Oct 25, 2006 05:58 PM
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I am sure you might have seen this waterfall in some of the films… I have been to this place several times during my school, college days and even on my vacations back home. This is a place one can feel nostalgic. Don't you remember Shahrukh & Priety Zinda's dances in Dil Se below this waterfall? Or the scene in Safari of Sanjay Dutt?? If you take 10 Tamil Films, 1 film is definitely shot at Athirappilly for few scenes at least…If you are lucky, you may meet with few of your favorite actors/directors here.
It is in the river called Chalakkudy puzha, When the river reach in Athirappilly, it get some calmness as the width of the river expanded and split into 2 major parts before unite and form a beautiful water fall.
The power of the flow of water depends the season you visit there. If you reach there in June to August, you can witness thunderous force of the waterfall and the powerful spraying of showers to many meters away. However, if you visit between September to February, you may have to satisfy with a moderate waterfall and March to May the waterfall is heavily depending on the dams above it in long distance at Sholayar, which open the shutters everyday.
The sight of the waterfall and its presence before its fall is really calm. The sight of the waterfall with the continuous banging of water in hands distance is mind blowing and fantastic. You can sit on the rocks putting your feet to the cold water. You can walk through the river for some meters by jumping between rocks… Or if you are a romancing couple, you can hide into the natural shelters formed by rocks in sides. Or if you dare to, you can go very very near to the water fall itself and can look down to see the big bang of her. I am sure her sound will drum in your ears for quite long time.
Now, take your breath…you can even go down to the waterfall…so close to it as if it can touch you… mind you, you cannot reach the very bottom, as it will torn you apart as she is so strong. But if you reach near to her, she will invite you…she will touch you with her sweet and nice feathers…the sprint of waters…so small… It touches your cheeks…You can take your showers there, if you want to…but you will be mesmerized there…you will stand as if you are staying in the real heaven. It is a moment you cannot forget even if you wish…provided you reach the bottom of the waterfall…It is very easy to reach there with little efforts.
The food items are comparatively much cheaper. New resorts are coming in walkable distances…Go to Athirappilly once and feel her, I am sure you will visit her again.
If you are taking out some nuts of fruits for eating, keep a share for monkeys, as they will run to you to get it and will not leave you until you give some. You can sit endless time watching these wild beauties and their families.
The drawback of this tourist place is it is not yet developed as a full tourist destination for a day or two. One has to combine few of the nearby destinations to make it as a trip. But, don't worry, there are beautiful places around.
Vazhachal
You have to drive further to reach this heavy water flow in the same river, Chalakkudy Puzha. This place is truly dangerous and one should always keep away from the river. As the flow of the water is so fast and not much space is left in between the river is very heavy. With this force all the rocks are sharpened and once your legs are slipped forget the rest, you are finished. So…beware. She is a truly dangerous lady. Don't go close to her. But from distance it is a good scene.
Sholayar & Upper Sholayar Dams,Thumboormuzhi Waterfall
If you want to drive further up, you can reach to dams, Sholayar and then to Upper Sholayar where the river is blocked to generate electricity. Nice beauty of the hills and the river is the promise. Further if you go, you will reach to Tamil Nadu Forests…
Mannuthy Dam & Thumboormuzhi Waterfall are small destinations, but on the lower side.
Silverstom and Dreamworld water theme parks
These two water theme parks are very close to the waterfall and it is advised that you can spend the morning near the waterfall and spend your afternoon in one of the parks. These parks are on your way to the waterfall and there will be tempting advertisement by the water park people which make you believe that this is Athirappilly.
Check their official site link…
https://silverstormwaterpark.com/photogallery.htm
https://dreamworldwaterpark.com/wateramusementrides.htm
There are many sub locations…but for that a day is not sufficient…
Hotels – You have to stay in the city Chalakudy. There are also villas available for foreign tourists, nearby. If you are looking for star hotels, it is advised to stay in Trichur or Ernakulam and make your trip in the early morning and return to your room safely before 10 pm.
Latest thrill…Asianet channel is doing a contest to climb the waterfall. Without holding our breath we cannot see that event.
A visit to Athirappilly is surely a good picnic. For children to exclaim and dream…lovers and couples to share there fine moments…for groups to have a funny day out, for others to appreciate and experience the beauty of the nature…its calmness, wildness, freshness and tenderness…Athirappilly is there for lot more fun!!!
