Top Places to Visit Near Athirapally Waterfalls: Scenic Escapes in Kerala

Updated Date: 7 October 2025

Athirapally Waterfalls, commonly called the Niagara of India, is undoubtedly the most popular cascade in Kerala. The roar of the falls is certainly unforgettable; the surrounding area is also an exciting place to be, a hub of rich natural and cultural heritage. Located in Thrissur district, this place is a haven of dense rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and hidden scenic gems waiting to be discovered.

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Why Explore Beyond Athirapally Falls?

Scenic view of Athirapally Waterfalls and nearby destinations in Kerala.

The surrounding area of the waterfalls is the grand Sholayar Reserve Forest, which provides nature lovers with far more than any other waterfall. You can enjoy river bathing points, forest hiking, eco-tourism projects, and even ancient temples, which makes it ideal for a one- or two-day nature getaway. The following nearby locations around Athirapally Falls contribute to Kerala’s charm and enhance the overall experience.

Top Places To Visit Near Athirapally Waterfalls

All the sights along the falls are easily clustered along the State Highway 21 (SH 21), the highway that links Chalakudy and Valparai. They offer different perspectives on the Chalakudy River, the lifeblood of the entire ecosystem in this area. If you are also planning a valley trip, we have created a list of the top places to see in Athirapally waterfalls within a short distance.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

Vazhachal, 5 km above the Athirapally main falls, is a dramatic contrast to any other waterfalls. Whereas Athirapally plunges fully, Vazhachal is a smaller, picturesque waterfall that pours over inclined, flat rocky slopes in a chain of small rapids. It is surrounded by a dense and well-maintained forest garden, offering picturesque settings for nature photography and relaxing walks.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 5 km (The entry ticket for Athirapally covers Vazhachal, emphasising their twin status.)
Timings & Fee: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Included in the ₹50 entry fee for Athirapally (Indian Adult).
Activity: Relaxing, birdwatching (especially for the endemic Great Hornbill), and enjoying the well-manicured riverside promenade.
Best Time: Post-monsoon (September to January) when the flow is strong yet safe.

Charpa Waterfalls

Charpa is not for relaxation but for quick photo stops. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes, with seasonal byways that offer an eye-catching view of a cascade on the way between Athirapally and Vazhachal. It is a spectacular section of the Chalakudy River, which splits into a minor waterfall and proceeds on. However, the spray of the water is immensely refreshing.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 2 km
Timings & Fee: Open all day; no entry fee is required as it is visible from the road.
Activity: Quick photo stop. Be extremely careful; the road is wet and slippery, and the current is dangerous during heavy rains.
Best Time: Monsoon (June to August) to witness the spectacular gushing flow. During the dry season, it almost disappears, leaving only a rocky patch.

Thumboormuzhi Dam & Butterfly Garden

Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden, a peaceful spot near Athirapally Waterfalls.

Just 14 km from the main falls, the Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden is an ecological gem and a perfect place for families and couples. The river and children’s park create a calm and picturesque setting.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 14 km (One of the most accessible places near Athirapally waterfalls).

Timings & Fee: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry fee is ₹15 (Adult).
Activity: Suspension bridge to the Ezhattumukham Nature Village, butterfly spotting, and relaxing in the children’s park.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see the butterflies when they are most active, often resting on bright lantana flowers.

Sholayar Dam

The approach to the dam of Sholayar is a journey in itself, with the misty twists of the forested routes of the Sholayar ranges. The giant reservoir, surrounded by untouched hills and thick vegetation, offers a serene panoramic view that seems miles away from the bustling crowds.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 55 km
Timings & Fee: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Free entry).
Activity: Scenic photography, enjoying the cool forest atmosphere, and nature walks near the viewing points. Wildlife sightings are common along the route.

Note: The dam’s sections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Upper and Lower Sholayar) have different access points; visitors typically stop at the Lower Sholayar Dam area in Kerala.

Malakkappara

An offbeat hill station bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and the entrance to the Valparai plateau is Malakkappara. Spacious green tea plantations and patches of thick forest characterise this place, which is why it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bikers seeking solitude.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 65 km
Permit: No specific entry permit required for the village, but forest check posts must be cleared.
Activity: Biking, plantation walks, and birdwatching for rare species like the Malabar Pied Hornbill.

Anakkayam Lake

Anakkayam (which can be translated as Elephant Pit or Elephant Trough) is a well-maintained lake that is rather a secret within the thick forest on the banks of the Chalakudy River. It is a place for nature lovers who enjoy solitude, the high concentration of the jungle sounds, and an opportunity to see the local wildlife visiting the water.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 20 km
How to Reach: Requires driving on narrow, often rough forest roads, best done in a jeep or with local assistance.
Activity: Peaceful sitting by the water, quiet nature viewing, and listening to the ambient sounds of the rainforest.

Tip: Given its remote location, always inform your accommodation or local contacts of your plans before heading out.

Peringalkuthu Dam

A bit farther from Athirapally, at a distance of approximately 13 km, Peringalkuthu Dam is a smaller but peaceful attraction located near Athirapally Falls. It’s a unique spot where engineering meets natural beauty.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 13 km.
Permit: Special permission from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) or the Forest Department is required for close access. Most tourists only view it from designated external points.
Activity: Enjoying the restricted yet beautiful forest drive to the viewpoints and observing the vast reservoir’s backwaters.
Ideal for: Travellers interested in engineering marvels combined with a deep forest setting.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam is also worth the trip for serious nature and wildlife lovers. This conservation zone, which is also a Tiger Reserve, lies approximately 120 km from Athirapally Falls and is home to large populations of elephants, leopards, and some of the world’s oldest teak trees. It is a must-visit place for any biodiversity lover.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 120 km (Requires a dedicated day trip starting very early).
Activities: Jeep safaris (offered in morning and afternoon batches), trekking, bamboo rafting, and staying at eco-lodges run by the local tribal communities.
Eco-Fact: The world’s largest and oldest naturally growing teak tree, ‘Kannimara Teak,’ is located here.
Temperature: Day temperatures average 25°C to 30°C.

Cultural & Spiritual Spots Near Athirapally

Embrace the cultural and spiritual temples near Athirapally.

The region is equally renowned for the natural beauty of its rainforests and waterfalls, as well as for the cultural and spiritual depth found in its philosophy and conservation centres. Athirapally waterfalls are far away, but these tourist destinations are a welcome relief amid the unceasing shower of water and also introduce one to the rich heritage of Kerala.

Sree Sankaracharya Temple, Kalady

Kalady is a small village of universal importance, the birthplace of the great Indian judge and theologian of the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya. It is an important location for Hindu philosophers, featuring temples dedicated to Sharadamba and Sri Krishna.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: 45 km (A comfortable drive on good roads).
Significance: A major pilgrimage site blending history, philosophy, and traditional Kerala-style architecture.
Must-See: The Sree Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam, a tall, 8-story memorial tower detailing the life of the philosopher.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Baby elephants in Kodanad elephant training center

The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is primarily used as a rehabilitation and rescue centre for orphaned or injured elephants. It is an awe-inspiring experience, particularly for children and first-time visitors to Kerala, to see the elephants in their natural river environment, where they are bathed and fed by their mahouts.

Distance from Athirapally Waterfalls: ∼41 km.
Timings: Usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Activity: Witnessing the bathing ritual in the Periyar River, viewing deer, and walking the established ecotourism trails within the protected area.

Tip for Families: A gentle and educational wildlife experience that is safe and enjoyable for younger children.

Best Scenic Drives And Stops Near Athirapally

Forest road trip views of waterfalls and tourist places near Athirapally Falls

The Chalakudy-Valparai road (SH 21) is routed as one of the most scenic forest drives in South India, and passing through it constitutes one of the best means to see all the tourist destinations listed around Athirapally Falls.

Route: Athirapally – Vazhachal – Sholayar – Malakkappara – Valparai.
Verdict: This 90 km stretch is perfect for a day-long scenic journey, famous for its transition from tropical lowland forest to high-altitude tea plantations.
Key Stops: Look out for picturesque bamboo bridges crossing the river, small check dams, and the ubiquitous sight of coconut plantations giving way to organised tea gardens.
Wildlife Spotting: The forest stretch is known for frequent sightings of Nilgiri Langurs, the endemic four species of Hornbills, and occasionally, wild elephants crossing the road (drive slowly!).
Best Time: The road is most enchanting right after the monsoon, when every leaf is glistening, and the air is clean and crisp.

Trip Duration & Suggested Itineraries

A river landscape featuring peaceful eco-tourist spots.

The nature of the locations around the Athirapally waterfalls helps to organise the trip inclusively, both in the form of a quick excursion and a multi-trip adventure. Your itinerary selection is fully attributed to how much you love the jungle.

Half-Day Plan

This is an ideal short itinerary for those in a hurry or making a quick trip to Athirapally by road from Kochi or Thrissur.

Charpa Waterfalls: A rapid photo stop from the road.
Vazhachal Waterfalls: A brief walk along the quieter rapids and forest park.
Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden: Enjoy the suspension bridge and the serene river atmosphere.

Note: Focus on these spots, as they are all located close to one another and offer diverse natural beauty within a short travel time.

Full-Day Plan

To delve deeper, particularly for couples, families, or nature lovers, a full day will give the chance to take a full scenic circuit.

Includes: Everything from the Half-Day Plan.
Plus: Drive further along the Sholayar route to the Sholayar Dam view points.
Lunch: Picnic stop or a riverside lunch at one of the small, authentic Kerala thattukadas (roadside eateries) on the Chalakudy Road.
Benefit: This plan allows for a complete appreciation of the transition from waterfalls to dense forest to vast reservoirs.

2-Day Itinerary

Colourful butterflies at Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden near Athirapally Falls

This is the best option for slow travel, offbeat explorers, or dedicated photographers who want to maximise wildlife viewing and relaxation.

Day 1: Visit Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls. Spend the afternoon at Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden. Overnight stay near the falls or at a nearby jungle resort.
Day 2: Head further east to explore the remote beauty of Malakkappara and the views of Peringalkuthu Dam. Alternatively, start early for a full-day wildlife safari experience at Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Inclusions: Local transportation, accommodation (resort or eco-stay), and guided tour costs for Parambikulam (if selected).
Average Package Price: A typical 2-day Athirapally-Valparai circuit package costs ₹8,000 per person (including basic accommodations and transportation).

Local Food And Eateries Around Athirapally Waterfall

The food surrounding the falls is also exquisitely natural, focusing on traditional Kerala dishes, particularly seafood. Seeking local food is an undeniable aspect when visiting the tourist sites in the Athirapally waterfalls.

Snack Stops: Discover traditional tea stalls (chayakadas) serving piping hot Kerala snacks, such as pazham pori (sweet fried banana fritters), and savour deep-filtered chai or coffee.
Main Meals: Also, be sure to leave without having a typical Kerala sadya, or a full course of local dishes, including river fish curry and tapioca (kappa), at one of the small restaurants in Thumboormuzhi or Chalakudy Road.
Remote Areas: When heading to Sholayar or Malakkappara, particularly on a longer drive, it is advisable to carry a few light snacks and water, as reputable eating places are scarce beyond the check-posts.

Where To Stay Near Athirapally Waterfalls?

Luxury resort stay near Athirapally Falls with rainforest views.

The accommodation facilities listed below suit every traveller, including luxury-loving honeymooners and budget-conscious backpackers preparing to visit the numerous Athirapally falls near the tourist destinations.

Resorts Near Athirapally: Options like the famous Rainforest Resort offer luxury stays right opposite the falls, with forest views, river-facing balconies, and quick access to all major spots.
Eco-lodges Near Vazhachal: Tucked deeper into the forest, they offer a more immersive experience with minimal disturbance and are ideal for offbeat or wellness-focused trips.
Budget Hotels in Chalakudy: Chalakudy, the nearest major hub, offers convenient budget hotels. This is ideal for keeping your stay central, affordable, and close to dining options and public transportation for your day trips.

Tip: Book well in advance during monsoon weekends and long holidays, rooms near the main falls fill up fast.

Travel Tips

These helpful hints will ensure that your trip to the numerous scenic and cultural attractions surrounding the cascade is a fast and enjoyable one.

Water and Snacks: Always carry sufficient bottled water and light snacks; many areas, especially the road to Sholayar and Malakkappara, are remote with limited commercial outlets.
Connectivity: Mobile signal (especially data) can be weak or non-existent in the dense forested areas and around the Sholayar Dam.
Safety: Avoid swimming or getting too close to any of the waterfalls during the extreme monsoon season (July/August) due to sudden, dangerous flash floods and strong currents.
Cash: Carry enough cash (in rupees), as some small roadside vendors or forest checkposts do not accept digital payments or cards, and ATMs are scarce beyond Chalakudy.
Ecotourism: Respect nature and the forest rules—avoid littering, do not feed the monkeys, and adhere to the instructions given by the Forest Department officials.

Conclusion

The beginning of a wonderful scenic circuit would be Athirapally. Visit the serene Vazhachal Falls, the colourful Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden, and the peaceful Sholayar Dam. These are the places where you can have a flexible itinerary, ideal for couples and families, making your trip an all-inclusive nature retreat. To visit the best tourist places near Athirapally waterfalls, book your next tour with Travel Triangle at affordable prices and make your Kerala trip a worthwhile experience!

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Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.

FAQs About Places To Visit Near Athirapally Waterfalls

How many waterfalls are there near Athirapally?

There are three prominent waterfalls in very close proximity on the Chalakudy River: Athirapally Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls (approx. 5 km upstream), and Charpa Waterfalls (a seasonal, roadside cascade between the two).

Is Vazhachal better than Athirapally?

They offer completely different experiences. Athirapally is famous for its vertical drop, volume, and thunderous roar. Vazhachal is calmer, flowing over flat rocks in a series of gentle rapids, making it better for peaceful strolls and family picnics in a well-maintained forest garden.

Can we swim or bathe near Athirapally or Vazhachal?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited at the base of Athirapally Falls and in the main current of Vazhachal Falls due to the presence of dangerous currents and slippery rocks. However, there are designated, safer natural pools in the river upstream of Athirapally where bathing is sometimes permitted.

Is it safe to visit Sholayar Dam or Malakkappara by bike?

Yes, the Chalakudy–Malakkappara route is extremely popular among bikers and is considered safe during the day. However, it runs through deep forest, so drive cautiously, avoid driving after dark (due to wildlife), and ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as services are scarce.

Are there forest entry permits required for nearby places?

A single ticket purchased at Athirapally covers entry to Vazhachal Falls. For places deep in the jungle, such as Peringalkuthu Dam, specific permissions from the Forest or KSEB Departments are required. No permits are required for public roads to Thumboormuzhi or Malakkappara, but clearance at the check post is mandatory.

How far is Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Garden from Athirapally?

The Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden is conveniently located approximately 14 km from Athirapally Waterfalls, making it a quick and easy stop on the way to or from the main site.

What are the best family-friendly spots near Athirapally?

The Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden (with its children’s park and hanging bridge) and the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre (Abhayaranyam Ecotourism) are the top family-friendly spots.

Which place is better for honeymooners near Athirapally?

For sheer romance and serene natural beauty, the scenic drive and views around the Sholayar Dam, along with the quiet, offbeat charm of Malakkappara, are ideal. Staying at one of the luxury resorts with waterfall views also enhances the romantic experience.

Can I visit all these places in one day?

Visiting the three waterfalls (Athirapally, Vazhachal, Charpa), Thumboormuzhi, and Sholayar Dam in one long day is feasible. However, including far-off spots like Parambikulam or Malakkappara on the same day would be rushed and is best done over a dedicated two-day itinerary.

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Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.