Here’s All You Need to Know for Your Trip to Athirappilly Falls

Fondly called God’s Own Country, Kerala is a place known for its abundance of natural beauty. From an intricate backwater network to pristine beaches, misty hills to vast spice plantations; this Indian state has many things that make it extremely popular among nature lovers. In addition to this, Kerala is also home to a number of scenic waterfalls that flow through the lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats. With their beautiful surroundings of dense forests beaming with vibrant flora, these waterfalls make a perfect escape from urban hustle and bustle. Athirappilly Falls is one such waterfall that enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year.

Athirappilly Waterfall: An Overview

Situated in Athirappilly Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District, Athirappilly Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the Chalakudy River. This waterfall originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats, close to the entrance to the Sholayar ranges.

With a staggering height of about 80 feet, this is the largest waterfall in Kerala. Due to the height of Athirappilly waterfalls, it is often called the “Niagara of India” as well. It cascades in four drops and has a vertical drop almost similar to that of Niagara Falls. With a width of more than 100 metres, this is also one of the largest waterfalls in India.

Over the years, this waterfall has gained huge popularity among both locals and tourists. In today’s time, Athirappilly Falls serves as a perennial picnic spot, offering breathtakingly beautiful views for visitors. You can simply sit here and relax while admiring its serene surroundings, or indulge in some fun activities. If you’re someone who loves adventurous activities, you can enjoy trekking near Athirappilly Falls. There are several different routes that you can take and experience an adrenaline rush.

Best Time to Visit

Ideally, the best time to admire the elegant beauty of Athirappilly Falls is from June to October. The water flow remains constant throughout the year, but it is at its peak right after the monsoon season. The water falls from the top in full force and accumulates in a huge pool underneath. In addition to this, you get to see lush greenery all around, making it a perfect spot for spending a refreshing day. You can plan a day picnic and take a dip in the cold water as well. However, it is not recommended to visit the waterfall during heavy rainfall, as the powerful flow of water may pose a threat to safety.

Athirappilly Waterfall Daily Timings

This waterfall remains open for visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on all days. Although the timing of Athirappilly Waterfall remains the same throughout the year, it is best to confirm it once while planning a visit during your Kerala tour package.

Entry Fee

Like many other tourist attractions, there is a fixed entry fee to visit the Athirappilly Waterfall as well. The current ticket price is:

• Adults- INR 50
• Children- INR 10
• Foreigners – INR 200
• Students- INR 15

How to Reach?

Being a popular tourist destination, Athirappilly Falls offers seamless connectivity to major nearby cities. Here’s how you can reach here:

• By Train: Located at a distance of 32 and 35 kilometres, respectively, Chalakudy and Angamaly are the two nearest railway stations. You can find a number of trains at both of these stations. Once reached, you can either take a private taxi or a bus to reach Athirappilly Falls.
• By Road: Athirappilly Falls is well-connected to nearby cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, etc. by road. You can easily find private/public buses to get here. Or, you can also hire a private taxi or take your own car to visit this place.
• By Air: Located approximately 45 kilometres away, Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery is the nearest. You can find direct flights to this airport from all major Indian cities. Upon reaching there, you can hire a taxi to get to Athirappilly Falls.

Must-visit Places near Athirappilly Falls

Here are a few popular attractions that you can cover with Athirappilly Falls:

• Charpa Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall located in Athirappilly Panchayat, Thrissur District. Lying between Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls, Charpa Falls has an impressive height of approximately 70 feet. Surrounded by lush green forests, this waterfall is a popular stopover for tourists. Its picturesque setting makes it extremely popular among photographers looking to capture some Instagram-worthy shots.
• Sholayar Dam: Built across the Chalakkudi River in Malakkappara, Thrissur district, this concrete dam is another place that you can visit. Nestled amidst the lush, green hills, this dam is home to the Sholayar Hydro Electric Power Project. Apart from being an excellent engineering marvel, it is also popular among tourists for the stunning panoramic views it offers.
• Vazhachal Falls: Located approximately 5 kilometres away from Athirappilly Falls, this is another popular waterfall sitting on the west-flowing Chalakudy River. Known for its scenic beauty, this waterfall has a 30 feet drop. Unlike Athirappilly Falls, Vazhachal Falls is a flat waterfall that flows over rocks.
• Munakkal Beach: Located at an approximate distance of 60 kilometres, this is also a popular attraction that tourists cover while visiting Athirappilly Falls. Lying on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Munakkal Beach is the largest beach in Thrissur District. Often compared to Kerala’s Calicut Beach, due to its natural beauty, it attracts a large number of visitors.
• Illithode: If you’re someone who admires natural beauty and is looking for a serene hideout, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. Located on the banks of the Periyar River, this is a beautiful eco-spot. Nestled amidst enchanting hills and thick, green forest, this place is hugely popular among tourists. You can spend a lazy, peaceful day here while soaking in the unspoilt natural beauty. Another good option is to hike through the forest and reach the river's edge.

With the help of this detailed Athirappilly Water Falls tourist information guide, you can easily visit this idyllic place on your trip to Kerala. At Veena World, we offer an extensive collection of Kerala tour packages from Mumbai and several other cities. These tour packages have been designed to cater to the diverse requirements of all kinds of travellers. If you’re planning a family holiday, you can choose from our Kerala family tour packages.