+ DESCRIPTION

The most famous waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappalli and Vazhachal are situated on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapally,the Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The waterfalls are located on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. This is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. Athirappalli is about 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal about 68 km.

+ THINGS TO DO

Kodanad - largest elephant training centres in Kerala

Elephants are an integral part of Indian mythology and culture. In God's Own Country, elephants are often referred to as the sons of the 'Sahya' (the Western Ghats). Once a part of every day life in Kerala, elephants are the most ornamental and auspicious animals here. No festival or celebration is complete without an elephant procession. Rows of majestically caparisoned elephants, replete with colourful silken parasols form the most spectacular part of any event in Kerala.

Kodanad, set on the Southern banks of the Periyar River amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor, is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the East and North of Kodanad) were trained here. Since the introduction of a ban on elephant captureKodanad has been reduced to a training centre. The famous Malayatoor Church is near Kodanad.

Muthanga of Wayanad district and Konni of Pathanamthitta district are two other elephant training centres in Kerala. Another attraction for elephant lovers is Punnathur Kotta, of the neighbouring Thrissur district, where some 40 elephants of the Guruvayoor Temple are groomed.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 45 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, via Vallom - Kodanad Rd, about 20 km