The Athirappilly Falls is situated 1000 ft above sea level
on the Chalakudy river, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western
Ghats. Athirappalli is a scenic
combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet,
this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic
species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the
Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats
where four endangered hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of
the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world. This valuable natural
world is already degraded by mining and hydro electric projects.
Environmentalists claim that Athirapally is a one-of its-kind riparian
ecosystem in Kerala. V.S. Vijayan, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity
Board and former Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural
History (SACON), Coimbatore, has been quoted in Down to Earth magazine as
affirming that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area
in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an
"Important Bird Area" and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation
has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national
park, he points out.
Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappilly Falls
is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Another popular waterfall to
visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river
and it is approximately 80 feet in height. Athirappilly is easily reachable
from Chalakudy by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy
private bus terminal.
Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps
while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Athirappilly is
situated on SH-21 highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, night driving is
not advised. But you can enjoy the adventurous drive in the middle of jungle.
Route through Valparai: Coimbatore-Pollachi 40 km-Valparai
65 km From Pollachi onwards, the road climbs up steeply through tea estates to
Valparai. From Valparai, the road goes through dense wild jungles after
Malakkiparai. Route is as follows: Valparai-Malakkiparai 22 km-Sholayar
24-Peringalkuthu Dam 25-Vazhachal 5-Athirapalli 5-Chalakudy 33 km.
Route through Angamaly: For tourists from Cochin and other
northern side of Kerala can take a short cut from Angamaly. After Passing
Angamaly take right turn after the bridge. This route will pass through
Mookkannoor, Edalakadu, Ezhattumugham, palm oil plantation and connect to
Athirapilly Vazhachal route. This route can save time, distance and you can
enjoy nature.
Route through Chalakudy: Tourists from Chalakudy and other
southern side of Kerala can take the Athirappilly route starting from Anamala
Jn. Chalakudy and pass through Kanjirapilly, Vettilapara Athirapilly route.
There is absolutely no human settlement between Malakkiparai
and Peringalkuthu Dam. Wildlife—elephants and bison—spill over onto the road,
and night driving is discouraged. Both Vazhachal and Athirapalli are on the
same Chalakudy river.
Athirapalli Falls is best visited during rains. The rest of
the year there is water flow but hardly the spectacle it is from June to
October.
There are two water theme parks (Silver Storm and Dream
Word) and many resorts on the way to Athirapilly.
A minute with ClicksandWrites is a series designed to
highlight various events that I attend or location that I visit through short
videos. The video also has a key safety message that is to remind each and
every one that safety is a priority for all, especially road safety.
#StartEarlyDriveCarefullyReachSafely is the prime message that is the need for the hour. Beware of other drivers mistakes and drive carefully and cautiously see through to have a blessed day.
#StartEarlyDriveCarefullyReachSafely #SafetyFirst
#PassionatePhotographers
#ClicksandWrites
#AminutewithClicksandWrites #KeralaTourism #VisitKerala
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