Athirapally waterfall, also known as the 'Niagara of India' is Kerala's largest waterfall and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. Situated in the midst of Sholayar Reserve Forest, Thrissur district, Athirapally Falls is an 80-foot waterfall and is its most powerful during the rainy season. This guide will help you plan your trip to Athirapally, including Athirapally timings, places to visit near Athirapally Falls and things to do in Athirapally.
Best months to visit Athirapally
The season of visiting Athirapally Falls starts in September and it lasts till January. In these best months to visit Athirapally, the monsoon rain has subsided, hence the falls have a lot of water in full flow and so does all else around. This season provides the perfect conditions for enjoying the natural beauty of Athirapally forest and taking pleasure in outdoor activities without the challenges posed by heavy rainfall. This way you can avoid the scorching summer heat and humidity, as well as the peak tourist crowds of the monsoon festival seasons like Onam.
Things to do in Athirapally Falls and around
Trekking and nature walks
Athirapally forest is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. Trek along the pathways will take you to the top and bottom sides of the waterfall and as they cut through dense Athirapally forest, one is able to hear cascading water and chirping birds from a far away distance. Visitors have a great time trekking to the fall base as it has so many amazing views and you can check out the waterfall in good detail. One should note that it is recommended to use sturdy shoes, since the ground may be slippery and uneven. And if you're headed there in the monsoon season, we recommend taking a local guide along.
Wildlife watching
The area in and around Athirapally waterfall consists of wildlife biodiversity. Sholayar Reserve Forest houses innumerable flora and fauna species like elephants, sambar deer as well as hornbills. There are also extensive bird-watching walks through the Athirapally forest, with flocks of migratory as well as endemic birds landing here. With lush greenery all around, it is a perfect place to visit near Athirapally falls for nature lovers and photographers.
Photography
There are many spots for photographers in and around Athirapally Waterfall. Shots to be taken, include the grandeur of the Athirapally waterfall itself and the mist rising from the cascade or a wider POV shot around its lush forest setting. Morning and late afternoon photography yield the best results as light is good and there are fewer people around too, hence making up for a perfect thing to do in Athirapally.
Exploring nearby waterfalls
Vazhachal and Charpa waterfalls are among the other places to visit near Athirapally Falls. Vazhachal Waterfall is located close to the Athirapally waterfalls and has a flatter, more accessible viewing area. Charpa Waterfall is another site, which is situated in between the waterfalls of Vazhachal and Athirapally in Kerala. These waterfalls are less voluminous than the Athirapally waterfall, but not less beautiful, making the short trip to them very worth it.
Visit the Athirapally Tourism Information Center
It is highly recommended that before going to the Athirapally waterfall, stop by at the Athirapally Tourism Information Center. One of the best things to do in Athirapally is to explore this center to get vast information regarding the area, trekking routes and the safety points that should always be considered. The centre also offers many maps and guides with which you can explore the surroundings of Athirapally in Kerala.
Explore the filming locations
Athirapally Waterfall is an iconic place featured in many Indian and international movies. The fascinating beauty of falls has already appeared in films, such as BahubaliI, Guru, and Raavan among many others. Soak in the beauty of the scenery or recreate your favourite scenes at this stunning location.
Places to visit near Athirapally Falls
Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Park
Thumboormuzhi Dam is another lovely place you can visit and it is located about 14 km from Athirapally in Kerala. If you're visiting the dam, it is impossible not to notice that a huge area of land nearby is what they call 'The Butterfly Park' and probably 148 different kinds of butterflies make their home there. This elegantly managed garden in Athirapally in Kerala has vibrant colours of flowers and lush greenery, inviting these fluttering beauties. It makes for a great walk and some fantastic photo opportunities.
Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Located some 30 kilometres from Athirapally in Kerala is the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre where visitors can observe wild elephants being trained and cared for. The centre also offers an opportunity for visitors to be close to these kind creatures, find out about their nature, get familiar and even participate in feeding sessions.
Malakapara Tea Gardens
Visiting Malakapara is a favourite thing to do in Athirapally for tea plantation lovers interested in exploring the green vistas that Kerala has to offer. Located about 45 kilometres from Athirapally in Kerala, this area is known for its sprawling tea gardens and picturesque landscapes. The drive to Malakapara through the curved roads of the hills is a divine pleasure in itself.
Vazhachal Forest Gardens
These gardens are located near the Vazhachal Waterfall and have hundreds of medicinal plants as well as many rare species of flora. Lush green and well-maintained by the forest department, these gardens provide a peaceful experience along with knowledge of the botanical richness present here.
Best tips for visiting
- As the terrain off Athirapally forest can be uneven and slippery, it is necessary that you have sturdy shoes.
- Make sure to bring an umbrella for people and if you're bringing a camera also drape a cover over your equipment.
- Bring along bottled water, but keep in mind that monkeys could be drawn to food and beverages.
- To avoid crowds while visiting Athirapally waterfall, you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Do not throw garbage and respect local wildlife. Adhere to all the safety protocol guidelines given by them.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.