Trio of waterfalls: Ahirappilly, Charpa and Vazachal waterfalls are nature’s most spectacular masterpieces and offer an exhilarating experience.
Life as we know it has changed dramatically over the past few years. The pandemic has pushed us all over the edge, forcing us to step back and reflect. As our social relationships and work-life balance change, we see the world in a new light, where the little things matter. This idea also echoes the way we currently travel! As the world slowly recovers and reopens the doors of wanderlust, a new wave of experiential travel is welcome.
Kerala offers an abundance of little things that can leave a lasting impression, whether it’s the cocooned forest the moment you step into the state, the soothing sound of a gushing stream, or the pungent flavours that will put your taste buds on an adventure. .
Kerala Experiential Tour
Authentic experiences trump travel itineraries, and the average traveler is becoming an explorer looking for unforgettable moments. What better place to start than God’s homeland, Kerala, the perennial and simply beautiful state. Be it beautiful beaches, tranquil backwaters, evergreen forests, or majestic mountains and galloping waterfalls, Kerala invites you to create unique memories for every occasion. Kerala wants you to calm down, let go, and fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Triple Falls are three such environments in Kerala, each with a fascinating backstory.
triple waterfall in kerala
The natural romance unfolds to you when you feel the water pouring down the rocks and onto your cheeks. I’ve always wanted to see the waterfall trio of Attila Pali, Chapa and Wazachar and this was the perfect opportunity. After so many years, I was finally allowed to do this.
Atirapili Falls
Athirappilly is a small village 30 km from Chalakudi and an hour and a half drive from Kochi International Airport. I arrived at our hotel, Nilamaya Three Loha, after nightfall. When I wake up in the morning, my villa can see Chalakudi River and Athirapilly Falls. The falls are only a few kilometers from here, so I took a trip to the waterfalls for three people with Samroha. You can get tickets at the Athirapilly or Vazachal Falls car park. I can see both waterfalls with just one ticket. Let the adventure begin at Athirappilly Falls.
From the car park to the river bank is a 2km walk, following a well-paved path through trees. From here, I cross a mossy rock to the top of the waterfall. Make sure your shoes are comfortable for the long walk ahead. When it comes to attractions in Kerala, Athirapili Falls is not on the radar of the average tourist. Even though it is the largest waterfall in Kerala, this attraction is rarely visited. At 330 feet wide and half the height of Niagara Falls in the United States, Atillapili Falls attracted a lot of attention after Bahubali was filmed there.
The Forest Service has set up barricades at the top of the falls to prevent tourists from tipping over as they try to get a better view of the falls. While the lush rainforest and the scenic Charakudi River provide an excellent backdrop, the waterfalls don’t go all out during the peak winter months. If you walk up the river bank, you can see locals swimming in the river. As an alternative, follow a rocky path through the woods to the bottom of the waterfall. Even if it’s not fully paved, the hardest parts of the route are guarded by railings. Please walk carefully as the ground is wet. You will see several charming flowers along the way.
At the bottom of the waterfall, forest guards can be seen to prevent adventurers from drowning in the rushing river. This waterfall is an awesome experience. Despite the spray, the camera lens was threatened by rough water. Surprisingly, going uphill is easier to manage than going downhill! The Malakkappara tea plantation on the border of Tamil Nadu is a popular stop for tourists heading to the Atirapili Falls. Access to Athirappilly Falls requires permission from the Forest Department and Vana Samrakshana Samithi. The waterfalls offer luxurious accommodation for tourists.
Chapa Falls
Located between Thrissur’s famous Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls, the beautiful Charpa Falls cascade down from a height of approximately 70 feet. You don’t need a ticket to see it. If you’re looking for a quick photo opportunity, this is the place. However, due to ongoing construction activities on the main road, I was unable to get close to Charpa Falls. Keep an eye out for the resident monkeys in the area, they can be mischievous.
Vazachar Falls
Vazachal is a gem and one of the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. The falls are located just 5 km from the entrance to Athirappilly Falls, near the edge of Sholayar Mountain. Together with Athirapalli, Vazhachal created a waterfall garland beautifying the Chalakuddy River in Chalakuddy. These waterfalls are favored not only for their scenic beauty, but also for the rare species that thrive in the dense forests that surround them. Four endangered hornbill species are found here, making it the only place in the Western Ghats to live.
Wazachar, 36 kilometers from Charakdi, graces the Sholayar Mountain, which rises to a height of 1,000 feet. Located in the lush interior of the Malabar region, Vazhachal is the epitome of the natural beauty of remote Kerala state. The Western Ghats are here in all their magnificence, with a rich fauna and wildlife. Traditional Malabar, with its jungle charm and flowing white stream, can be found at this location. For all the reasons mentioned above, nature and wildlife lovers will find Wazachar to be an awesome place.
Like Athirappilli, Vazachal is a popular picnic spot for its peaceful atmosphere and soothing natural beauty. From Kochi International Airport, drive to Atirapili Falls via Chala Kudi National Highway 21. From the bus station in Characudi, buses run hourly by government and commercial businesses. You can reach Athirapally by road from Valparai or Munnar Tea Plantation in Kerala. The South Indian Hornbill, Malabar spotted hornbill, Indian grey hornbill and Malabar grey hornbill can all be found in the Sholayar Reserve.
The hike to the base of the falls is a must for hikers with comfortable feet. There are plenty of Western Ghats birds, butterflies and plants to see, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the Malabar giant squirrel. The only time I saw it was on a big tree. Tourists from Ernakulam and Thrissur flock to the area on weekends and public holidays. Visit on a weekday to enjoy the peace like I did. Spend the day exploring Charpa and Vazachal waterfalls, as well as the Malaka Parai tea plantations on the border of Tamil Nadu and Valparai. Opportunities like this don’t come every day.
It was a wonderful experience and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
