Athirappilly

Taking birth in the upper reaches of the Western Ghat mountains, the Chalakudy River flows for about a hundred miles before it reaches the dense Vazhachal forest. Considered by many environmental experts to be a unique riparian ecosystem with a fascinating bio-diversity teak and bamboo forests that is home to Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Bison, Sambar, Lion-tailed Macaques and numerous species of freshwater fish. Four species of hornbills endemic to South India — the Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, and tie Indian grey hornbill coexist beside a Kadars, the Malayars, the Muthuvars and Mannaans ancient, forest dwelling tribes.

Many scenic waterfalls drop down along the river's course, the falls at Athirapally being the largest in Kerala, surging around large boulders and rocks, dropping over eighty feet in three plumes, spectacular during the monsoon.

Perhaps the most popular amongst the waterfalls in Kerala, the Athirapilly falls surge around large boulders and rocks, dropping over eighty feet in three spectacular plumes. The falls are surrounded by dense green forests containing to numerous endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna and is sometimes referred to as "The Niagara of India".