🌊 Alleppey Falls Travel Guide: Hidden Gem of Kerala with Bahubali’s Athirapally Connection

🏞️ Introduction: The Magic of Kerala’s Waterfalls

• Waterfalls in Alleppey, Kerala

● Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, has a beautiful city called Alleppey. It is famous for its houseboats, backwaters, beaches, and islands. The waterfalls here are so stunning that just looking at them makes you want to reach out and touch them. And the moment you feel the cool, soothing water, it brings a sense of peace and calm.

• Athirappilly Falls – Most Famous Waterfall Near Alleppey

● Although there are many waterfalls in and around Alleppey, the most famous one is the Athirappilly Falls. This waterfall gained special popularity because parts of the Indian blockbuster movie Baahubali were filmed here. That’s why most tourists visiting Alleppey have a strong desire to see this spectacular fall. In the following section, we will talk about Athirappilly Falls in more detail.

🚗 Alleppey to Athirapally Falls – Route & Distance

To reach Athirappilly from Alleppey, you need to cover a distance of approximately 110–120 km depending on the route you choose. Completing this journey by car usually takes 3–4 hours, while traveling by bus or private taxi can take 4–5 hours.

• Best Route

Alleppey → Kottayam → Changanassery → Thodupuzha → Athirappilly

This route allows you to reach Athirappilly comfortably. To make your journey even easier, it is recommended to start early in the morning. At this time there is less traffic, and the journey is especially scenic.

Along the way, you can enjoy the sunrise over Vembanad Lake near Alleppey which is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

• Train Option

If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest railway station to Athirappilly is about 30 km away which can be easily covered in around 1 hour by taxi or auto.

• About Athirappilly Falls

Athirappilly Falls, with a height of 80 feet, is surrounded by lush greenery giving it a unique and mesmerizing look.

• Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season (June–September) is the best time to visit when the water flow becomes stronger and the falls appear even more spectacular.

• Entry Fee

The entry fee to visit the falls is ₹50–100.

• Nearby Waterfalls

• Vazhachal Falls

Vazhachal Falls is just a 10–15 minute drive from Athirappilly. Surrounded by dense forest and nature, it offers a serene view. Compared to Athirappilly, the crowd here is smaller making it a peaceful experience where sometimes you can even hear the soothing sounds of birds.

• Charpa Falls

Charpa Falls is located right by the road, and you can reach it with just a 3–5 minute walk. Though it is a smaller waterfall, it is perfect for photography.

💦 Athirapally Waterfalls – Kerala’s Iconic Film Location

Located in Kerala’s Thrissur district, the Athirappilly Waterfalls — often called the “Niagara of India” — truly lives up to its name. Formed by the Chalakudy River, this majestic waterfall plunges from a height of about 80 feet, creating a breathtaking view that captivates every visitor.

• Stunning Natural Beauty

Surrounded by dense forests, the gentle mist from the falls touches your face, giving a refreshing and soothing feeling. The powerful flow of water and the rhythmic sound of its descent provide a sense of peace, while the beautiful birds in the area add to the charm of the place.

All these elements together make Athirappilly one of the most perfect and scenic waterfalls in India.

• Popular Film Shooting Location

Athirappilly is not just a favorite among tourists, but also a popular shooting location across different film industries — local, national, and international.

• Films Shot Here

• The international movie “Before the Rains” (2007) was filmed here.
• Tamil romantic movie “Punnagai Mannan” (1986) starring Kamal Haasan featured scenes shot near the waterfall.
• Bollywood has used this stunning location in several films:
  • “Dil Se” (1998) – Song “Jiya Jale” shot here
  • “Guru” (2007) – Scenes shot in the forests and around the falls
  • “Raavan” (2010) – Dramatic scenes featuring Aishwarya Rai filmed here

• Baahubali Fame

However, the waterfall gained worldwide attention after featuring in:

• “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015)
• “Baahubali: The Conclusion” (2017)

The famous scenes where Prabhas repeatedly tries to climb the massive waterfall were filmed at Athirappilly. After the film’s huge success, Athirappilly Waterfalls became a global attraction, with tourists visiting to recreate the iconic “Baahubali pose” and share photos on social media.

• Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls is during the monsoon season (June to September), when the waterfall is at its full glory and the view is absolutely spectacular.

Link: Kerala full Guide

🌈 Alleppey vs Athirappilly: Which One Should You Visit?

Whenever tourists arrive in Kerala, one question often comes to mind: Should they visit Alleppey or Athirappilly first? Both are famous for their beautiful attractions, but the experiences they offer are quite different.

• Why Visit Alleppey?

Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East,” is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, coconut groves, beaches, and calm lagoons. As soon as you arrive, you are surrounded by water, and the sight of beautiful houseboats floating amidst lush greenery provides a peaceful and relaxing experience, especially during a serene sunset. It is perfect for families, children, and those looking for a calm, leisurely trip.

• Why Visit Athirappilly?

Athirappilly Waterfalls, often called the “Niagara of India,” offers a completely different experience. The waterfall flows like milk, surrounded by dense forests and large trees along the way. The journey itself, with greenery on both sides of the road, brings a unique sense of tranquility, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Distance from Kochi

Both places are easily accessible from Kochi:

• Alleppey is about 75 km away, which takes around 2 hours to reach.
• Athirappilly is around 60 km away, accessible in approximately 1.5 hours.

• Which One Should You Choose?

• Alleppey is best for houseboat stays and backwater cruises, offering a relaxing experience for families, children, and elders.
• Athirappilly is perfect for trekking and waterfall adventures, ideal for solo travelers and adventure enthusiasts.

• Final Recommendation

Both locations are excellent for photography and are among the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. You can visit both places if time permits. However, keep in mind that visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls requires climbing about 2 km uphill, which can be challenging for children and the elderly. Although the government has built pathways, it may still be a bit difficult for some.

Taking it slow and steady will make the climb manageable, and once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view.

Link: Alleppey full Guide

🧳 Tips for Travelers

The best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls is during the monsoon season (June–September), as the waterfall is at its fullest and the view is spectacular. However, during this season, the paths can be very slippery, so you need to be extra careful, especially while climbing uphill. Carry an umbrella and a raincoat, because getting wet in the rain can make you sick and spoil your experience.

Although digital payments are widely accepted across India, from small shops to big stores via UPI, some areas near the waterfall may have network issues, causing payment failures. Therefore, it is advisable to carry some cash with you.

Safety Precautions

• Avoid swimming in Athirappilly or nearby waterfalls, as the strong currents can be dangerous.
• Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes; avoid flip-flops.
• Follow local guidelines, signboards, and instructions. Do not enter restricted areas.
• Keep the waterfall clean; littering can lead to fines. Avoid plastic bottles and bags; use reusable bottles. Respect nature, wildlife, and plants.
• Take care of family, friends, and children, as sudden weather changes can affect the elderly and young children. Carry basic medicines for cold, fever, fatigue, or headaches.

Staying amidst the jungle at Athirappilly is a unique experience. Watching the waterfall and dense forest with your family during the monsoon, while enjoying hot tea and snacks, is unforgettable. However, accommodations near the waterfall, like Rainforest Resort or Athirappilly Green Village, can be quite expensive.

For budget travelers, nearby Chalakudy town has hotels and guesthouses. With a 20–30 minute drive, you can easily reach Athirappilly from there.

❓ Athirappilly Waterfalls FAQs

Conclusion: Experience Kerala’s Waterfall Trail

Athirappilly Waterfalls and the nearby falls are extremely beautiful, constantly attracting tourists. A visit here creates memories that last a lifetime. If you’ve watched the Baahubali movie and are in Kerala, you must visit this waterfall. Take a photo imitating Prabhas’s iconic pose, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to express your experience in the comments.