Athirappilly

Athirappilly Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in Kerala in the southern part of India. The waterfall is situated in River Chalakudy in Sholayar Reserve Forest of Thrissur District in Kerala. To be specific, its location is between Athirappilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District and Aluva Taluk in the district of Ernakulam on the southwest coast of India. The Chalakudy River which is the longest in Kerala, originates in the Annamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu.  There are 3 points from where Athirappilly Waterfalls can be enjoyed – from the road, from the top of the waterfalls, and from below it. It will take around 15 minutes’ walk to reach the point that is below the waterfalls. There is a steep way leading there and as such, not a way suitable for everyone to take. It is advisable to remove your clothes or wear raincoat while going to the bed of the fall as you will get drenched in the heavy spray of water. The monsoon seasons experience a great increase in the speed and intensity of the waterfalls. The place can be reached easily by taking the route from Kochi to Chalakudy and from Chalakudy via State Highway 21 to Athirappilly Waterfalls. Athirappilly can also be accessed from Pollachi in Tamil Nadu via Valparai. It is the Forest Department that controls entrance to this waterfall. The entry time is from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening. The entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indians, Rs. 100 for foreigners, and Rs. 20 for taking cameras along.