About Beyond the Baahubali Falls: The Ultimate Road Trip from Athirappilly to Valparai

Imagine standing before a roaring 80-foot wall of water, the mist cooling your face as you hear the thunderous crash of the Chalakudy River. This isn’t a scene from a fantasy movie—though it was the backdrop for the blockbuster Baahubali—this is Athirappilly, the “Niagara of India.”

But for the true traveler, the waterfalls are just the beginning.

If you are looking for a Kerala getaway that combines the raw power of nature with the serene silence of misty tea gardens, a road trip from Athirappilly to Valparai is the perfect itinerary. Here is your complete guide to planning this scenic adventure.

Step 1: Arrival & The Drive

Your journey begins the moment you land. One of the most common questions we get is about the distance from Cochin Airport to Athirapally Waterfalls.

The good news is that it’s incredibly accessible. The waterfalls are located just 40 km from Cochin International Airport (CIAL). The drive typically takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

• Route Tip: You will travel via the NH544 and then switch to the local roads through Chalakudy. As you leave the city behind, the concrete scenery is quickly replaced by lush oil palm reserves and winding village roads.

Step 2: Experiencing Athirappilly & Vazhachal

Once you arrive, the main attraction awaits. Athirappilly is spectacular year-round, but it is truly majestic during the monsoon (June to September).

• Don’t Miss:
  • The Viewpoints: Hike to the bottom of the falls for a ground-shaking perspective, or view it from the top near the entrance.
  • Vazhachal Waterfalls: Just 5 km upstream, this inclined waterfall offers a different, more rugged beauty.
  • Charpa Falls: A roadside gem that often sprays water right onto the street during heavy rains!

Step 3: The Jungle Route to Valpara

After soaking in the waterfalls, the real adventure begins. The drive from Athirappilly to Valpara (often spelled Valparai) is widely considered one of the most scenic routes in South India.

You will drive through the thick Sholayar Reserve Forest, a rainforest teeming with life.

• Wildlife Watch: Keep your camera ready. It is common to spot Malabar Giant Squirrels, Great Hornbills, and even wild elephants on this route.
• Malakkappara: This misty tea plantation town on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border is a great pitstop for a hot cup of tea before you enter the Tamil Nadu side.

Step 4: Valparai – The Hidden Hill Station

Unlike the crowded streets of Munnar or Ooty, Valparai is a peaceful, untouched paradise wrapped in a carpet of green tea leaves.

• Sholayar Dam: As you enter the region, you will cross the majestic Sholayar Dam, the second-deepest dam in Asia.
• Nallamudi Viewpoint: A short trek through a tea estate takes you to this stunning viewpoint, where you can see waterfalls cascading down the deep valley.
• Koolangal River: A hidden gem perfect for a gentle wading experience in crystal-clear water.

Plan Your Trip Today

Whether you are chasing the roar of the waterfalls or the silence of the hills, this circuit offers the best of both worlds.

Ready to book your Kerala adventure? Contact us today to customize your Athirappilly-Valparai tour package! We handle everything from airport pickups to luxury resort stays, ensuring your only job is to enjoy the view.