India · Kerala
Athirappilly Falls
Kerala's largest waterfall spreads wide across a horseshoe of black rock at the edge of the Sholayar forest range, a frequent backdrop in South Indian cinema for decades. Rare hornbills and other endangered wildlife inhabit the surrounding rainforest, which conservationists have long fought to protect from a proposed hydroelectric project.
Kerala's largest waterfall spreads wide across a horseshoe of black rock at the edge of the Sholayar forest range, a frequent backdrop in South Indian cinema for decades. Rare hornbills and other endangered wildlife inhabit the surrounding rainforest, which conservationists have long fought to protect from a proposed hydroelectric project.
Athirappilly Falls drops 24 metres (79 ft) across a face roughly 330 metres wide on the Chalakudy. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Chalakudy, with COK the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Monsoon months (Jun-Oct) give maximum width and volume across the broad rock face.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Monsoon months (Jun-Oct) give maximum width and volume across the broad rock face.
Entry: Entry fee ~₹30-50
Getting there
- Base townChalakudy
- AirportCOK
- CountryIndia
- RegionKerala, Asia
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
10.285, 76.5697
Quick answers
How tall is Athirappilly Falls?
Athirappilly Falls drops 24 metres (79 feet), across a face about 330 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Chalakudy.
When is the best time to visit Athirappilly Falls?
Peak flow is June to October. Monsoon months (Jun-Oct) give maximum width and volume across the broad rock face.
What can you do at Athirappilly Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Athirappilly Falls?
The usual base is Chalakudy, and the closest airport is COK. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Entry fee ~₹30-50.
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