Athirapally waterfalls are one of the most popular picnic spots in Kerala. Chalakkudy where Athirapally waterfalls is located is famous for its rivers, forests and numerous waterfalls. This Sholayar ranges patches is so beautifully intertwined lushes of silver cascades that sizzles and green forest that it became one of the hottest tourist spots in Kerala. Athirapally falls is the most famous among various other small ones beautiful enough to attract those interested. The gushing waterfalls of Athirapally has its source from Chalakudy River. Athirapally falls form a real treat to eyes during all seasons and especially during monsoon. During monsoon Athirapally falls become more wild and voluminous, for Chalakkudy River, will be in its full strength and fury at this time of the year.
Athirapally connects Tamilnadu to Kerala and wildlife can be best enjoyed on the way from Tamilnadu to Kerala. Road to Athirapally from Tamilnadu is through dense forest. Rain forest in this area is rich with variety of wild life. If lucky you might meet with deers, porcupine, leapords, sloth bears, sambars, hornbills or even elephants. It is always advisable to travel during day time for night travelers might have to interfere with wild life on their way.
Athirapally waterfalls start from a height of approximately 80 ft and spreads to 330 ft at an average flow rate of 52m3 per second. This height and width has achieved it the sobriquet of “Indian Niagara” to this fascinating water falls. During monsoon falls spreads even more spewing mist in good amount towards visitors. As the water level in river rises during this time fall becomes capacious and creates thundering sound deafening its visitors. Mist is also more during this time and it covers the entire area limiting your distant views as well. Athirapally forms an ideal placeto enjoy monsoon.
At a distance of 80 Kms from Cochin, the buzzing town of Kerala, Athirappally also forms a lush green forest creating a haven for both flora and fauna alike. Water fall also forms a refuge for several endangered species of Hornbill as well as for several species of flora. It is the cool ambience and the riparian forest area that is kept intact that makes Athirapally a good preserve of several riparian species of plants. 24 endemic species of Western Ghats are identified here along with 10 endangered rare species. This is included in a total of 319 species of flowering plants that are found at Athirapally.
Pristine nature of the falls is preserved with strict measures though tourism is very much encouraged here. One of the popular indulgence in this place is swimming, but under strict control and vigilance of life guards. Diving in the jungles as well as small trekking are also facilitated at this famous tourist spot during day time. You can also take a bath in the river few metres above water fall during all seasons other than monsoon. Best time to visit this place is from September to May and timing is from 8 am to 6 pm.
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