| Heading Kerala-side? Overwhelmed by the sheer number of places to choose from? We’ll help you get started. Prepare to be amazedStep aside Niagara, because India has its own water giant. Meet Athirapally – a breath-taking creation of nature that continues to mesmerise the tens of thousands of travellers and tourists who set their sights on it. Irrespective of whether you’re traveling solo, or have carefully planned a romantic honeymoon or booked a tour package with your family, Athirapally truly has something for travellers of all ages.The fact that this place served as a backdrop for the Indian magnum opus Baahubali, is testament to its sheer beauty and undeniable presence.Athirapally waterfall is situated 60km away from Thrissur district of Kerala. Perhaps the most popular waterfalls in Kerala and fondly referred to as the Niagara of India, Athirapally features a massive flow of water gushing over boulders and rocks, to drop over eighty feet in three spectacular plumes.  From good to betterDuring monsoons, the spectacle takes a form of its own when the water rages furiously shaking the very ground that you’re watching it from.If you think you’ll be the only person brave enough to venture close, think again. The sheer beauty of the place has attracted quite a few developers to construct luxury resorts and restaurants around the area.Taking birth in the upper reaches of the Western Ghat Mountains, the Chalakudy River flows for about a hundred miles before it reaches the dense Vazhachal forest. It has a unique ecosystem filled with vibrant biodiversity. The teak and bamboo forests are home to Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, sambar, lions, tailed Macaques and numerous species of fresh water fish.Teeming with lifeFour species of Hornbills endemic to South India, the Great Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Indian Grey Hornbill co-exist beside the Kadars, the Malayars, the Muthuvars and Mannars – the forest dwelling tribes who have made the forests of Athirapally their home.The perfect balanceAthirapally is almost a dream-like confluence of land, air and water. While the mighty waterfall takes the spotlight, the fresh air surrounding the area is filled with stimulating aromas of herbs and trees that should keep you recharged for days on end, long after your journey has ended. The lush greenery enclosing the waterfall hides within it several tiny trails that make for a refreshing trek through nature’s best offering. For the truly adventurous, there is also an option to wander off the beaten path through the thick jungles with the help of a guide.Come night time, the place takes on a different dimension. Gone are the bustling crowds and the chatter of birds. A spine-tingling roar of crickets floods the surroundings as the creatures of the dark come alive. This, coupled with the ever-present rumble of the waterfall, makes for an ethereal experience.The surprises never stopJust when you thought you’ve seen it all, Athirapally holds within it some more memorable places and sights. Places like the Ezhattumugham rope way, Vazhachal falls, Charpa falls and Marayoor forest make for a fulfilling travel destination for families planning a trip to Kerala.Ezhattumugham ropeway is a hanging suspension bridge which provides a spectacular view of the water swirling below and into the distance between Forest Mountains.Vazhachal Falls, administered by the Vazhachal Forest Department, is located 5 km downstream from the falls at Athirappally.Charpa falls is a relatively small waterfall and is a popular stopover for tourists.Marayoor is a natural sandalwood reserve that will embrace you with its soothing fragrances as you pass through it. Here you will also get to see ancient dolmens (burial chambers) and cave paintings that can be dated to the Stone Age.The scenic drive to Marayoor is a feast for the eyes, featuring imposing mountains, dense forests, quaint hamlets, untouched brooks, tiny patches of waterfalls, luminous paddy fields and grasslands.Athirapally: A trip to rememberAthirapally should be on the list of must-visit places for people planning a trip to Kerala as the space evokes a perfect mixture of peace, excitement, calmness and rejuvenation in every individual, quiet and away from all hustle and bustle of city life.  |
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