'Niagra falls of India'.

"Athirapilly : Calling Nature lovers !"

Athirappilly Experience: Travel approx 70 + kms from Cochin and then you reach Athirappilly, known for its beautiful waterfalls.It is a perfect one day trip to escape into the lush greenery from the busy city life. Beyond Athirappilly and the nearby waterfalls Vazhachal,lies the Sholyar ranges. This place maintains a rich flora and fauna and is the nest to many rare species of birds.The waterfalls are a part of the beautiful Chalakudy river.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Main attraction here is obviously the waterfalls and the road that leads you to them. Ezhattumugham prakrithi gramam would also be a good pitstop on the way to the falls. It is a park on the side of a check-dam at Ezhattumugham. If well kept this park can attract more tourists. Silverstorm amusement park Athirappilly would also be a good place to check out. On the way to Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls there are many number of pitstops, rather view points for tourists to get down and take a walk. The lush greenery and water on either sides at few places adds to the scenic beauty. The beauty of this place has been brought into celluloid with much perfection by famous director Mani Ratnam in his film Raavan. I had stayed at rainforest resort, Athirampilly and since it is a luxury resort, their rates are on the higher side. But the amenities they offer are worth the rates. They have a well maintained pool, super spacious rooms, the walking area inside the resort is huge and its kept natural.The best part is if you could get to stay in the tree house (just 1 there ) and the direct view of the waterfalls that you get to see right from your window.They also have a private path that takes you to the waterfalls. If you are ready to spend a good sum on your stay then Rainforests (Abad property ) is the right choice for you.

Activities & things to do: As far as i know, there are no water games,boating or adventure sports being offered here. Travelers can walk up till the waterfalls over the rocks (at certain places they are slippery )There are guides/forest officers to ensure the safety of visitors and to make sure they do now get into areas marked as dangerous for swimming.If you go to silverstorm, that can easily take up a half day of yours.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Easily accessible from Angamaly or Chalakudy side. If your are taking the route from Angamaly, you pass Ezhattumugham too. But being a hard core traveler, the route i loved and would suggest would be coming from Pollachi side and then crossing Valparai and then cutting the dense Malakkiparai forests and then reaching Vazhachal Athirapalli. If you are lucky enough you can get to see wild elephants, bison or may be even a tiger :) Have seen news articles of tiger been spotted in Malakkaparai area.