Athirapally in Trichur district is the land of rivers, forests and great waterfalls. The destination houses the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally waterfall, which is a major tourist attraction. This patch in the Western Ghats so beautifully intertwined with lush green forest cover and sizzling silver cascades, is a treat for the eyes during the monsoon. The picturesque Vazhachal waterfall, just 5 km away from the former, is another attraction nearby, also located amidst the dense green forest cover, forming part of the Chalakkudy river. The Chalakkudy river in full spate, the mini Charpa falls along with the majestic Athirapilly and Vazhachal waterfalls are ideal places where the monsoon can be enjoyed at its best.

The picturesque and majestic Athirapilly waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi, at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges. The Athirapilly falls join the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down 80 ft, the surrounding cool spray covering a large area of the dense green jungle, making it a pleasant and relaxing picnic spot for tourists and visitors. Combined with the sight of fresh greenery, the smell of dew and wild flowers, and the sounds of the silvery cascades, the whereabouts afford the onlooker one of the most enchanting and bewitching experiences of nature.

Both these areas are high elephant density habitats and excellent adventure destinations for treks, family safaris and for following unexplored nature trails. Athirapilly and Vazhachal are accessible by motorable roads from Kochi, Aluva, Chalakkudy or Trichur.

Local communities along the Chalakkudy river banded together to stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam upstream from Athirapilly waterfall. The proposed dam would have submerged more than 140 hectares of forest, dried up extensive riparian areas downstream and destroyed the beauty of the Athirapilly waterfall, a prime attraction contributing significantly to the local tourism industry. Construction of the dam would have eliminated the critical habitat of many rare, important and endangered species of fauna such as the Forest Cane Turtle and the Great Indian Hornbill.

Highlights: land of rivers, forests&waterfalls – gateway to the rainforests - clean, unpolluted surroundings – silvery cascades set amidst picturesque landscape – cool and pleasant ambience – riparian vegetation – diversity of marine life

Tourist spots: the majestic Athirapilly & Vazhachal falls – the lesser Charpa falls - Vazhachal Forest Garden – Peringalkuthu and Sholayar dams – Thumpurmuzhi Garden – Malakapara Tea Garden – water theme park – Anakkayam lake

• Vagamon


• Kumarakom


• Thekkady


• Cherai


• Attappadi

• Varkala


• Nilambur


• Marayoor


• Kumbalangi

• Kovalam


• Munnar


• Bekal


• Guruvayoor