalls. You can hire a taxi from the airport to the waterfalls.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Chalakudy Railway Station, which is 30 km from the waterfalls. Other stations include Thrissur Railway Station (55 km) and Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station (70 km).
3. By Bus: The nearest bus station is Athirappilly Bus Station. You can also take buses from Thrissur, Cochin, and Chalakudy to reach the waterfalls.

Athirapally Waterfalls Distance

• 60 km² from Thrissur city
• 70 km² from Cochin city

Shooting Athirapally Waterfalls Details

Permits

Permission from the Forest Department is required for commercial shooting

Permits can be obtained through local tour operators or guides

Best places for shooting

Top view from the entrance

Middle view from the trekking path

Bottom view from the waterfall pond

Best time to shooting

Early morning for the golden light

Late afternoon for soft light

Avoid shooting during peak sun hours (11 am to 3 pm)

Equipment for shooting

DSLR camera

Wide-angle lens

Tripod

Remote shutter release

Extra batteries and memory cards

Tips for shooting

Respect the environment and wildlife

Follow the instructions of the guide and forest officials

Be prepared for trekking and changing weather conditions

Bring the necessary gear and equipment

Athiriappilly Waterfalls Trekking Routes

There is a 250-meter path that you can trek downhill to get to the bottom of Athirappally Waterfalls.

To get a view of the waterfall, one needs to get down from the top of the waterfall for about 100 meters.

Trekking through the giant pathways is a thrilling and mind-blowing experience for adventure junkies.

The trek routes are well-maintained to visualize the stunning view of this mighty waterfall.

The trekking route is well-maintained, and you’ll come across one of the cleanest routes ever.

It is only a 10 to 15-minute trek, so it will be great for first-time trekkers.

You can also swim in its frothy waters, though caution is advised.
Jungle safari is a lovely journey from Chalakudy to Malakkappara.
It’s a huge 90km tour across the Sholayar ranges and rainforests of Kerala.

Athirappilly Waterfalls picnic spots

Thamburmuzhy Dam and Garden: Thamburmuzhy Check Dam is used for irrigation. Near the dam is a beautiful garden called Butterfly Garden, which has 148 different species of butterflies.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre: This famous elephant training center is an hour’s drive from Athirappilly Falls. You can see elephants being fed and bathed. You can also see deer, various birds, and butterflies.

Illithode: This is an eco-tourist spot and a great place to visit for picnics, photography, bird watching, and trekking.

Vazhachal Falls: Vazhachal Falls is located near Athirappilly Falls and is a popular picnic spot. Tickets purchased for Athirappilly Falls can also be used to enter Vazhachal Falls.

Charpa Falls: Charpa Falls is also surrounded by beautiful nature and is a great place for a picnic.

Popular Attractions near Athirapally Waterfalls

1. Vazhachal Falls: Another beautiful waterfall located just 5 km from Athirappilly.
2. Charpa Falls: A small waterfall located near Athirappilly.
3. Vazhachal Forest: A dense forest with diverse wildlife and flora.
4. Shollayar Dam: A nearby dam with a picturesque reservoir.
5. Thampurmuzhi Garden: A beautiful garden with a waterfall and a natural pool.
6. Ripple Waterfalls: A small waterfall located near Athirappilly-Vazhachal Road.
7. Anakkayam: A lake with a beautiful lake and children’s park.
8. Malakkappaara Tea Plantation: A beautiful tea plantation with rolling hills and valleys.
9. Chalakudy River: A river with beautiful views and water activities like rafting and kayaking.

Athirappilly Waterfalls photography tips

Best time: Visit during monsoon season (June to September) for maximum water flow and a misty atmosphere.

Lighting: Early morning or late afternoon for soft, warm light. Avoid harsh midday sun.

Camera gear: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens (10-22mm) and a polarizing filter to reduce glare.

Composition: Experiment with different angles, such as from behind the waterfall, from the side, or a distance.

Focus: Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze water droplets or a slow shutter speed (1s or slower) for a silky effect.

ISO: Keep the ISO low (100-400) to reduce noise and capture vibrant colors.

Water protection: Bring a waterproof camera housing or bag to protect your gear from mist and water splashes.

Safety: Be cautious of slippery rocks and strong currents when approaching the waterfall.

Patience: Wait for the right moment to capture the perfect shot and enjoy the experience!

Respect nature: Follow leave-no-trace principles and respect the natural environment.

Athirappilly Waterfalls safety tips

The area to view the waterfall is monitored by the government and is only open from 9 am to 5 pm.

The path leading to the waterfall is made of stones and is not easy to walk on, so it is best to wear shoes or a raincoat.

The path to the waterfall can be challenging, so it is not recommended for older people, children, and people with health issues.

Climbing to the waterfall is like descending 8 to 10 floors, so people with heart problems should avoid it.

Eating is not allowed in this area, as there are monkeys here.

Touching the water is not allowed.

Follow the instructions of the forest police at all times.

Athirappilly Waterfalls local cuisine

Fallsview Restaurant: Traditional Kerala breakfast with a view of the waterfall

Rainforest Restaurant: Authentic Kerala cuisine

Athirappilly River Resort: Relaxed riverside lunch

Jungle Park Resort: Varied local cuisine

Green Trees Resort: Fresh seafood and a serene ambiance

Riveroak Villas: Local flavors under the starlit sky

Bethania Resort: Traditional and contemporary cuisine

Hotel Athirappilly Residency: Traditional Kerala breakfast

Silver Storm Water Theme Park: Light snacks

Dream Land Fun and Adventure Park: Quick snacks

Athirappilly Waterfalls sunset view

The waterfalls are surrounded by lush green trees, making it difficult to view the sunset directly from the waterfall.

However, you can enjoy the view of the sunset from the top viewpoint of the waterfall, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the waterfall entrance.

The view of the sunset from the top viewpoint is breathtaking and worth capturing.

The sunset time varies depending on the time of the year, but it usually occurs between 6-7 pm.

It is important to note that the waterfalls may close before sunset, so it is best to check the closing time before heading out.

You can also enjoy the view of the sunset from the nearby Vazhachal Falls, which is at a distance of 5-6 km from Athirappilly Falls.

Athirappilly Waterfalls historical significance

The waterfalls hold immense cultural significance for the local people, with mentions in local folklore and mythology.

The significance of the waterfalls in the region can be gauged from their appearance in various Indian films and songs.

Efforts are being made to preserve the natural beauty of the waterfalls and the surrounding forests while promoting tourism in the region.

The area is the only place where all four South Indian species of hornbills live together.

Environmentalists claim that Athirappilly is a unique coastal ecosystem of its kind in Kerala.

Athirappilly Waterfalls children’s activities

• Swimming in the natural pools
• Trekking through the forest to the waterfalls
• Picnicking in the designated areas
• Boating in the nearby river
• Visiting the Children’s Park
• Visiting the Silver Storm Water Theme Park
• Visiting the Dream Land Fun and Adventure Park
• Elephant ride in the forest
• Visiting the Butterfly Garden
• Visiting the Vazhachal Falls
• Visiting the Charpa Waterfalls
• Visiting the Thumboormuzhi Dam and Garden
• Visiting the Chalakudy River

Athirappilly Waterfalls bird watching

• Lion-tailed macaque
• Malabar giant squirrel
• Great hornbill
• Muthuvan
• Kadar
• Malayarayan

Athirapally waterfalls eco-tourism

Forest Treks: Guided treks through the forest, promoting exploration and appreciation of the natural environment.

Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to see endangered species such as the Great Hornbill, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Nilgiri Tahr.

Birdwatching: Identification and study of various bird species in the area.

Butterfly Garden: Conservation and study of butterfly species in the area.

Rainforest Conservation: Efforts to protect and preserve the rainforest ecosystem.

Sustainable Accommodations: Eco-friendly resorts and homestays that promote sustainable tourism practices.

Community Involvement: Participation of local communities in eco-tourism initiatives, promoting economic benefits and conservation awareness.

Environmental Education: Educational programs and workshops on environmental conservation and sustainability.

Responsible Travel: Promoting responsible travel practices, reducing waste, and reducing carbon footprint.

Conservation Projects: Support for conservation projects such as the Athirappilly Forest Conservation Project.

Planning Your Athirapally Waterfalls Trip: Practical Tips

Timings and Entry Details

Athirapally Waterfalls is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is important to check Athirapally Waterfalls timings before planning your trip as they may change due to weather conditions.

How to Get There

Located about 55 km from the nearest major city Kochi, reaching Athirapally Waterfalls involves a scenic drive through the Western Ghats.

To understand the distance and directions to Athirapally Waterfalls, tourists can use GPS or consult a local travel guide. Public transport options are available, but planning a private ride may be more convenient.

Where to Stay

For those wishing to stay overnight, several Athirapally Waterfalls resorts cater to different budgets and preferences. These resorts often offer panoramic views of the forest and waterfalls, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Conservation and Community of Athirapally Waterfalls

The ecosystem surrounding Athirappalle Falls is fragile and efforts are ongoing to preserve its natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines regarding garbage disposal and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Participating in eco-friendly activities and supporting local businesses can also contribute to conservation efforts.

Athirapally vs Niagara Falls

Conclusion

A trip to Athirapally waterfalls can be a mesmerizing experience if planned well. Checking the Athirapally Waterfalls opening hours, respecting the natural environment, and staying updated about local weather conditions can improve your trip.

Whether you are an avid photographer, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful break, Athirapally has something special to offer to everyone.

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the spectacular Athirapally waterfalls. Travel safely and enjoy the natural splendor of Kerala!

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