This place is a scenic getaway to the wilderness of nature. Perhaps it is the wilderness and the splendour that gave the nickname “Niagra of India” to Athirapally Falls.
The largest waterfalls in the state, it is located 70km away from Cochin in Thrissur district. Athirapally’s grandeur originates from the treasures of the Western Ghats as the Chalakkudy river flows to the Sholayar Forest.
My recent visit to the falls was around monsoon and let me tell you this, it’s magnificence is nothing like the ones you see in photos or movies. You have to get up as close as you can to take in the beauty of the majestic Athirapally Falls. It’s simply breathtaking!
Following the drive that takes you to the destination, there is a way to take you for a glimpse of the calmer waters upstream. Another narrow pathway takes you downhill from here that leads you upto the first viewing point of the falls. Lo and behold! The sight is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. You are welcomed by the violent waters gushing down in a rush to make its way through the protruding rocks on the cliff to hit the waters below and continue its journey through the wilds of Sholayar Forest. The 80 ft drop is mighty in appearance and loud as it hits the flowing water and rocks below making a wild smoke-like appearance from the splashing water and the mist.
Perhaps it is this dramatic vista that stole Mani Ratnam’s heart. This panoramic magnificence has found its place in several movies of his such as Raavan, Guru and Dil Se amongst many others.
The sight of the falls and the water meandering through the rocks as it stole the thunder from the dense forests of the Sholayar as I listened to the hums and chirps of the birds trying to get the voice heard through these waters just got me awe-struck yet again. If you are all about Mother Nature and its mesmerizing lethal beauty, this is one place you should head right away
Travelogue 