Welcome to the third installment of the Mesmerizing Kerala series! If you’ve stumbled upon this travelogue directly, I kindly suggest you start by reading the previous part.

After the peaceful morning, we enjoyed at Malarickal, surrounded by the gentle beauty of water lilies and the serene stillness of Kerala’s backwaters, we were ready for our next adventure. We said goodbye to the peaceful waters and set off for Athirapally Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of India.”

FROM SERENE BACKWATERS TO ROARING WATERFALLS OF KERALA

We hopped on a train to Chalakudy, and then took a local bus that wound its way through the picturesque Kerala countryside, eventually dropping us near our resort. By the time we arrived, it was well past midday, and exhaustion from the travel was beginning to catch up with us. Unfortunately, there were no restaurants in sight, and the hotel we had booked didn’t serve lunch. Thankfully, the manager, who was incredibly warm and welcoming, recognized our situation and arranged for food from a nearby place. That small act of kindness transformed a tough moment into one filled with gratitude, and we felt energized to discover the wonders that awaited us.

That evening, feeling rejuvenated and excited, we began our journey on foot. The quiet lanes leading toward Athirapally Falls wound gently through the greenery, their stillness broken only by the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of water. The stroll was truly magical, providing a glimpse into the region’s pristine beauty. As we passed the forest check post, our anticipation to reach the base of the falls skyrocketed. When we finally arrived, the view of the water cascading down from about 80 feet was absolutely stunning. With rain clouds rolling in and a light mist from the falls kissing our skin, it was a moment to remember. As night fell, the temperature dropped, and we settled in for a cozy evening in our hotel room with loads of memories.

THE ASPIRATION TO CREATE CAPTIVATING VISUALS

The next morning, we woke up early, determined to make the most of our visit. While wandering around the vicinity of our hotel, we unexpectedly found a secluded path that led us to the base of the falls. To our amazement and delight, the spot was nearly deserted—just us and the mighty Athirapally Falls. As we stood there, surrounded by the thunderous sound of the water and the gentle mist in the air, it felt like we had uncovered a hidden gem. It was a truly intimate experience with nature, one that would remain in our hearts forever.

As a photographer, these are the moments that truly inspire me. With my drone in hand and a love for aerial photography, I couldn’t resist capturing Athirapally Falls from above. The expansive views of the cascading waters surrounded by vibrant greenery were simply stunning. Maneuvering the drone over the falls demanded both skill and precision, especially with the mist and wind in play, but the outcome made it all worthwhile. The incredible footage I captured transformed this natural beauty into a cinematic spectacle. There’s a special joy in using aerial photography to showcase such magnificence—offering a fresh perspective on these iconic sites adds a creative touch to my travel adventures.

Standing at the base, the sheer might of the falls was truly breathtaking. The Chalakudy River cascaded down the rugged cliffs with unstoppable energy, generating a misty aura that glimmered in the morning sun. This hidden viewpoint, completely devoid of other visitors, added to the enchantment of the moment—a stark contrast to the usual crowds found at the regular observation points.

IN SUMMARY

Athirapally isn’t just about the falls; the surrounding forest is a haven for wildlife. It’s part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We enjoyed more than two hours of peaceful, distraction-free time at the falls, truly discovering a hidden treasure. With plenty of wonderful memories, we made our way back to the hotel for a delightful buffet breakfast.

The charm of Athirapally lies in its ability to overwhelm your senses. From the gentle rhythms of Malarickal to the thundering drama of these falls, Kerala continued to amaze us with its diversity. That morning, standing at the base of Athirapally Falls, capturing its grandeur with my camera and drone, I felt a deep connection to the wild beauty of this land. It was a reminder of why Kerala is aptly called “God’s Own Country,” a place where every journey unveils a masterpiece.

The next edition of this fantastic travel series is coming soon! I’m eager to hear your thoughts on it before the next blog is released. Please share your feedback in the comments section. Also, feel free to share this with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to receive updates as soon as they’re published on my website!

If you enjoy social media, you can see my photos by clicking on the links below:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xplore_with_vijay
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xplore_with_vijay/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vijay8686