With intense rains in it's catchment area, Athirapilly waterfalls are in full bloom when i happened to be there last day.Kerala's longest waterfall falling down from 80 feet height ,it is on Chalakudy river which originates from Sholayar ranges in the Western ghats. However thanks to climate change trigerred by the rise in the temperature at Arabian sea,Indian ocean ,Kerala is experiencing heavy sporadic rain and mud slides. Red alerts ,the highest rain warnings are declared some times in the last few days. This may close the destination and tourist are weary in visiting the place. However nature lovers and those who seek soul cleansing still flock to Athirapilly.The visit last day was less crowdy and was thus a blessing in disguise.The sheer hydropower of this ever flowing river is tempting local power producing company KSEB to make 163 megawatt hydropower power from this. However opposition from nature lovers and enviromentalists are keeping them at bay.The sorrounding forests are very bio diverse and any construction can submerge the habitats of many endangered species including all four south indian species of hornbill birds. Proclaimed as the second most bio diverse region of Kerala it houses many flora and fauna including elephant,tiger,leopord,gaur,sambar,lion tailed macaque.The 145 kilometer river houses 85 fresh water species of fishes including 35 endemic ones. Athirapilly is in Chalakudy Taluk,Thrishur district of central Kerala and is onky 55 kms far from Kochi International airport.The nearest railhead is Chalakudi railway station (30 kms).As a forest highway to Tamilnadu passes through it buses are available in day time.Better avoid travelling in night as
The beauty of the waterfalls are captured in many films including the big budget 2015 blockbuster Bahubali.
The location is maintained by eco support group of Kerala forest and decorum in a pristine area is expected.
Jungle safari is organised by the local destination management team.Some accomodation is available locally but nearest towns Chalakaudy and Thrishur in Kerala have good accomodations. Malakapara in Tamilnadu border may be the choice of those who wish to be in a rustic village.