ATHIRAPILLY WATER FALLS

Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district, Kerala on the southwest coast ofIndia. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. There is another waterfall on the way from Athirappilly to Vazhachal Falls, in close proximity to the road and is locally called “Charpa Falls”. Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".[1] Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.

Chimmini Dam and Sanctuary

The dense tropical forests of Chimmini, shelter diverse flora and fauna. The dam across the Chimmini river offers a breathtaking view. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of the local people. Located in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur district, Chimmini is only a tow-hour drive from Kochi.

The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which was established in 1984, lies contiguous with the Peechi - Vazhani sanctuary. The sanctuary is endowed with scenic beauty beyond compare. Living here in joyful abandon are elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels, sloth bears etc.
The forest department organises trekking and bamboo rafting programmes in and around the sanctuary. But the best of all experiences is the Moonlight Sonata, which involves rafting on full moon lights.

Contact details:
Wildlife Forest Office
Peechi, Thrissur
Ph: +91 487 2699017 

Getting there

By road: Nearest bus station is Thirssur, about 30 km. One can also catch buses from Amballur, about 26 km
By rail: Nearest railway station is Thrissur, about 30 km
By air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur town

Location

Lattitude:10.438858, Longitude: 76.478519

Thrissur @ a Glance

Thrissur

 Zone: Central Kerala
 Telephone Access Code: +91 487
 Altitude: Sea level Area: 3032 sq. km
 Population: 2,974,232 (2011 census)

The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is synonymous with the world famous and spectacular Pooram Festival. The abode of several prominent culture centres including the Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Thrissur has an extraordinarily rich past as well as a vibrant present. From ancient times, this district with its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran is the architect of the present Thrissur town.

 Tourist information offices:
 DTPC, Palace Road, Chembukkavu Ph:91-487-2320800 Guruvayoor Ph: 2550400
 Website: www.dtpcthrissur.com  

Getting there By road: The district is well connected to all major towns in Kerala. Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station, near the railway station operates long distance and inter-state services Ph: 2421150 Sakthan Thampuran Bus Stand is 1 km away from town The North Bus Stand is in the heart of the town.
By rail: Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.   
By air: Nearest international airport: Cochin International Airport (58 km)

The Vadakkumnnathan Temple.

Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

Believed to have been built by Lord Parasurama who reclaimed Kerala from the sea, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is one of the oldest in the State. A classic example of the Kerala style of architecture, the temple has many decorative murals and pieces of art. Exquisite murals on the Mahabharata adorn the walls of the shrine. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram Festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight.
Temple timings: 04:00 - 10:30 hrs and 05:00 - 08:30 hrs.

Getting there

By road: KSRTC Bus Station is about 500 meters away
By rail: Thrissur Railway Station is about 1.5 km away
By air: Cochin International Airport is about 47 km away

Location

Lattitude:10.524818, Longitude: 76.214536