Athirappilly

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name=Athirappilly
type=Panchayath
skyline=AthirappillyWaterFall.jpg
state_name=Kerala
district=Thrissur
leader_title=Panchayth President
leader_name=
altitude=
population_as_of = | population_total = 9216 | population_density =
area_magnitude=
area_total= 489.00
area_telephone= 0480
postal_code= 680721 ( Vettilappara P.O. )
vehicle_code_range= KL-8
sex_ratio=
unlocode=
website=
footnotes=

Athirappilly is a first grade Grama Panchayath with 489.00 km² area in Mukundapuram Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala, south India. It is located 70 km from Kochi city, 55 km from Cochin International Airport, 60 km from Thrissur city and 30 km from Chalakudy town.

Wildlife

The athirapilly waterfalls are situated in the chalakudy river,originates from upper reaches of westernghats.many endangered and endemic species of flora and founa are found in the forests of athirapilly-vazhachal area(this area is the only place in western ghats where all the four endangered hornbill species are seen).the western ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world.this valuable natural world is already degraded by mining and hydro electric projects.

Peaceful and Serene environment

These falls are very popular with tourists. It is a bewitching site, about 80 ft high. Combining with greenery, it infuses energy and peace into any tired soul. The cool misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of the thick green forests and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to any visitor or tourist.

Tourism

Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal.

Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Since Athirappilly is situated on the highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, night riding is not advised.

Proposed projects

Government proposed a 163 MW Athirappilly hydro power project but agencies such as the Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samiti and other cultural societies are against this project.

Reference not yet cited: [http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/01/stories/2007040109971100.htm (4/1/2007) "`Consider Athirappilly project afresh"]

ee also

*Thrissur
*Cochin
*Chalakudy

* [http://chalakudyriver.org Chalakudy River Protection Forum (CPF)]
* [http://thrissur.nic.in/forestDept.htm Official Site: www.thrissur.nic.in]
* [http://www.trichur.com/html/places2.htm Thrissur Website www.trichur.com ]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/06/stories/2006080603750500.htm Athirappilly Projects ]
* [http://www.blonnet.com/2002/05/03/stories/2002050302601700.htm Vanishing falls]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/16/stories/2006061609940400.htm Protests mark hearing on Athirappilly project]
* [http://www.athirapilly.in/index.php Dedicated Site to Athirapilly and Vazhachal: www.athirapilly.in website]