Tourism :
The furious beauty of Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls

                  Athirappilly - Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. A visual treat of nature...
The falls are a part of the Chalakudy river stream which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The area is surrounded by protected forests and provides a breath taking view.
                The river which initially flows smoothly through the forest ranges changes its form and surprisingly narrows itself to a mere 10 m width when it reaches the Ittyani mountain range and continues the same way for about half a kilometre till it reaches the end of the Ittyani rock. Then the river turns furious, widens to about 400 mts and charges forward and till it reaches Athirapilly. Here, after its long winding course, the water is separated by big rocks, which is usually covered up during very heavy rainy season, and cascades down through three paths.
The leap of the sand-stone cliff gives the viewers a mind blowing and fantastic experience. The water falling from above charges again furiously. Then it calms down and flows smoothly and is blocked by a dam at Imburmuzhi.
Athirappilly
                  
                 Athirappilly 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. 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.
                 Vazhachal, the other marvelous wonder in thick forests is also a part of the Chalakudy river stream. With the abundant flora and even herbal plantation maintained by the forest department, Vazhachal is a Botanist’s treasure trove. This romantic surrounding is a haven for film shooting and the young and old reluctantly leave this location only to come back again and again. Vazhachal falls though not as voluminous as Athirappilly falls will take you to pristine beauty with nature’s own landscaping.
                 The fury and beauty of the waterfalls are best watched during monsoon . The view around and below from the flat rocky surface above the waterfall is breathtaking. The whispering breeze, the lovely sylvan rain forests and the river rich in mineral make an exhilarating experience for any visitor. The best period to view and enjoy the falls is during the monsoon (June - September).

Athirappilly
                 Though beautiful the river is also very dangerous especially during monsoon due to the slippery condition of the rocks, and the rocky bed has deep trenches hidden in between. The beauty of the water fall have lured people into it and many people have lost their lives in this waterfall. But there are certain spots that are comparatively safer and people could enjoy themselves in the water.
Place : Mukundapuram Taluk, Thrissur district, Kerala
Best time to visit : July-September
Significance : One of the most scenic places in Kerala.
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