Rightly called as God’s own country, Kerala has been blessed with scenic evergreen forests, beautiful backwaters and rare bio-diversity. Be it pristine tea estates of Munnar, serene lakes of Thekkady, renowned temples like Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of Thiruvananthapuram, finest beaches of Kovalam, The Venice of the East Alleppey; every place has a unique identity and magic of its own.

One such attraction situated at a distance of around 55 km from Cochin international airport, in Athirapally panchayath of Thrissur district, is the spectacular Athirapally falls. This falls attracts many people from all over the world and is considered as the most popular falls of Kerala.

athirappilly water falls thrissur kerala images

This photo, “Athirapally Waterfalls” @flickr from manoj_k_mohan
made available under a Share Alike, Attribution license.

Athirapally falls is formed by the Chalakudy River, which originates in the Anamudi mountains (Western Ghats) and flows through the Vazhachal forest on its way to the Arabian Sea. Near Athirapally, the river becomes turbulent and surges around huge rocks. It cascades down in three separate parts from nearly 80 feet, forming the breathtaking Athirapally falls.

The beauty of the falls can never be described in words. It is truly nicknamed as ‘The Niagara of India’. The white foam, huge roar, green dense trees around and the turbulent Chalakudy river, create a rare heavenly spectacle.

Wild life in this area includes several endangered species like four endangered hornbill species — the Great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, and the Indian grey hornbill, tiger, leopard, sambar, bison and elephant.

athirapally falls hornbill birds Image

This photo, Athirapally Waterfalls @flickr from berichard
made available under a Share Alike, Attribution license.

This mighty falls and the surrounding area has been one of the most popular shooting locations and has lured many directors of Indian film industry. Mani Ratnam, noted film maker has captured this falls in all magnificence in several of his movies like Raavan, Iruvar, Dil se and Guru.

You can always find strict vigilance by the police at the waterfalls, since it is highly dangerous to venture into the waters without proper guidance. Guards, who are stationed here, help tourists and take care to prevent any kind of mishaps.

The right time to visit this falls is during monsoon season where Chalakudy river will be in full force. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, Athirapally is a must-visit place. Particularly for passionate nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Athirapally falls would leave you with a heavenly experience.

Nearby Sterling Holidays Resort: Munnar – Terrace Greens & Thekkady – Woods n Spice

Distance from Munnar – Terrace Greens : 139 km, 3 hours 11 mins

Distance from Thekkady – Woods n Spice : 186 km, 3 hours 59 mins