Athirappilly Falls, Kerala's Iconic Falls Is A Must-Visit For A Day Well Spent

As a Malayali, this writer has heard from his parents, other family members, and pretty much anyone who's ever gone on a road trip in their youthful days, how one of the destinations used to be Athirappilly Falls. Touted as Kerala's largest waterfall, the roaring 80-foot-high Athirappilly Falls is iconic and located in the heart of the Sholayar Forest Reserve. The vertical falls are scenic, and when you're in Kochi or even visiting the land of festivals and poorams, Thrissur, it’s essential to make the drive here.

The journey through the canopied roads of Kerala is a truly magical experience, and once you reach, you can treat yourself to three different views of the falls. One from the ticket counter, another from the top part of the falls, and the third, from 80 feet below. It’s this scenery that makes the falls so iconic and fondly called the Niagara Falls of South India. It’s also likely why many movies have been shot here. Movie buffs, if you’re familiar with the jal parvat in Baahubali, the backdrop of the song "Jiya Jale" from Dil Se, or even songs from Raavan and Guru, you should know that the scenery is just Athirappilly Falls flexing hard.

Spend some time there, absorbing the sounds of the falls, the mist over the rushing water, and maybe even go for a small swim (it’s only banned during the monsoons due to the high flow of water). Adventure junkies can try trekking through the Sholayar Forests and spot wildlife like exotic birds, langurs, and elephants, or check out Vazhachal Falls—a mere 5 km away from Athirappilly.

Best Time to Visit

In terms of season, the best time is during the monsoons. While trekking through the forest might be a bit difficult due to the slippery nature of the terrain, it's worth the trek. The best months are between September and January.

Since the falls are under the forest department, visiting hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM.

How to Reach Athirappilly Falls

The falls are easily accessible by road from Ernakulam and Thrissur. The nearest railway station is the Chalakudy Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.

There's plenty of parking space, and separate restrooms for men and women to change out of wet clothes. Water bottles at the kiosks cost INR 30, and if you return the plastic bottle at the entrance, you will get back INR 10.