around kerala

Visit Athirapally WaterFalls – Niagara of India near to Guruvayur Temple

Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places – the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal

Both this waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India’s highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala’s famed rain forests, the Athirapalli waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River.

 The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species.Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered.

Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered.

Nearby Places of Interest:

While the waterfalls are the highlight of this region, there are quite a few places to see in and around Athirapally.

The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.

Two water-theme parks – the Dream World and Silver Storm are located to the west of Athirapally.

The Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.

The lesser-known Charpa falls are situated to the east of Athirapally. The water plunges on to the road in the monsoon, so get ready to get drenched if you are visiting it in the rainy season.

If you take a ride through the deep forest and high ranges you will come across the Malakapara tea gardens. Around 50 kilometers from Athirapally, this tea garden has picturesque surroundings and sometimes one can spot wildlife here.

Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.

A few kilometers from Vachumaram (about 20 kilometers from Chalakudy) is Anakkayam (which means elephant pit). Tourists will find a serene lake, bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora here.

Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams are situated deep in the forest on the way to Valpara. Both the dams generate hydroelectric power to the state and entry to the dam site is with special permission only.

Vazhachal Forest Gardens: With the abundant flora and even herbal plantation maintained by the forest department, Vazhachal is a Botanist’s treasure trove.

Location : Located in Thrissur district 63 km from Thrissur, 1000 ft above sea level, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats.  Both Athirapally and Vazhachal are 90 kilometers from Cochin. The nearest airport is Cochin and tourists can get to Athirapally by road from here. Bus services are available from Chalakudy on the Cochin-Trichur highway. The Chalakudy Railway Station is around 30 kilometers from Athirapally and tourists can hire a cab or taxi from the station to Athirapally.

Things to buy: Athirapally is popular for herbs, wild honey, herbal soaps, bamboo wall hangings and hats.

You can visit the waterfalls only between 8 am and 6 pm everyday.

The best time to visit Athirapally is just after the monsoon season, when the waterfalls would still be in full force. September to February is the ideal period to visit.

 
Guruvayurappan: The statue (made of herbal) of himself with full of holy power was given by lord Narayanan to lord Brahman, with this Brhman was doing is creation of human. After his third avatharam Krishnan positioned his statue at Thuvarahai temple. During prelayam Thuvarahai was flooded with water and the statue was floating in ocean, on seeing this Guru Bhavan with the help of his junior recovered the Krishnan statue. Vayu Bhavan was having in his head and searching for a place to position the statue. Prasuramar was also in the search to locate this Krishnan statue, in order to cure his ailments, on seeing the statue with Guru & Vayu he joined them to position it. In the shore of Rudrhra Thertham siva & sakthi were physically present and on seeing the Krishnan they informed this is the opt place to install and stated they (sivasakthi) will move to the opposite shore of the Thertham called Mammiyur. Since the Krishnan sculpture was installed by Guru & Vayu, it is called as Guruvayurappan. Devotee who visits Guruvayur should visit Mammiyur Sivan Temple only then one can benefit the holiness. First dharshan is @0300hrs early morning called as Nirmalya dharshan. Thaila abisheam & Sanga abisheam.

Gents should come with out shirt & both should not come in modern or indecent dress. Guruvayurapan cures all ailments. This is 86 kms away from Palagat & 30kms from Thiruchur                

Sakalathu ammae: Prasana prediction of this temple by 7 betel leaf & 1 nut is famous

On every first Friday of Tamil month abisheham made of herbal water, this thertham is given to visitors for curing all ailments. 10kms on thali road from Thiruvalla Railway station. Connected by road to Kottayam, Sanganacheary, Allapula, Senganur.     

Thirumantham kunnu Bagavathy amman koil, Angadipuram, Mallapuram Dist is 1600yrs old. Lingam is divided in to two and in this division siva & sakthi are belived to be in jothi form.   

   

Valsiam elai(leaf)appam is a famous dish prepared using nenthram banana or jackfruit