Indian Niagara - Athirappilly Water Falls

Let me take you all through wonderful waterfall then you all will agree why i am saying it is Indian Niagara.....

The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 KM to the west in Chalakudy Railway Station and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport is about 53 KM southwest of the waterfall. If you are driving from Thrissur it is around 58 KM. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The 145 kilometers long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi. 

The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls. The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months and you must visit to see the full strength and the real beauty of this waterfall.

If you drive another 5 KM you will reach another water fall called Vazhachal where beauty of both are totally different. When you are planning to visit both must visit Vazhachal first as it would finish faster and can spent much time in Athirappilly. Both the places entry tickets are same and no separate charges for vehicles and visitors are available before reaching Athirappilly.

If you further drive you will reach Malakkappara and you can connect to Pollachi.

When you drive from Chalakudy and if time permits, must drop in Thumburmuzhi water from this place largely used for irrigation.

In 1994, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposed a 163 megawatt Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project. It was to include a dam 23 meters (75 ft) high and 311 meters (1,020 ft) wide on the Chalakudy River in the Vazhachal Forest Division about 5 KM upstream of Athirappilly Falls and 400 meters (1,312 ft) upstream of Vazhachal Rapids (Vazhachal Falls). However, environmental groups and people's collectives opposed the project on grounds that it would damage the environment, infringe on human rights, and threaten tourism. Though it was not their main concern, critics also noted that if the entire course of the river were diverted to make electricity, the Athirappilly-Vazhachal waterfalls could dry up. To avoid damaging the falls, the KSEB proposed adjusting the water releases to maintain the falls. The debate continues and lets pray not to disturb this views for construction and nation must try to find another ways to produce electricity and to save for better days coming.

During my this Trip I thank my SLR Nikon D 3200 because without him this blog would not have been so beautiful like Athirappilly.

Suggestions:

Carry lot of water and light snacks if you are planning for a day trip. Additional cloths if you wish to take bath in fresh and pleasant water. Avoid during monsoon. 

Until next blog.....