A road trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls in the Thrissur district of Kerala is all you need to witness the glory and might of nature!
Often referred to as the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Waterfalls, cascading from a height of 80 feet, is the largest waterfall in Kerala and a must visit attraction. The sound of the rushing water, the misty spray, and the lush greenery that surrounds the falls create a breathtaking atmosphere.
As a Keralite living just a 2-hour drive from Athirappilly Waterfalls, I have visited this majestic spot several times. During my most recent trip with my husband and son, I witnessed its full glory in September, which, in my opinion, is the best month to visit Athirapilly Waterfalls. To top it off, we even spotted wild elephants as we drove from Athirappilly back to Kochi.”
If you’re planning a road trip to Athirappilly, here’s all the information you need to make it perfect. I’ll also share some insider tips to make your trip even more awesome.”
How to Reach Athirappilly Waterfalls
The road to Athirappilly Waterfalls connects Chalakudy in Thrissur, Kerala to Sholayar, a small town in Tamil Nadu bordering Kerala.
There are two routes to reach Athirappilly Waterfalls from the Kerala side. Either you can drive through the main towns and reach the falls via Chalakudy or through Ezhattumugham, a forest with narrow but good condition roads.
The Chalakudy route has broader roads and several shops and restaurants by the roadside. This route is ideal if you are traveling from the north of Ernakulam or Kochi.
If you are traveling from Ernakulam or anywhere south of Ernakulam, I would recommend taking the Ezhattumugham route. This is the route we travelled and, on our way back, we spotted two wild elephants.
It is possible to reach Athirappilly Waterfalls by public transport as well. You can reach Chalakudy by a train or a public bus, and then board a bus to Athirappilly. The bus will take you straight to the entrance of Athirappilly Waterfalls.
Entry Fee and Visiting Time for Athirappilly Waterfalls
The entry fee for Athirappilly Waterfalls is Rs. 50 for an Indian adult and Rs. 10 for an Indian child between the ages of 5 and 13. For a foreign national, the entry fee is Rs. 200. There is an additional parking fee of Rs. 30 for a car and Rs. 10 for a two-wheeler.
The ticket counter also mentions photography fees but I think it is only for using professional camera. I specifically asked about using a phone camera and they said there is no photography fee for that.
To my surprise, I found out here that the ticket for Athirappilly Falls covers the entrance and parking fee for Vazhachal Waterfalls, located 5 kilometers from Athirappilly. So, you can get your entry ticket either at Athirappilly or at Vazhachal and visit both.
The visiting time for Athirappilly Waterfalls is from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. But if you arrive after 5:00 pm, they will not let you hike to the floor of the waterfalls.
Useful Information for Visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls
I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (preferably with rubber soles) when visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls. There will be a lot of walking through very roughly stone-paved path that can get very slippery during Kerala rains.
One major challenge we faced at Athirappilly Waterfalls was parking! The designated parking for the spot is from the entrance to the Sholayar side (towards Tamil Nadu) of the road. Sometimes, there are so many vehicles that you may have to park 2 kilometers away. If you are visiting from the Kerala side, park your vehicle on the left side of the road before a hundred feet from the entrance to the falls.
Beware of monkeys! As you walk towards the waterfalls, you will spot several monkeys. While they generally mind their own business, sometimes they try to snatch food and soft drinks from you. We saw someone getting scratched and someone else losing their soft drink bottle to a monkey.
There are clean restrooms by the waterfalls which you will spot once you reach the rocky pathway down to the waterfalls.
There are several small stalls and restaurants outside the entrance gate to the falls. Once you enter the gateway, you will find stalls selling light refreshments and water. We always carry water bottles with us so as to minimize our single-use plastic wastage. We found a free purified drinking water facility near the stalls so that helped us stay committed to our sustainable efforts.
Best Time to Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls
The best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls is September as this is when the monsoon rains swell up the river and the waterfalls look the most majestic. I have here a season-by-season breakdown of how your experience at Athirappilly will be influenced by Kerala’s weather.
September to November
The period from September to November is often considered the best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls. After the heavy monsoon rains, the waterfall is at its fullest and most majestic, with the Chalakudy River cascading down in full force.
The surrounding forests are lush and vibrant, creating a stunning green backdrop. The weather during these months is also quite pleasant, with cooler temperatures and clear skies, making it perfect for hiking and sightseeing. You can fully enjoy the beauty of the falls without the intense summer heat or heavy rain.
December to February
December to February marks the winter season in Kerala, and while it doesn’t get too cold, the weather is cooler and more comfortable compared to other parts of the year. Athirappilly Waterfalls continue to flow beautifully, although the volume of water starts to reduce as you move further from the monsoon season.
However, the pleasant temperatures (ranging from 20°C to 25°C) make it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, or exploring nearby attractions. The lack of humidity during this time makes it perfect for long nature walks or simply enjoying the scenic views around the falls.
March to May
March to May is the summer season in Kerala, and temperatures during these months can soar up to 35°C. While the waterfalls are still flowing, the water level reduces significantly due to the dry weather. I would recommend not visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls during the summer months if you can avoid.
However, this period is less crowded, so if you prefer quieter visits with fewer tourists, it can still be a good time to explore the area. The forests around the falls may look a bit drier, but you can still enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural pools upstream or visit the nearby attractions like Sholayar Dam. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore, as midday heat can be intense.
June to August
The monsoon season from June to August brings heavy rains to the region, and this is when Athirappilly Waterfalls come to life. The river swells, and the waterfalls roar with full force, creating a breathtaking sight. However, heavy rainfall can make it challenging to explore the area, as the trails can become slippery, and outdoor activities may be limited. On top of that, heavy rain washes down mud into the river turning the falls brown and looking dirty. This is why I recommend waiting till September to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls.
However, if you enjoy the monsoon and want to see the falls in their most powerful state, this period can be exhilarating. Just be prepared for sudden downpours and carry rain gear. The lush greenery and misty atmosphere during this time offer a completely different, almost mystical, experience.
Things to Do Near Athirappilly Waterfalls
What I love the most about visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls is that there is so much to do and see in and around the area, making it a rounded trip. Here are my top recommendations for things to do near Athirappilly Waterfalls.
Hike to the Floor of Athirappilly Waterfalls
When you enter the gateway to Athirappilly Waterfalls and walk towards it, you come to a place where the stone-paved path ends and you see a large smooth rock in front of you. This is where you will find the food stalls and restrooms. If you continue walking straight ahead, you will get to waterfalls viewpoint. From here, you get a top, slightly skewed angled view of Athirappilly Waterfalls. This is great but not the best.
After you have enjoyed this top view to your heart’s content, head back to the place where the paved path ends. Here, you will see a narrow path towards your right that takes you to the base of Athirappilly Waterfalls. We found this path a little more challenging than the walk up until the food stalls. I would recommend you to head down this path only if you are in good health and wearing good walking shoes.
Once you reach the base, you will be blown away by what you see, hear, and experience. The sound of the roaring waterfall grows louder as you descend, and the view from below, with water crashing onto the rocks, is mesmerizing. The mist created by the waterfall as it plunges down adds a magical feel to the entire experience.
Visit Vazhachal Waterfalls
Just a few kilometers away from Athirappilly, Vazhachal Waterfalls is another must-visit. Unlike the plunging nature of Athirappilly, Vazhachal is more of a sliding waterfall that flows down a rocky slope in a wide, frothy stream. Surrounded by a picturesque forest and gardens, this spot is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. The water flows over smooth rock surfaces, creating a peaceful ambiance perfect for relaxation or nature photography.
We visited Athirappilly first and then went to Vazhachal after 3:00 pm. I think this was the best decision as Vazhachal has a sort of meditative quality with the sound of the gentle flow of water.
Take a Dip in Natural Pools Upstream
If you’re seeking a refreshing experience, the natural pools upstream from Athirappilly Waterfalls are a hidden gem. These serene pools are safe for swimming, and the cool, clear water is incredibly rejuvenating. Since the pools are nestled in the middle of nature, you’ll be surrounded by the sound of birds and the sight of lush greenery, making it a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. However, always be mindful of safety, especially during monsoon seasons when water levels rise.
Thumboormuzhi Dam and Hanging Bridge
A short drive from Athirappilly, Thumboormuzhi Dam offers scenic views of the Chalakudy River and the surrounding hills. The highlight of this area is the hanging bridge, which gives you panoramic views of the river and lush greenery. Thumboormuzhi is also known for its butterfly garden, home to over 140 species of butterflies. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal spot for families and nature lovers.
We could visit Thumboormuzhi in an older trip as this is on the Ezhattumugham route from Kochi.
Eco Tour of Ezhattumugham Prakriti Gramam
Located a short drive from Athirappilly, Ezhattumugham Prakriti Gramam is a nature lover’s paradise. This eco-village offers a serene landscape of river streams, bridges, and wide-open spaces surrounded by lush greenery. You can take peaceful walks along the pathways, enjoy picnics by the riverside, or explore the suspension bridge that gives you an overhead view of the river.
It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching, and you can witness the local community’s efforts in preserving the natural ecosystem. We love the calm and clean environment here and found it to be a great spot over for family outings.
Explore Sholayar Dam
A scenic drive away from Athirappilly, Sholayar Dam is one of the largest dams in Kerala. It is surrounded by dense rainforests and hills, and the dam itself offers stunning views of the expansive reservoir. The calm waters reflect the surrounding hills, creating a picture-perfect landscape. It’s a great spot to stop for a moment and soak in the peace and quiet of the surroundings. If you’re interested in photography or just want a peaceful retreat into nature, the Sholayar Dam is worth visiting.
Sholayar Dam is very close to Kerala Tamil Nadu border, so it is ideal for anyone traveling to Athirappilly from that side.
Chill at Silver Storm Water-Theme Park
For those traveling with family or simply looking to unwind with some fun activities, the Silver Storm Water-Theme Park near Athirappilly is a great option. The park features numerous water rides, pools, and fun attractions that cater to all age groups. Whether you’re sliding down water chutes, floating in a lazy river, or relaxing by the poolside, this park is a nice way to switch things up after a day of trekking and sightseeing.
FAQs on Road Trips to Athirapilly Waterfalls
Is One Day Enough to Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls?
If you plan to visit only Athirappilly and Vazhachal Waterfalls, then one day is enough. However, if you intend to explore the other amenities in the area, you may need to spend more time here. Moreover, an overnight stay in Athirappilly is highly recommended for a rounded experience in the laps of nature.
Is the Athirappilly Road in Good Condition?
Yes, the road from Kochi to Athirappilly is in good condition. The road from Athirappilly to Valparai is mostly good, but with a lot of hairpin curves and a narrow width.
Road Trip to Athirappilly: Wrapping Up
We found the road trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls to be a wonderful family trip and I would recommend you to head on such an adventure yourself. From the scenic drives through lush landscapes to the awe-inspiring sight of the waterfalls themselves, every moment felt like an escape into nature’s wonders. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
I hope you found details on planning a trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls like the entry fee, visiting time, and best route useful for your trip. If there is any doubt, or if you would like me to add more details, let me know in the comments below and I will get back to you with the latest updates.
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