Travel Trail: Athirappilly falls beckons nature buffs

Mangaluru: The short trek to the foot of the falls was worth every step. A fine veil of mist drifted across the landscape, while frothy spray enveloped the rocks and foliage, lending the surroundings a magical charm. Before us, water thundered down in a magnificent cascade, filling the air with its roar. We had arrived at Athirappilly, Kerala’s spectacular waterfall, nestled in the Sholayar forest range in Thrissur district.

Our journey began in Mangaluru, where we boarded the Vande Bharat Express early one morning. The train whisked us towards Kochi in a little over five hours. After spending a day in Kochi, we hired a car and drove to Athirappilly via Chalakudy, a gateway to Kerala’s enchanting forested landscapes. En route, we stopped at Thumboormuzhi Garden, a picturesque retreat on the banks of the Chalakudy River.

With its landscaped gardens, hanging bridge and tranquil river views, it was a delightful place to pause and admire nature. We reached Athirappilly in about two hours and 30 minutes. Our next stop was a prebooked forest guesthouse at Vazhachal Falls, nestled amid lush greenery just a few kilometres from Athirappilly falls. Here, the sound of milky water coursing over rocks provided a soothing soundtrack to our stay.

Food was a minor challenge in this secluded setting, but the caretaker came to our rescue with a vegetarian lunch. It was peak tourist season, and the road leading to Athirappilly falls was choked with vehicles, with cars and tourist vans lining the roadside. At around 4.30 pm, we set out to experience the waterfall, often called the Niagara of India.

Set in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats, Athirappilly is much more than a scenic attraction. Its spectacular riverine landscape and rich forest ecosystem make it one of Kerala’s most treasured natural wonders. For film lovers, the falls hold a special appeal. Those who have watched Baahubali, Raavan  and Guru may recognise their dramatic grandeur, immortalised on the silver screen.

Athirappilly  falls  plunges from a height of about 80 feet, with the Chalakudy River spilling over a broad rocky ledge before surging into the forest below. Unfortunately, September had seen little rainfall, and the falls lacked their customary thunderous force. Yet, even with a reduced flow, the landscape retained its captivating beauty.

A walk of about 300 metres through dense bamboo clusters brought us to the upper reaches of the falls. Here, the Chalakudy River flowed with deceptive tranquillity before reaching the rocky edge and plunging into the gorge below. Upstream, the river appeared gentle and inviting, winding through luxuriant greenery. This stretch is also popular with visitors for picnics and bathing.

Yet, the contrast between the placid river and the dramatic plunge ahead was striking. The most rewarding view, however, awaited us below. Reaching the base meant descending another  approximately 700 metres along the designated trail. The effort was well worth it. With every step, the roar of the water grew louder until the waterfall suddenly appeared before us in all its splendour.

From below, Athirappilly seemed even more imposing. Water cascaded over the rocky escarpment, breaking into white foam as it struck the rocks beneath. Mist hung in the air, and the roar of the falls filled the gorge. We simply stood there in awe, absorbing the spectacle. Many elderly visitors were gasping for breath, as there were no buggy services to reach either the top of the falls or the base, apart from one buggy.

We were told that plans were under way to provide additional buggies. More seating and benches are also needed at the viewing points. Back on the main road, we stopped for coffee at next door Flora Misty Falls, which offers panoramic views of Athirappilly. The following day, we visited Charpa Falls, another beautiful waterfall visible from the roadside.

Those seeking a little adventure and entertainment can head to the nearby Silver Storm water theme park, which offers cable car rides and a host of other attractions.

We rounded off our stay with a delicious breakfast at Plantation Valley Resort, situated on the banks of the Chalakudy River, not far from Athirappilly Falls. We took a different route (take the road just in front of Silver Storm Park)  back to Kochi, bypassing Chalakudy. It saved us 30 mins.