Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala , on the southwest coast of India . Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-meter (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. It is nicknamed “The Niagara of India”.

River:
The 145 kilometer (90 m) long Chalakudy River, originates in the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats and flows through the Vazhachal Forest towards the Arabian Sea. The river runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, The water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometer (0.62 mt) until it Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumburmuzhi.

Wildlife:
Forest wildlife in the area includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. The unique 180 meter (590 ft) elevation riparian forest in the Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is the only location where all four South Indian species of hornbills – the Great Hornbill (the State Bird of Kerala), Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Gray Hornbill, and The Indian Gray Hornbill are found living together.

Tourism:
The railway station near Athirappilly Falls is 30 km (19 mt) to the west in Chalakudi Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 55 kilometers (34 mt) south of the waterfall and 58 kilometers (36 mt) south of City of Thrissur. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, amidst thick forest, so night riding is not advised. The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls. The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months (June-September). About 7 million tourists visit the falls and the Vazhachal picnic spot each year.