There’s a belief that all of India is equal to the entire world. Meaning from one state to another, you can experience the four seasons, different religions, climates, culture and even nature that is akin to those in Europe, East Asia and even snow covered peaks. One such place is Athirapilly waterfalls, known as the Kerala Niagara Falls.

This particular beauty is famous for its strong, rushing streams and turbulent waterflow and sweeping horse-shoe-like curtain drop that falls from 80 feet down into the Chalakuddy river.

The journey to Athirapilly waterfalls is just as worth it. You will pass through parts of the Sholayar forest ranges of the Western Ghats that is part of the Kerala forest reserve. If you are lucky, you can even spot wild animals such as elephants, leopards, endangered hornbills, monkeys and squirrels. If you do, make sure to drive safely and keep your distance from wildlife.

This guide tells you how to enjoy your trip to Ahitrapilly and make the most of it with must-visit spots on the way.

Ezhattumugham Nature Village

Before reaching Athirapilly waterfalls, a small diversion to Ezhattumugham nature village on the way completely enhances the trip into something unforgettable.

Ezattumugham means ‘seven faces of a river’ and the name derives itself from the Chalakuddy river diverting into seven distinct streams at one point. While it’s called a “village” the place is mostly for eco-tourism purposes to showcase the natural beauty of the place with green nature and a butterfly garden.

The highlight of Ezhattumugham is the Thumboormozhi hanging bridge that connects the entrance to the butterfly garden and park on the other side. This huge bridge gives a breath-taking view point of the mountains where the clouds float above, the rushing river beneath with the current carrying the waters over the boulders and rocks and the engineering of the canal where rushing waters are guided into the streams.

During the dryer summer months, visitors are allowed to walk over the stream and play in the waters but during the monsoon and retreating monsoon season, this activity will be closed.

Ezhattumugham nature village and the butterfly garden both has different entry tickets though the prices are quite low and affordable.

Pass Through Kerala Forest Areas

To get to Athirappilly waterfalls, you must drive through forested areas that are protected by the government. These gives you an insight into Kerala’s famous jungles and if you are lucky you might even spot wild animals in there.

There are multiple signs in English and Malayalam that warns travelers that certain areas are prohibited for parking. This is because these areas often see animal crossing, mostly wild animals and tigers, which makes stopping in these areas dangerous for the travelers and disturbance to wildlife.

It’s important that you adhere to these rules for both you and the animal’s safety. A drive through this thick jungle is an experience of its own. While the markings and roads are thorough, it’s a lightly rough and uneven terrain. So we suggest getting cars that are 4-wheel drives or XUVs.

Lunch at Sterling Athirapilly

A worthwhile stop before reaching Athirappilly Waterfalls is Sterling Athirappilly, a riverside resort where lunch comes with one of the best views in the area.

Long before the roar of Athirappally Waterfalls fills the air, Sterling Athirappilly offers a quieter encounter with the river while satisfying your hunger pangs. The resort has a restaurant that overlooks the Athirappilly River, allowing diners to enjoy the sight and sound of the flowing water while surrounded by Kerala’s lush rainforest.

The menu caters to every kind of taste buds, from aromatic biryanis and traditional Kerala curries to fried rice, grilled kebabs and burgers. Even those who arrive only for lunch often find themselves lingering a little longer, while others choose to extend the experience by spending the night at the resort, waking up to the same tranquil riverside setting and carrying on with their trip the following day.

The resort is located just 5 minutes away from Athirapally waterfalls, making it the perfect pitstop to grab a bite before you are on your way again.

Reaching Athirapilly Waterfalls

A toll gate is your marker. Just before reaching the falls, you are required to pay an entrance fee of rupees 50 for Indian nationals and 200 for foreign nationals. From there on, its just a 2-minute drive to Kerala’s Niagara.

Park your car near the spot and make your way to the first viewpoint where the waterfall can be viewed from on top of rocks that connects to the stream. The walk to the stream is on a low slope so reaching there is easy but for those that are not used to exercising or walking might find the climb back up a little taxing as it begins to slope upward.

The closer you get to the falls, the louder the thunderous sounds of the rushing water can be heard. It sounds like a thousand drummers are beating on giant drums to a rhythm that only nature can recreate.

Once you reach the rocks, you can walk till the edge where it’s barricaded to see the heavy falls drop from the edge of the cliff. The water comes in rushed, strong currents and flows with a power that is both awe-striking and terrifying.

Make sure to remain careful and not go further into the stream as this can be deadly. During heavy rain fall in the monsoon season (June-early August), the waterfalls and the surrounding area might be closed off due to strong river currents and flash floods so always check the news before you make the trip.

400 meters short hike

If you truly want to get a marvelous view of the Athirappaly waterfalls then take the short 400 meters hike to the base where you can get a stunning vantage point where you see the falls from its side. Trust us when we say that no matter how many photos you click, it will not be enough to capture it’s beauty.

The hike is a downward slope with some areas being a little steep which means that coming back up might get your heart racing a little. A warning sign near the hiking area warns unfit travelers and those with heart problems to go at their own risk.

That said, it’s a relatively easy hike for those that are used for walking needing only around 15-20 minutes to take the hike. Around 45 minutes is enough to hike down, see the waterfalls and come back up. Families and children can undertake it as well (children needing guidance for sure).

If you do plan to hike down to the vantage point, make sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes (no saris, churidars, long dresses or skirts), as the path is uneven and slippery due to the damp atmosphere.

The Vantage Point

Once you reach the vantage point, you are greeted with the gorgeous views of the waterfalls from beneath. You can get so close to it that the sprays from the waterfalls will completely drench you. Hence, we advise you to carry an extra pair of clothes or umbrellas if you plan to stay near it for long.

Tea & Snacks

What makes road trip in Kerala fun, especially for foodies, is the tea and snacks on the road. Multiple street tea stalls, bakeries and snacks are riddled on the way where you can get a sip of tea, juices and bite into traditional snacks. Athirapally also has its set of tea shops where you can refresh yourself after the hike.

Things to remember:

• Rain Season: Carry umbrellas & extra clothes due to intense rain (June – early August) and October. Check whether reports to know if the area is closed off due to heavy rains and flash floods.
• Dry season: Carry water, hats and sunscreen as the climate can get hot and the sun intense.
• Clothes: Wear comfortable, full bodied clothes and shoes. Bring leech socks if you can.
• No littering and stay away from wildlife
• Don’t stop vehicles at prohibited areas
• Don’t get close to wildlife if you spot them.