Athirappally & Vazhachal Waterfalls

Athirappally Waterfalls are located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. This waterfall is a popular picnic spot, affording onlookers one of the most bewitching sights. Athirappally Falls is located in the forest area. and combined with the greenery infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.
A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places - the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal (Prounced as vaazhachaal).

The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall are one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' - not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.  Perched high above in the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, un spoilt by the passing of time.

Both of the falls are part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km from the hill station (valparai) which has an excellent tea estate and is one of India's highest elephant density habitats. It is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the Athirapalli waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot, is just a drive from Athirampally. These scintillating waterfalls in thick green forest are a part of the Chalakudy river stream.

The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests.

The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species. Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered.

Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered.
The Vazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. The Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Its cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience for visitors.