While thousands visit the beautiful Athirappilly Falls every year, many people do not know about the hidden gems that lie around this place. As local group travel experts who have been offering Kerala tour packages for years, we have uncovered some spectacular spots that remain delightfully off the beaten path.
1. Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden
Located about 12 kilometers from Athirapally, this lesser-known spot combines engineering marvel with natural beauty. The dam creates a serene reservoir surrounded by hills, while the adjacent butterfly garden hosts over 50 species of these colorful creatures. The garden features a unique glass house and offers educational walks that most tourists never discover.
The viewing deck here provides panoramic vistas of the Chalakudy River winding through the valley – the dream of photographers that rivals any postcard-perfect scene.
2. Vazhachal Falls
Just 5 kilometers downstream from Athirapally lies Vazhachal Falls, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor. This cascading beauty offers a more intimate experience with nature, surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain. The approach to Vazhachal involves a gentle trek through pristine wilderness, where you are likely to spot exotic birds and butterflies that call the Western Ghats home.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning hours (7-9 AM) for the most serene experience
Getting There: A short drive from Athirapally followed by a 15-minute walk through forest paths.
3. Charpa Falls
This waterfall is situated between the more well-known Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls on the Chalakudy River. Travelers going to the Vazhachal and Athirappilly Falls usually stop here.
Charpa Waterfalls becomes really beautiful during the monsoon when the water cascades down through the rocks. It is near the road, and when in full flow, you can feel the water spraying directly onto your face.
Although the dry season temporarily stops the flow, the lush surroundings of the falls are still a sight to see.
4. Malakkappara Tea Gardens
While most visitors focus on waterfalls, the rolling tea plantations of Malakkappara offer a completely different perspective of the beauty of the region. These emerald carpets stretch across hillsides, creating a stark contrast to the dense forests around Athirapally. Early morning visits reveal mist-covered valleys and provide opportunities to interact with tea pickers who start their day before dawn.
The plantation roads offer excellent cycling opportunities and several viewpoints where you can pause for breathtaking photographs of the Western Ghats.
5. Sholayar Dam Reservoir
Often missed by day-trippers, Sholayar Dam creates the largest reservoir in Kerala, offering boat rides through pristine backwaters surrounded by dense forests. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and various kingfisher varieties frequently spotted along the edge of the water.
The sunset boat rides here create magical reflections on the water, with the Western Ghats silhouetted against the evening sky.
Planning Your Adventure
The best season is from October to March for pleasant weather and June to September for lush greenery and active waterfalls.
Please bring comfortable trekking shoes, insect repellent, a camera with extra batteries, a light rain jacket (essential during monsoon), and a first aid kit.
As you explore these lesser-known places, remember that their pristine condition depends on responsible visitors. Always carry back all waste, do not disturb wildlife or plant life, respect local communities and their properties, follow forest department guidelines in protected areas, and support local businesses.
Ready to experience these lesser-known tourist attractions around Athirappilly? Contact My Travel Club, your group tours and travel experts in Kerala, to customize your adventure and discover the secrets that make this region truly unforgettable.