Athirappilly – Cochin

Athirappilly is the land of rivers and forests and great waterfalls!The destination houses the largest waterfall in Kerala, the Athirapally waterfall,a major tourist attraction.

This patch in Sholayar ranges so beautifully intertwined with lush green forest cover and sizzling silver cascades and located central to Cochin and River Nila(Bharathapuzha),is a treat for the eyes during the monsoon.Swollen Chalakkudy river, Charpa, Vazhachal and Athirapally are ideal places where the monsoon is to be enjoyed.

Local communities along the Chalakudy river banded together to stop the construction of a hydroelectric dam upstream from Athirapally Waterfall. The proposed dam would have submerged more than 140 hectares of forest, dried up extensive riparian areas downstream and destroyed Athirapally Waterfall, one of several scenic waterfalls important to the local tourism industry.

The dam also would have destroyed the critical habitat of many important species, including the rare Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, the endangered Great Indian Hornbill, the Lion-Tailed Macaque and the Nilgiri Langur.

Cochin popularly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is situated in the South Western Coast of the Indian Subcontinent. It is a vibrant city and is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. The city is bordered by the Western Ghats in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West. It is a small town situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.

The large number of tourist attractions in Cochin and its backwaters makes this place a unique experience to the tourist who visit the city. The tourist attractions in Cochin include forts, sanctuaries, Palaces and Churches.

Tourist Attractions in Athirappilly:

Vazhachal:
The Vazhachal falls is a rushing watercourse in the Chalakkudy River. It is located approximately 3 km from Athirappilly. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations.

Charpa Falls:
Charpa falls is located on the road to Vazhachal forest from Athirappilly Waterfalls which is a spectacular roadside waterfall during rainy season.

Water Theme Parks:
Two water-theme parks the Dream World and Silver Storm are located near to this place.

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens:
Thumpurmuzhi is an ideal stopover with its well maintained garden, scenic surroundings and a classic waterfall.

Tourist attractions in Cochin:

Chinese fishing Nets:
These nets popularly known as Cheenavala is one of the unique features of the city. These are massive nets used by local fishermen to catch fish. Other than Cochin, these nets are found only in China.

Fort Kochi Beach:
The beach is a wonderful experience during sunsets with the silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets and ships forming its background which makes the experience a memorable one. Mouth watering fresh seafood is available at the stalls near the beach.

Santa Cruz Basilica:
This Basilica is located in Fort Kochi and was built by the Portuguese in 1505 AD and was later destroyed by the British. The present church was structured in 1905 and it was given the status of Basilica in 1984.

Dutch Palace:
Originally built by the Portuguese, this Palace was modified in the 17th Century by the Dutch and presented to the King of Kochi. The Palace is located at Mattancherry and incorporates fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
This is a protected bird sanctuary located at the heart of the city Eranakulam and adjoins the backwaters and the sea. The sanctuary has a wide collection of both resident and migratory birds.

Willingdon Island:
It is a man made island created in 1933 which once served as an airport, sea port and Railway Terminus. It is situated 30 km from Cochin and is now the home to the Cochin Port and the headquarters of Southern Naval Command.

One can also visit other places like Veega Land, Cherai Beach, Parikshith Thampuran Museum, Palliport Fort, Bolghatty Palace and the Hill Palace on their visit to the city.