ATHIRAPILLY WATERFALLS
Situated
around 55km northeast of the Kochi Airport, as you embark on the journey to Athirapally Falls, you realize that even the road
down to the sight 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, you realize that almost all roads in Kerala are scenic and make the drive even more interesting.
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| Athirapilly Waterfall during this Monsoon |
Approximately 80 feet high, being a part of the Chalakudy River, the entrance
to the falls is steep and is a 2 km trek to the Athirapally Falls. Describing
the scenic beauty of the waterfall in words is almost impossible. Being home to
some of the most endangered species of birds including the Hornbill, the cool
ambience and the tranquility felt in this place acts as a refreshing remedy for
the tired travelers. As you walk
higher and higher, 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 is filled with little frogs jumping here and there. Walk
around 15 minutes and you can hear the gigantic voice of the falls and lo! As
you climb up, you can see river
flowing past huge rocks and trees. The falls are
so huge that for a minute you can't believe that they can be so huge.
This waterfall has inspired many an eminent film maker to shoot some part of their film at the picturesque location. Some of the popular Bollywood blockbusters that have been shot here are Guru, Dil Se, Raavan and most recently Bahubali the legendary Indian movie. Mr. Rajamouli, the celebrated director of Bahubali speaks said aboutAthirapilly and Kerala. “Kerala is one of the best places to shoot from a filmmaker’s point of view. There is no dearth of good locations. But it was during a trip to Valparai that I heard about the Athirapally waterfalls. After seeing the falls, I knew I had to use this for the film.”
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| Athirapilly Waterfall in the movie Bahubali |
If one is on a holiday to Kerala, then a visit
to the Athirapally Falls becomes a must-watch experience as it is a favourite
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 good 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 during
this time, however you can still find local villagers swimming in unknown waters.
There are many treks around the hilly area to explore the falls and the guide rightly calls it the Niagra of India! You don't want to leave the place and want to enjoy the falls and the sound even after the sun sets. But as you embark on the next journey, the falls and its beauty lingers on in the mind forever.
OTHER PICNIC SPOTS IN ATHIRAPILLY AREA
Vazahal
Waterfall
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| Vazhachaal Waterfalls |
Waterfall area (Vazahal Garden) near
Vazahal waterfall is secured by railings so that people do not enter in the
waterfall area. There is a small garden with sitting arrangements, small herbal
garden inside the garden and was full of Monkeys. All these are monitored and
administered by Vazahal Forest Department. From this garden we can actually
view the waterfall.
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| Prince Charles visiting the Vazhacal waterfalls |
Now a little about Vazahal Waterfall as
mentioned in Wikipedia,“Vazhahal Falls is a rushing watercourse in the
Chalakkudy River in the Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. It is located
36 km from Chalakkudy and 5 km from Athirapally Falls. The riparian forests of
the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation
of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from
Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie
within the Vazahal area, including three large islands densely covered by
riparian forests. Classified as one of the finest waterfalls in India, Vazhahal
Waterfall cascades on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. Gurgling
down with a great speed, the view of this waterfall is just splendid. The
nearby Vazhahal Forest is a good place for enjoying the flora and the fauna of
the surrounding. Besides, enjoying the waterfall one can also visit the nearby
garden that is flooded with colourful flowers. The view of the waterfall amidst
the effervescent flowers is truly splendid. The best time to come to Vazhachal
falls is during the months from June to October, when the monsoon is in its
full swing.
Kodanad
Elephant training centre
This place is located at 45 Kms north east of
Kochi and at around 30 kms from Aluva. It is one of the largest elephant
training centres of South India. Kodanad is known for the Elephant Kraal; i.e.
the place where the newly captured elephants are kept till they are properly
trained and disciplined for riding and to do heavy works etc. The old Kraal is
consists of wooden compartments which can accommodate as many as four
elephants.Watching
baby elephants at their infancy and various stages of their growth has become a
unique feature that attracts visitors to Kodanad. At least four to six baby
elephants are brought in and trained every year.
Elephant Bath
Elephants, whether captive or in the wild, love water and
if possible they will bathe once or twice every day, particularly in the hot
season. Elephant bath is fun all the way. Bathing is quite a spectacle,
elephants submerging and rolling and spraying water with their trunks. The
mahouts very nimbly manage not to fall into the water while scrubbing their
charges.
Elephant Feeding
Elephant feeding is considered to be a ritual which
brings fortune and blessing in Kerala. This ritual is performed in Kerala
temples. Temple have their own herds of elephants. At Kodanadu elephant
training centre, guest can have the rare opportunity to feed elephants.
Elephant Riding
Elephant riding is a popular sport among elephant lovers.
At Kodanadu elephant trainining centre you can have time specific elephant ride
programmes to suit your choice. Elephant riding is a popular sport among
elephant lovers.
ABHAYARANYAM ECO-TOURISM PROJECT
Kodanad Elephant Training Centre was a popular attraction in the banks of Periyar in
Kerala. Even though it was started as an elephant training centre, over a
period of time, hundreds of animals and birds were brought into this place and
it was developed as a mini-zoo. As the number of animals significantly
increased, animal activists started complaining about keeping such a large
number of animals in a small area of 2.5 acres of land in Kodanad. Deers were
struggling in a very small fenced area. Elephants had no space to walk around. At presently there are spotted
deers and Sambar deers are moved here and visitors can watch the animals, which
are kept in a large fenced area.
This project is aimed at housing the
elephants and other animals in open area of about two hundred acres with proper
fencing to keep the animals safe. Also, this project is proposed to be a wild
life safari place in the model of Bannerghatta National Park. Large
cages will be provided for birds. Animals like deers will be kept in large
areas of land. Elephants will be housed near the bank of Periyar, with free
roaming space.This project is under the Nature Study Centre (NSC),
Kalady, with its headquarters in Kodanad.
Walking trails are already constructed
from the main gate to the area where the deers are kept. Beyond that, you can
go through the trails to enter the woods and mini forest. There will be no
guides or sign boards to help you since the place is not officially opened for
tourists. Currently, there
are about 100 Spotted deers and Sambar deers and no other animals or birds are
there. In addition to watching the animals, you can walk around in the natural
forest through the trails and enjoy the nature.
HOW TO REACH
Located
in Thrissur district of Kerala, Athirapally falls drops from a height of 80
feet into the Chalakudy river. Here are some of the few fuss free ways to reach
the Athirapally falls.
By Air
To
reach Athirapally by air, you will have to fly down to Cochin, which is the
nearest city with an airport. The good thing is that Cochin is well connected to all the major Indian cities
by flight.
By Rail
If you
plan to take the rail route, Cochin and Coimbatore are the two nearest stations
to Athirapally falls. If you are travelling from Mumbai, there are many trains
like Mumbai CST-Ernakullam SF Special that will drop you directly to Cochin.
From Chennai, one can take Chennai Egmore-Guruvyur Express to reach Cochin.
By road
Athirapally
falls is well connected to other breathtaking natural beauties of Kerala like
Munnar, Kochi and Palakkad. The falls are just 30 kms from Chalakudy
village, 55 kms from Thrissur town and 70 kms from Cochin city. Munnar, which
is 100kms from the falls, is also well connected to Athirapally by road. You
can take public transport or book a private vehicle from any of the above
mentioned places to the falls.
RESORTS
AND HOTELS AT ATHIRAPILLY
ATHIRAPILLY RESIDENCY
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