{"id":12312,"date":"2024-07-31T11:34:25","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T11:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=12312"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:59:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T11:59:51","slug":"vazhachal-waterfalls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/vazhachal-waterfalls\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerala Tourism: The Enchanting Vazhachal Waterfalls"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the Western Ghats\u2019 verdant forests lie the Vazhachal Waterfalls, surrounded by other protected wildlife sanctuaries. The striking landscape is home to abundant indigenous flora and fauna that offer a peek into the region\u2019s rich biodiversity. The waterfalls are famous for their stunning beauty and the rare wildlife in the surrounding forests. This area in the Western Ghats is the only place researchers have found four endangered hornbill species: Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Malabar Grey Hornbill. It is a paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists.<\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Details about Vazhachal Waterfalls<\/h2>\n

Elevation:<\/strong> 700 m above sea level
\nWhere To Stay:<\/strong> Vazhachal Forest Rest House, Athirappilly Resort, Rainforest Resort, Silver Storm Resort
\nWhere To Eat:<\/strong> Riverside Restaurant, Rainforest Caf\u00e9, Athirappilly Restaurant, Vazhachal Food Court
\nVazhachal Waterfalls Timings:<\/strong> 8 AM – 5 PM
\nBest Time To Visit Vazhachal Waterfalls:<\/strong> September to February<\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/div>\n

Photo: Jeganam \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Vazhachal waterfalls are in the Thrissur district of Kerala, 60 kilometres from Thrissur. This area has rough hill ranges with 20-30 degrees Celsius temperatures. It is part of the Chalakudy River, famous for its picturesque cascades amidst thick forests and rich wildlife. Given their proximity, Athirapally and Vazhachal can be visited on the same day. They are connected by the Chalakudy River, originating from the Anamalai Hills. The cascading waterfalls lie at the end of a road flanked by lush vegetation on both sides. Access to the falls is permitted only during the non-monsoon season when the water flow is more predictable.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Kerala In August For A Refreshing Getaway<\/a><\/p>\n

How To Reach Vazhachal Waterfalls<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/div>\n

Photo: Sandhya Govind \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Tourists can reach Vazhachal Waterfalls by air, train, and road.<\/p>\n

By Air:<\/strong> Cochin International Airport (55 km)is the nearest airport. From there, you can take a taxi or bus from the airport.<\/p>\n

By Train:<\/strong> The nearest station is Chalakudy (30 km). From there, you can take a taxi or bus.<\/p>\n

By Road:<\/strong> From Thrissur (60 km), drive via Chalakudy to Vazhachal.<\/p>\n

Things To Do<\/h2>\n

From the forested hills to the flowing river, Vazhachal waterfalls offer endless sightseeing and nature appreciation opportunities. It’s an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, surrounded by lush vegetation.<\/p>\n

1. Nature Walks and Trekking<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Ranjithsiji \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Vazhachal forest area offers guided nature walks and treks. They are an opportunity to study diverse kinds of birds, butterflies, and plants.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Everything You Want To Know About The Meesapulimala Trekking Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Bird Watching<\/h3>\n
\"Experience<\/div>\n

Photo: Dibyendu Ash \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

It is a bird watchers paradise in Vazhachal. Various species are attracted to the dense forests and riverine habitats, which makes them perfect for bird watching and photography.<\/p>\n

3. River Rafting<\/h3>\n
\"Group<\/div>\n

Photo: Dandelikf \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Rafting through the Chalakudy River provides adventure seekers with a most exciting experience. Passing through rapids with the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats will be an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Adventure Park Kollam<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit Around Vazhachal Waterfalls<\/h2>\n

1. Athirappilly Waterfalls<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Jan Joseph George \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Athirappilly Waterfalls is a spectacular cascade on the Chalakudy River. Known for its scenic beauty, it is a popular tourist attraction and a favourite spot for filmmakers. With a height of 81.5 feet, it is Kerala’s largest waterfall. Vazhachal Falls, near lush green forests home to numerous endangered and endemic species of flora and wildlife, is only a short drive from Athirapilly. There are areas designated for picnicking where you can unwind and enjoy a meal while soaking in the sounds.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Nature trails, photography<\/p>\n

2. Sholayar Dam<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Challiyan \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

It is one of Kerala’s dams 28 kilometres from the Vazhachal waterfalls<\/a>. Views of the surrounding hills and reservoirs are available for visitors to enjoy. A key component of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project is the Solaiyar Dam, which has a maximum water storage capacity of 160 feet (49 meters). The saddle dam assists in directing extra water into the neighbouring Parambikulam Reservoir when the reservoir overflows.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Sightseeing, boating, photography<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Kerala In September For An Offbeat Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Chalakudy River<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Jan Joseph George \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Known for nurturing Vazhachal and Athirappilly waterfalls, the Chalakudy River boasts grandeur and rich biodiversity. Its meandering course, through forests and plains, creates captivating vistas. The river flows into Tamil Nadu after passing through well-known districts, including Palakkad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam. With 98 species of freshwater fish, 35 of which are native to the Western Ghats and 31 severely endangered, the Chalakudy River is mostly recognised for its marine richness.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Hiking, birdwatching <\/p>\n

4. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo: Manoj K \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

It is a little area of roughly 85.067 square kilometres in the Mukundapuram taluk of the Thrissur District, Kerala, tucked away in the Western Ghats. Since its establishment in 1984, the sanctuary has offered a safe refuge to numerous wildlife species, particularly those that are endangered. It forms a continuous protected area with the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary along its shared border. The river that flows through the sanctuary, the Chimmony, inspired the area’s name. <\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Trekking, boating,<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a><\/p>\n

Other Factors To Consider<\/h2>\n
\"<\/div>\n

Photo: Jan Joseph George \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Average Cost Of The Trip<\/strong>
\nOpting for a visit to Vazhachal Waterfalls is economical. The admission fee is \u20b950 for adults and \u20b930 for children. Extra expenses might involve guided nature hikes, trekking, and transportation.<\/p>\n

Tips for Travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n