Athirappilly Falls, Thrissur (Trichur), Kerala India

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.

The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India's best elephant conservation efforts. “Any disruption to this fragile ecosystem will spell disaster,” says Vijayan.

Athirapally, falls from a fairly good height of approximately 80 mts (150 feet) and joins the Chalakudy river below. The water fall can be viewed from several points. On the way from the road itself you can have a view of the waterfall. There is another view from the top of the water fall. For this view, you have to go through the main entrance. There is an entry ticket for this. The100 meter rock pathway inside the entrance is surrounded by thick bamboo clusters and monkeys can be seen playing around. There are benches, small coffee shops and restaurants for tourists to relax. From the river view, you need to take a decline to the right to get to the falls. It is a paved road suitably sloped.

The third view, from the bottom of the water fall requires some mountaineering skills since the path is very narrow and sloped. But this is the most beautiful of all the three views of the waterfall. Half way through this slope, one can get glimpses of the beautiful falls and it feels great when the water droplets fall on your face. It is  an ideal place for an evening picnic  preferred only for youngsters.

The view around and below from the flat rocky surface above the waterfall is breathtaking. Thousands of visitors from within and outside Kerala visit the spot, especially on weekends. The best period to view and enjoy the falls is during the monsoon (June - September). With its picturesque beauty Athirapilly has become one of the favourite location for movie makers.