Athirappilly is a first-grade Grama Panchayath in Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala. It is located 60 km from Thrissur city, 70 km northeast of Kochi city, 55 km northeast of Cochin International Airport, and 30 km from Chalakudy town. The Athirappilly Falls is situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy river, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, Athirappilly is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered hornbill species are seen. Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. This valuable natural world is already degraded by mining and hydroelectric projects. Environmentalists claim that Athirapally is a one-of-its-kind riparian ecosystem in Kerala.
The 145 kilometres long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) until it reaches Kannam Kuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.
The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. From Angamaly the route is in the midst of an Oil Palm Reserve through Ezhattumugham tourism village A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls.
*(All the above information are from Wikipedia)
Transport:
Airport: Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 55 kilometres from the waterfalls.
Rail: Chalakudy Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station at a distance of 30 kilometres. Chalakudy Station is connected to many nearby major railway stations.
Road: Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy and Angamaly by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy and Angamaly bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala.