Kerala Tourism: The Astounding Athirapally Waterfalls

Kerala fall is another handicraft of God where white water gushes from the green rainforests. Foams and mists of water together leave a cinematic effect really on the onlooker’s eye. Athirapally fall is the largest waterfall in Kerala situated amidst the towering green foliage of Sholayar. The trekking to reach the top of the fall and to the bottom thereafter is a scintillating experience in the lap of Mother Nature. Athirapally waterfall fall down from a height of 80 feet with several silver parallel streams and join the Chalakkudi River. It is said that monsoon rains make this waterfall “Niagra” of India.

The Athirappally waterfall is situated in Chalakudy River, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. This fall is the entrance to the rain forests of Sholayar that have many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. Here four endangered Hornbill species have also been spotted.

The reminiscence of a one day picnic to this lovely spot is making me nostalgic. While I was staying in Kerala, my cousin brother planned a trip to Athirapally waterfalls and took us in his vehicle. I had never dreamt that I would visit such an exorbitant natural spot in my life. Green foliage and river streams welcomed us on the way that made me think about the artistic skill and imaginary power of God. What a wonderful place God has chosen to locate this waterfall!

First, we decided to visit Vazhachal falls that is about 5km ahead of Athirapally. As we were nearing Athirapally, the thunderous sound of waterfalls broke the silence and we got a small glimpse of the falls from the road. The view of the waterfall was so majestic that I started dreaming what a feast this bountiful fall would give when I reach near it. After crossing Athirapally, we sighted a small waterfall named Charpa. We alighted there and spent some time watching it. What was special about Charpa fall was that thick white water was flowing downstream covering the entire rocks that could be watched very closely.

Vazhachal fall is not steep like Athirapally. Silver cascades are formed when waters out pour in a rather low sloped rocky surface. Tourists are alerted to beware of the slippery rocks as part of safety measures. This natural shower Vazhachal waterfall allure water lovers to wet themselves, but the hidden danger in it has made several lives to rest in its depths forever. I enjoyed its beauty sitting on the branch of a tree that lay down on one side of this rushing waterfall.

We returned to Athirapally from there and halted the vehicle on the parking. The narrow trail to the top of the waterfall was really mysterious because of the darkness spread over from the shade of the trees planted on either side. As we were nearing it, the thunderous sound of the waterfall was clearly audible that aroused my curiosity. To my surprise, the trail stopped in front of a vast rocky bed from where out pour of water could be explored most. Water from the pool a little ahead from this bed gushing out in several streams to a depth of 80 feet was indeed a spectacular show off. Walking a little ahead of the rocks took us to this river pool that acted like a fringe of the Sholayar Rainforests. We sat on the rocks hearing the nature’s songs sung by the green forests and exotic birds, looking at the mists coming from the mountains and at the roaring waterfalls. God has been generous in crafting such a scenery that is loved by many film directors who visit this place again and again for shooting their movies.

We didn’t trek down to the bottom of the waterfall as we are not that brave. But I’m pretty sure that nature would be in its full might under the bottom of the Athirapally Waterfalls. Kerala holidays would not be complete without enjoying the breathtaking view of this vista. Rainforest Resort of Athirapally can provide the best luxurious stay for tourists who want to spend a day or two in this nature’s bounty.

To wake up seeing the white water river over rocky beds………….

To wake up hearing the rumbling of waterfalls and the tweets of exotic birds………….

To wake up seeing the wide milky waterfalls inscribed in the green rainforests……………

Which place can offer you all these in a single spot other than Athirapally? This dazzling, hanging waterfall of Athirappally would remain a stellar view in your minds over the lifetime.