Ajay Kumar at 22:41, 29 August 2023

2023-08-29T22:41:34Z

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{{short description|Waterfall in Athirapilly, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{waterfall
| image = The View of the Athirapally Falls during the onset of Monsoon.jpg
| location = [[Athirapilly]], [[Chalakudy]] Taluk, [[Thrissur District]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|10|17|5|N|76|34|7|E|type:waterbody_region:IN-KL_scale:50000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| elevation = {{convert|120|m|abbr=on}}
| type = Segmented
| height = {{convert|25|m|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}}
| height_longest = {{convert|51|m|abbr=on}}
| average_width =
| number_drops = 4
| average_flow = 52 m3/s (1,836 cu ft/s)
| watercourse = [[Chalakkudi River]]
| world_rank =
}}

'''Athirapilly Falls''' is situated in [[Athirapilly]] Panchayat in [[Chalakudy]] Taluk of [[Thrissur District]] in [[Kerala]], [[India]] on the [[Chalakudy River]], which originates from the upper reaches of the [[Western Ghats]] at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 81.5 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapilly to the [[Vazhachal falls|Vazhachal Falls]], which is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.

There is another waterfall on the way from Athirapilly to [[Vazhachal Falls]], in close proximity to the road, which is locally called "[[Charpa Falls]]". Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed "The [[Niagara Falls|Niagara]] of South India".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-30/travel/33064279_1_palm-trees-trek-coconut-trees | title=The Times of India: Latest News India, World & Business News, Cricket & Sports, Bollywood | access-date=2 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621233624/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-30/travel/33064279_1_palm-trees-trek-coconut-trees | archive-date=21 June 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and continued through 2017.

==River==
[[File:Athirapally Water falls.jpg|thumbnail|View of Athirappilly Falls from below]]
The {{convert|145|km}} long Chalakudy River, originates in the [[Anaimalai Hills|Anaimalai]] mountains of the [[Western Ghats]]<ref>[http://www.webindia123.com/tourism/beach/athriappilly.htm "Athirappilly - Vazhachal."] Suni Systems (P) Ltd. Retrieved on 3 August 2007.</ref> and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The river starts off smooth but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirapilly. 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 {{convert|1|km}} until it reaches Kannamkuzhi, from where it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Thumpoormuzhi.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}

==Wildlife==
Forest wildlife in the area includes the [[Indian elephant]], [[Bengal tiger]], [[Indian leopard]], [[gaur]], [[sambar (deer)|sambar]], and [[lion-tailed macaque]]. The unique {{convert|180|m}} 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 grey hornbill]], and the [[Indian grey hornbill]] are found living together.

Plantations in the area contain [[teak]], [[bamboo]], and [[eucalyptus]]. Environmentalists claim that Athirappilly is a one-of-its-kind riparian ecosystem in Kerala. V.S. Vijayan, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and former Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, has been quoted in Down to Earth magazine as affirming that the Vazhachal forest division is the second most biodiverse area in the State. The International Bird Association has declared it an ‘Important Bird Area' and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation has recommended that the area should be declared a sanctuary or a national park, he points out. The Wildlife Trust of India says it represents one of India's best elephant conservation efforts. "Any disruption to this fragile ecosystem will spell disaster," says Vijayan.<ref name="KG Kumar">
{{citation
|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/article984144.ece
|title=Biodiversity in danger?
|author=KG Kumar
|work=the Hindu, Business Line
|date=2011-02-17
|place=Kochi
}}</ref> The river provides a habitat for 85 species of freshwater fishes. Among these, 35 are endemic species.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}

==Tourism==
[[File:Athirapalli falls, Kerala.jpg|thumb|View from the nearest allowed point]]
[[File:Hill top.jpg|thumb|During rainy season]]
[[File:Athirapally Waterfalls, Chalakudy - The Mighty Falls.jpg|thumb|View of Athirappilly waterfalls from below]]
[[File:Athirapally Waterfalls after the Monsoons.jpg|thumb|The lushy green forests of [[Western Ghats]] surrounding the Athirapally Waterfalls after the monsoon rains.]]

The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west in [[Chalakudi Railway Station|Chalakkudy Railway Station]], and the nearest airport is [[Cochin International Airport]], about 55 kilometres (34 mi) southwest of the waterfall and 58 kilometres (36 mi) south of City of [[Thrissur]].<ref name="tourism">[http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php?source=desti&destid=182&catid=0&zone=1 "Athirappilly and Vazhachal."] Official Website of Department of Tourism, Kerala. Retrieved on 3 August 2007.</ref> Athirappilly is easily reachable from [[Chalakkudy]] by taxi or by bus from the [[Chalakkudy]] bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on a state highway connecting [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]], in a thick forest and so night travel is not permitted. The checkpoints at either end close by 6:30 pm [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] prior to which all vehicles have to exit through either checkpoint.

The journey from [[Chalakkudy]] 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. From Angamaly, the route is in the midst of an Oil Palm Reserve at Ezhattumugham tourism village. A steep narrow path or a wide staired path can be taken 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.<ref>[http://thrissur.nic.in/forestDept.htm "Major Tourist Attractions."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102132131/http://thrissur.nic.in/forestDept.htm |date=2 January 2007 }} Government of Kerala, Divisional Forest Office, Vazhachal. Retrieved 4 August 2007.</ref>

== Jungle safari ==

Daily jungle safari trips are organized by Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council with Athirappilly Destination Management Council from [[Chalakudy]] to Malakkappara.

==Movies==
Athirappilly falls has been used as a location for several [[Malayalam Cinema|Malayalam films]] as well as in other [[Languages of India|regional language films in India]]

* The fall is featured in old Malayalam movie ''[[Ponnapuram Kotta]]'' (1973), specially the song "Valliyoor Kaavile", starring [[Prem Nazir|Prem Nasir]], [[Vijayasree]].
* Scenes from the Malayalam movie ''[[Vanadevatha]]'' (1976) starring [[Prem Nazir]], [[Madhushala]]
* Scenes from the Malayalam movie ''[[Anuragi]]'' (1988) starring [[Mohanlal]], [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]]
* A major portion of the 1986 Tamil movie ''[[Punnagai Mannan]]'' was shot near the falls, the falls itself playing a role in it. It made the falls so popular in [[Tamil Nadu]] that it got the nickname "Punnagai Mannan Falls".
* The song "Koyaliya Gati Hai Payaliya Chhankati Hai" from the film "[[Jungle Love (film)|Jungle Love]]" in 1990
* The falls were featured in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s film ''[[Dil Se..|Dil Se]]'' starring [[Shah Rukh Khan|Shahrukh Khan]], [[Manisha Koirala]], and [[Preity Zinta]], and featuring the song "Jiya Jale/Nenjinile".
* The falls are also famous as a site location for "Narumugaye Narumugaye", a song from the [[Tamil film]] ''[[Iruvar]]'', acted by [[Mohanlal]] and actress [[Aishwarya Rai]].
* This waterfall is also a major location for songs like "Behne De" and most scenes in the [[Hindi language|Hindi]] film ''[[Raavan (2010 Hindi film)|Raavan]]'' and Tamil film ''[[Raavanan (2010 film)|Raavanan]]''.
* The song "Adada Mazhaida" from ''[[Paiyaa]]'' featuring [[Karthi]] and [[Tamannaah Bhatia|Tamannaah]] was shot in this location.
* The song from ''[[Kannathil Muthamittal]]'' of the same name was shot here.
* The song "Kurukku Siruthavale" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' starring [[Arjun Sarja]] and [[Manisha Koirala]], and "Chalo Chalain Mitwa" from its 2001 remake ''[[Nayak (2001 Hindi film)|Nayak]]'', starring [[Anil Kapoor]] and [[Rani Mukerji]]
* The song "Sunta Hai Tera Khuda" from ''[[Pukar (2000 film)|Pukar]]'', starring [[Anil Kapoor]]
* The song "Achi lagti ho" from ''[[Kuch Naa Kaho]]''
* The song "Kudamullakkadavil" from the malayalam film [[Vellithira (2003 film)|''Vellithira'']] starring [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]], [[Navya Nair]]
* Climax scenes from ''[[Lajja (film)|Lajja]]'' starring "[[Ajay Devgn]]" and "[[Manisha Koirala]]"
* ''[[Sirf Tum]]'', starring [[Sanjay Kapoor]] and [[Sushmita Sen]]
* A song in tamil movie ''[[Samurai (2002 film)|Samurai]]'' starring Vikram
* Songs from ''[[Saaya (2003 film)|Saaya]]'' (2003), starring [[John Abraham]]
* A scene from ''[[Madras Cafe]]'' starring [[John Abraham]]
* The song from tamil movie ''[[Maanasthan]]'' starring [[R. Sarathkumar]] and [[Sakshi Shivanand]]
* Scenes from ''[[Anandabhadram]]'' starring [[Manoj K Jayan]] and [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]]
* Song from ''[[4 the People]]'' starring [[Bharath (actor)|Bharath]] and [[Gopika]]
* A scene from the Hindi movie ''[[Mela (2000 film)|Mela]]''
* The opening scene of the tamil movie ''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]''
* A few scenes in the Hindi movie ''[[Agyaat]]''
* A scene from the Tamil movie ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]''
* Few scenes from the Malayalam movie ''[[Manjeeradhwani]]'' (1998) starring [[Vineeth]] and [[Sakshi Sivanand]]
* The song "Bambara Kannu" from Tamil movie ''[[Madhurey]]''
* A scene from the Tamil movie ''[[Vettaikaaran (2009 film)|Vettaikaaran]]''
* The song "Rosappoo Chinna Rosappoo" from ''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]''
* "Arjuna Arjuna", a song featuring [[R. Sarathkumar]] and [[Namitha]] in the movie ''Aei''
* "Evo Evevo", a song from telugu film ''[[Lovely (2012 film)|Lovely]]''
* The song "Baarish" and climax scenes from ''[[Yaariyan (2014 film)|Yaariyan]]'' (2014)
* The song "Oru Kannil vegam" from ''[[Samar (2013 film)|Samar]]'' (2013)
* The song "Oh Kamini" and a scene from ''[[Rang Rasiya]];'' [[Randeep Hooda]] and Rashaana Shah
* The Telugu movie ''[[Brindavanam (2010 film)|Brindavanam]]'' (2010)
* The song "Egire Mabbullona" from ''[[Happy (2006 film)|Happy]]'' (2006), Telugu and Malayalam
* The song "Ayyo Ayyo Dhanayya" from ''[[Ready (2008 film)|Ready]]'' (2008)
* Scenes from the Tamil movie ''[[Alex Pandian]]''
* The song "Aaayi re aayi re khushi" from ''[[Khushi (2003 Hindi film)|Khushi]]'' (2003, Hindi), starring Kareena Kapoor
* The title song of the Hindi movie ''[[Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne]]''
* The song "Sha La La" from the movie ''[[Ghilli]]'' (2004) starring ''[[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]]'' and ''[[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]]''
* The song "Vaana Chinukulu" from the Telugu movie ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]''
* The English movie ''[[Before the Rains]]'' (2007)
* The English movie ''Pirate's Blood'' (2008)
* The song "Thuppakki Penne" from the movie ''[[Peranmai]]'' (2009) starring ''[[Jayam Ravi]]'' and ''[[Sai Dhanshika]]''
* Scenes from the Malayalam movie ''[[Cousins (2014 film)|Cousins]]''
* Scenes and a song from ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning|Baahubali]]'', India's biggest motion picture, a 2015 Tamil/Telugu bilingual movie
* The Tamil movie ''[[Puli (2015 film)|Puli]]'' (2015)
* "Rock On Bro", a song from ''[[Janatha Garage]]'' (2016, Telugu)
* A song "Unnavitta Yaarum Yenakilla" from the film ''[[Seemaraja]]'' starring [[Sivakarthikeyan]] and [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]]
* A scene from Malayalam movie ''[[Odiyan]]'' (2018) starring [[Mohanlal]]
* A song from Telugu movie ''[[Husharu]]'' (2018) starring [[Tejus Kancherla]] and [[Priya Vadlamani]]
* "He's So Cute", a song from ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' (2020, Telugu) starring [[Mahesh Babu]], [[Rashmika Mandanna]]
* A scene from Telugu movie [[Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy|''Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy'']] starring [[Chiranjeevi]]
* Scenes from the Telugu movie ''[[Pushpa: The Rise]]''
* Climax scene from the Tamil movie ''[[Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal]]'' (2022) starring [[Vijay Sethupathi]], [[Nayanthara]] and [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]]
* Climax scene from the Tamil movie ''[[Jailer (2023 Tamil film)|Jailer (film)]]'' (2023) starring [[Rajinikanth]] and [[Vasanth Ravi]]

==Hydroelectric project==
{{See also|Athirappilly#Hydroelectric project}}

In 1994, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposed a 163-megawatt Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project. It was to include a dam 23 metres (75 ft) high and 311 metres (1,020 ft) wide on the Chalakudy River in the Vazhachal Forest Division about 5 kilometres (3 mi) upstream of Athirappilly Falls and 400 metres (1,312 ft) upstream of Vazhachal Rapids (Vazhachal Falls).<ref>[http://www.industelegraph.com/story/2006/3/24/0052/07312 "Environmental clearances quashed."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526115825/http://www.industelegraph.com/story/2006/3/24/0052/07312 |date=26 May 2006 }} ''The Indus Telegraph'', 30 March 2006. Retrieved 5 August 2007.</ref> However, environmental groups and people's collectives opposed the project on grounds that it would damage the environment, infringe on human rights, and threaten tourism.<ref name="protest">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060629005051/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/16/stories/2006061609940400.htm "Protests mark hearing on Athirappilly project."] ''The Hindu'', 16 June 2006. Retrieved on 3 August 2007.</ref> Though it was not their main concern, critics also noted that if the entire course of the river were diverted to make electricity, the Athirappilly-Vazhachal waterfalls could dry up. To avoid damaging the falls, the KSEB proposed adjusting the water releases to maintain the falls.<ref name="protest=2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060629005051/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/16/stories/2006061609940400.htm] ''The Hindu'', 16 June 2006</ref> The debate continued in 2007. Environmentalists also expressed concern over whether the proposed hydroelectric project at Athirappilly waterfalls would lead to displacement and eventual extinction of the primitive tribal group, 'Kadars,' in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-11-27 |title=The Hindu : Kerala News : `Kadar' tribe faces threat of displacement' |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127131925/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/20/stories/2006022013900400.htm |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>

In 2005, the Kerala Ministry of Environment and Forests approved the project on the basis of a report by Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Ltd. (WAPCOS), an [[environmental impact assessment]] (EIA) agency. In 2006, the [[Kerala High Court]] quashed the clearance and ordered another public hearing.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071228185438/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/15/stories/2006061515100400.htm "Public hearing on Athirappilly project today."] ''The Hindu'', 15 June 2006. Retrieved on 3 August 2007.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002810/http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/14/stories/2007041418820100.htm "Athirappilly: panel interacts with people."] ''The Hindu'', 14 April 2007. Retrieved on 3 August 2007.</ref> The debate continued for the following years.

On 29 January 2011, the chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) [[Madhav Gadgil]] opined that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Athirappilly hydel power project was not properly carried out and 70% of it is bogus. The panel, appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, was asked to look into and give recommendations on various projects in the Western Ghats such as the hydroelectric projects in Gundiya in Karnataka and Athirappilly in Kerala and the overall development projects in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra. Gadgil said that the proposed Athirappilly hydro-electric project cannot be approved until the Forest Rights Act is implemented in its true spirit for the Kadar tribal community of the area and also no comprehensive study had been carried out so far on the natural riparian forest vegetation along the Western Ghats.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110202191026/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/30/stories/2011013061990700.htm "Kadar's community rights not recognised: Gadgil "] ''The Hindu'', 30 January 2011.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110201205534/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/31/stories/2011013157530100.htm "70% of EIA report bogus, says Gadgil."] ''The Hindu'', 31 January 2011.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110204162257/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/01/stories/2011020160050100.htm "Fears on Athirappilly EIA proved true, says Viswom."] ''The Hindu'', 1 February 2011.</ref> On 14 June 2011, Union Minister for Environment and Forests [[Jairam Ramesh]] said his ministry would not approve the Athirappilly hydroelectric project.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/no-nod-for-athirappilly-project-edakochi-stadium-ramesh/438923/ "No nod to power project and stadium in Kerala: Ramesh"] ''Business Standard'', 14 June 2011.</ref> The minister also stated, “When states are denied such projects on larger and long-term environmental considerations, they are entitled to some sort of green bonus."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121015205926/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/athirappilly-project-ramesh-moots-green-bonus/160207-60-116.html "Athirappilly project: Ramesh moots green bonus"] ''IBNLive'', June 14, 2011.</ref> The first part of the WGEEP report was submitted to the Ministry on August 31. The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), on Sep 6th 2011 recommended to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests against granting permission to carry out any construction activities at the sensitive Athirappilly-Vazhachal region. The panel, which submitted its report to Union Environment Minister Jayanti Natarajan in the capital, named Athirappilly as one of the 18 eco-sensitive localities (ESL) in the state.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121017195353/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/athirappilly-project-to-remain-a-pipe-dream/182085-60-116.html "Athirappilly Project to remain a pipe dream"] ''IBNLive'',8 September 2011.</ref> But K. Radhakrishnan, a former member (generation), of KSEB, has opined that this panel report was highly biased with vested interests and the project was eco-friendly doing minimum damage to the environment and forests because KSEB itself has its own vested interests if the Dam Project takes life.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gadgil-panel-report-biased-pensioners-forum/article5284494.ece][http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2765993.ece "Panel report on Athirappilly project biased"]- K Radhakrishnan,"The Hindu",1 January 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2767573.ece "Bid to torpedo power projects alleged"] "The Hindu", 2 January 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gadgil-panel-report-biased-pensioners-forum/article5284494.ece "Gadgil panel report biased: pensioners’ forum"] "The Hindu", 29 October 2013</ref> While there are reports from renowned experts from the Kerala State Biodiversity Board that the power project would adversely affect the ecology of the area and the estimated power output would be dependable upon the rainfall and dry summer seasons, which is undependable in its own way. M. Sivasankar, a KSEB chairman and MD states the need of more environment-friendly power projects with lower operating costs and higher output like [[Supercritical steam generator|supercritical boiler]] plants.

==See also==
* [[Vazhachal Falls]]
* [[Charpa Falls]]
* [[List of waterfalls in India]]
* [[List of waterfalls in India by height]]
* [[State Highway 21 (Kerala)]]

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Athirappilly Falls}}
* [https://www.keralatourism.org/news/birthday-prince-charles/1691 Prince Charles, celebrated his 65th birthday in Athirappilly]
* [https://www.zamorinholidays.com/kerala/things-to-do/athirappilly-falls-kerala/ Visiting Athirapilly Waterfalls - What to Know]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081015183333/http://www.chalakudyriver.org/ Chalakudy River Protection Forum (CPF)]
* [http://www.athirappillydmc.com/ Athirappilly - Vazhachal - Thumboormuzhi - Destination Management Council]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070102132131/http://thrissur.nic.in/forestDept.htm Official Site: www.thrissur.nic.in]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070313092133/http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/06/stories/2006080603750500.htm Athirappilly Projects ]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100423161541/http://www.blonnet.com/2002/05/03/stories/2002050302601700.htm Vanishing falls]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060629005051/http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/16/stories/2006061609940400.htm Protests mark hearing on Athirappilly project]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071008141605/http://www.salimalifoundation.org/cpss.html Salim Ali Foundation]
{{Tourist attractions in Thrissur}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}

[[Category:Waterfalls of Thrissur district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala]]

Athirappilly Falls - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 22:41, 29 August 2023