Athirappally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
Athirappally falls is a beautiful 80ft falls on the Chalakkudy River in central Kerala. It is about 30 KM from Chalakkudy town. Vazhachal falls is about 4KM upstream from Athirappally falls. This area is surrounded by protected forests home to a wide array of wildlife.
How to get there?
Getting to athirappally is now easy thanks to the rebuilt roads. Road from Athirappally to Vazhachal is still rough, but doesn't matter since it is about 4KM. Distances from various important places,
Kochi International Airport - 55 Km
Chalakudy Railway station - 33 Km
Trichur - 63 Km
In order to get into Athirappally or Vazhachal, you need to get tickets. The amount is per person and typically there is usually a long queue. When you get the tickets it looks funny. It looks like you are entering a different country and what you are issued is passport and visa for entering that country. There is no value for money at the falls. Even though they charge heavily, you cannot see any corresponding investments in the facilities provided (Yeah, I know it is usual in tourist spots).
Athirappally falls
After entering the park, you need to walk about 100 meters to get to the river entrance. Then you see the Chalakkudy River in all its glory. It is also heavily crowded. The entrance is flanked by bamboo clusters and you notice a lot of monkeys hanging around in them. They sure are not starved! Wooden benches are provided here. This is a good choice for a relaxing nap after you do the climb back from the falls.
From the river view, you need to take slop to the right to get to the falls. It is a paved road suitably slopped. If you are adventurous you can take short cuts straight to the bottom. Half way through this slope, you get glimpses of the beautiful falls. You can hear the sound and feel the falls even before you get to it!. The slope takes you to an area where there are a couple of wooden benches (again!) to relax. It is possible to see the falls from here. You go straight and behold! You see the huge and beautiful waterfall in front of you.
This is a beautiful and huge waterfall and it feels great when the water droplets fall on your face. You can get near to the falls, but not too close. The fall bottom is ideal place for an evening picnic.
Vazhachal falls
This is located upstream near dense forest and provides a breath taking view. During lean water season, an adventure would be to cross the river!
Other interesting stuff along the way
There are two theme parks along the way. The first one is dreamworld, which is far from Athirappally; second one, Silverstorm being closer to athirappally. Silverstorm also provides cottages for stay.