Athirappilly Vazhachal, Thrissur Kerala

Athirappilly Vazhachal Athirappilly and Vazhachal the most famous scenic locations in Kerala - the God's own contry - visualize many enchanting experiences from the nature attracts domestic as well as international tourists and picnic groups. It is about 43 km away from Mala.

Different types of waterfalls, mountains, valleys, thick forests, greeneries, various kinds of plantations, flora and fauna are some of the major attractions to the onlookers. Both falls are the part of Chalakudy river in Thrissur district, Kerala. Thease falls are highly attractive and enchanted millions of people from around the globe especially during the monsoon months (June-October). Recent survey reveals more than 7 million tourists visit both the falls each year. The scenic beauty of Athirappilly falls has always been attractive to filmmakers from Bollywood and South India.

Photo Gallery of Athirapilly and Vazhachal water falls.

Emergence

Chalakudy river is the fifth largest river in Kerala which has never been dried yet, emerges from high ridges of western ghat, harnessed by Sholayar dam flows through the Vazhachal forests becoming slanting falls finally emerges as a magnificent, spectacular natural falls at Athirapilly.

Western Ghats

Western Ghats from time immemorial have guarded the western coast of India. Thease mighty hill ranges influenced the culture, language, social life, economy and life styles of the people on the western coastal region. Rising from Tapti river in Gujarat, these run to Agasthyamala at the southern tip with a gap at Palakkad...

The continuity of these mountain ranges and forests were broken in the past by perhaps, the selection felling in the natural forests resulting in severe damage to undergrowth, clearance of dense natural forests for raising extensive commercial plantations of teak and pulp wood and the encroachments. Mining also took its toll. Animal corridors were broken, and man-animal conflict increased.

Very small pockets of compact natural forests are remaining now. Vazhachal forests are one of them having an extent of 413 Sq. Km. Abundance of Flora and founa in the area is the result of natural protection rendered by Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chalakudy Forests and Malayattor Forests.

Eco-physical Details of Vazhachal Forests:

Location:
- North Latitude - 10 deg 5.5' and 10 deg 23'.
- East Longitude - 76 deg 9' and 76 deg 52.5'.
Altitude: 200 - 1300 m above sea level.
Area: 413.93 Km2.
Annual rainfall: 3441 mm.
Temperature: varies from 20 deg to 30 deg.
Climate: pleasant throughout the year.