I always had a thing for the falls while scrolling travel locations over the Internet but I just couldn’t visit any. Ever since I watched 'Baahubali' movie, my fascination just reached another level. I searched all about the place where it was shot. And it was not just me, I am pretty sure everyone just felt like running to that magnificent place so beautifully picturised on screen. And if you haven’t watched the movie yet, it's’ the best time to satiate your travel cravings when virtual travels are the only ones possible at this time.
It was my birthday and as per my every year's custom, I chose Kerala for the trip that time. And Athirapally Falls was the first in the list.
I took an early morning flight from Delhi to Cochin and was outside Cochin Airport by 11 in the morning. I had hired a taxi for my entire trip which was waiting outside the airport for me. After having breakfast, we headed straight to Athirapally. 55 kms from Cochin International Airport, it was a pleasant drive for 1.5 hours and we reached the place at around 2PM. If you are coming by Train the closest station is Chalakudy (CKI) and Angamaly (AFK).
Athirappilly is a Grama Panchayath in Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala. It is a very small place where you will get the feel of raw India. No big buildings, no bustling traffic, no crowded streets. We checked into the hotel I had pre-booked. It was no lavish property equipped with all the luxurious amenities we get in metros but it had all the basic necessities and a peaceful and calming ambience for sure. Chalakudy river was flowing right next to the place and they had set up their dining area right next to the river in lovely hut structures.
After lunch, we asked our taxi driver to take us to the falls. Evening is the best time to make the most of this ravishing location. We headed straight to the ticketing counter. The place is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and a very nominal amount of Rs15 is charged for the ticket. After collecting the tickets, we entered the visitors entry area. And the view was amazing. Beautiful Chalakudy river was flowing and the thunderous sound of water falling down could be heard all around.
Falls are not completely visible from up above, you can only see the upper part of the falls. To reach the bottom of the falls, there is a small trek that lies a few steps ahead of the entry gate. I was just too eager to reach there and started running and the view was as beautiful as I had picturised in my mind.
Athirappilly Falls stood there as the ever shining pride of Kerala. It is often called “Niagra of India” and I just couldn’t agree more . It is the largest waterfall in Kerala standing at feet of 1000 above the sea level at a height of 25 m (82 feet) with 4 drops and 100 M (330 feet) wide. Believe me, the place is as stunning and charismatic as shown in the film. You will be in awe with this place with water fumes surrounding the entire place. I just sat there for an hour enjoying the sheer beauty in front of me. A feast for eyes, for sure!
The place closes at 6PM and we were given a closing signal. It didn’t want to leave but just had to. I just loved this place. Do include this place in your Kerala trip and you won’t regret it. Let me know the comments if you need any further info. Happy travelling! I will come back soon with my next travel experience. Till then, stay tuned.