Athirappilly falls is one of the finest waterfalls in the whole Indian subcontinent, almost 80-feet high and 330-feet wide, the falls hold the title of being the Niagra Falls of India. Athirappilly Falls is located in Athirappilly panchayath, about 33 km east of Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district, on the west flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar mountain ranges, Kerala on the southwest coast of India.
Another famous location nearby is the Vazhachal Falls, in between the two, there is 5 km of scenic zone. The Vazhachal Falls is close to dense green forests that are home to several endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. On the way from Athirappilly to Vazhachal Falls, lies one more small waterfall, in close proximity to the road and is regionally called “Charpa Falls”. During monsoon Charpa waterfall even reaches the road.
The Chalakudy River, which is around 145 km (90 mi) long, originates in the Anamudi ranges of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river runs smooth from its starting point but later becomes rough as it reaches Athirappilly. This river is a bio diversity hotspot.
Athirappilly waterfall appears in three separate strands, during non-monsoon season. It’s the rains that brings in plenty of water to unite them to a broad mighty downpour.
This falls has been a hit location for several movies, since last three decades, especially from South India. It is also known as Punna Kai Mannan falls, as it was shot in famous old hit Punna Kai Mannan by Director Mani Ratnam. The falls were featured in Mani Ratnam’s Bollywood film Dil Se.., starring Shahrukh Khan, Manisha Koirala, Preity Zinta; song: “Jiya jale”. This place is a prime location for various song scenes, TV commercials, and tourism publications.
Athirappilly is about 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal about 68 km.
Nearest railway station: Chalakudy (CKI), about 30 km away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 53 km from Thrissur