Read this travelogue written by Jayanthi Chandrasekaran and enjoy her travelling experiences at Athirapalli Falls, Thumburmuzhi Dam, Vazhachal Falls, and Charpa Falls.
Athirapalli Falls
There is something undeniably magical about Athirapalli Falls. It isn’t just the sight of water plunging from great heights, but the way it seems to carry the very spirit of the forest in its roar. The mist that rises feels like nature’s own incense, wrapping you in cool freshness. Locally known as the ‘Niagara of India’, this waterfall is situated on the Chalakudy River, dropping approximately 25 meters in height within the Vazhachal Forest Division. The falls are around 35 km away from Cochin, and it took us around 1 hour and 30 minutes by Taxi to travel from Cochin airport to our resort situated less than a kilometre from the famed falls. The route is picturesque most of the way as it goes through a forest area, never mind the bumpy ride for a short stretch.
Our first sight of the waterfalls from the property’s viewpoint was breathtaking. The distant waterfalls and the gurgling waters of the Chalakudy River, flowing at the edge of the property enveloped by misty mountains on the far side of the river, were sheer poetry.
During our visit to Athirapalli Falls, the next day, the roar reached our ears long before our eyes could behold it. After getting the tickets, a short walk brings us to the river, which plunges down on the right side like a heavy snow-white curtain dancing in the breeze. The misty fragrance of wet earth and rushing water dwarfs everyone with its raw power. The Chalakudy River, which had been flowing gently alongside the road for much of our journey, suddenly transformed itself into this thundering spectacle. The sound may be deafening, yet strangely calming, as if nature itself were orchestrating a grand symphony.
To reach the foot of the falls for viewing the full glory of the falls, one has to take a downward spiralling pathway. The trek is about 2 km through rocky terrain amidst the forest. Our ears perked up to the sound of roaring waters, which gave us the impetus to cover the last mile. Watching the several large sheets of water hitting the rocks and the mist arising from the river was pure bliss, so much so that you become unaware of the milling crowd posing for cameras.
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Thumburmuzhi Dam
Nestled on the Chalakudy River, Thumburmuzhi Dam is a serene and scenic spot that beautifully balances human engineering with natural charm. Unlike the thundering spectacle of Athirapalli Falls, Thumburmuzhi offers a gentler, more tranquil experience. The reservoir spreads out like a silver mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery, while the steady flow of water from the spillway adds a soothing rhythm to the air.
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What truly enchanted me, though, was the hanging bridge that stretches gracefully across the waters. Walking over it was an experience in itself—the gentle swaying beneath the feet, the breeze brushing past, and the sight of the river glittering in the sunlight on either side. Standing in the middle of the bridge, we paused to take it all in – the calm expanse of the reservoir upstream, the playful ripples downstream, and the endless forest that seemed to whisper secrets to the river. It was the perfect spot for photographs, but more than that, it was a moment to breathe and feel suspended between sky and water.
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Vazhachal Falls
If Athirapalli was a display of raw, vertical power, Vazhachal was its graceful counterpart. Spread wide across the rocks, the waters here did not plunge down dramatically but rather fanned out, flowing in smooth sheets over the sloping terrain. The setting was quieter, less crowded, and we felt as though we had stepped into a secluded sanctuary. Surrounded by dense forests, Vazhachal exuded a gentle charm, inviting us to sit by its banks and simply watch time pass by. There is a path alongside the upstream going parallel to the river, and it was a delight to walk through it and exit to the road.
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Charpa Falls
Our last stop was Charpa Falls, a smaller cascade tucked right by the roadside. Though smaller compared to Athirapalli, Charpa had its own distinct personality. Its waters gushed down between two rocky cliffs, creating a narrow but forceful cascade. During the monsoon, we were told, the spray often reaches the road itself, drenching passing travellers. Even in its relatively calmer state, Charpa was captivating, a reminder that beauty often comes in varied scales.
By the end of the day, we felt we had witnessed different moods of the same river—the majestic fury at Athirapalli, the quiet strength near the dam, the graceful spread at Vazhachal, and the concentrated energy at Charpa. Each site had offered something unique, and together they wove a tapestry of experiences that we would carry with us for a long time.
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