Summer is the best season to make that much-needed trip to Athirappilly. Actor Leona Lishoy recently Instagrammed her trip to the waterfalls. She posed in the backdrop of rainforest resort with this caption- “Sometimes when you observe nature, there is a state of silence. A state when you aren’t translating what you observe into thought. A state where there is neither nature nor the observer. But there is a different quality of beauty.”
Rainforest resort
The most favoured getaway of celebs, recently actor Tovino Thomas had shared the time he spent at the resort with his family on Instagram. From here, one can enjoy the beauty of Athirappilly at closed quarters and that remains the best part of staying at Rainforest resort. Athirappilly waterfalls never dries out and can be visited anytime during the year. Though the waterfall appears in its full glory during monsoons, heavy rains cause inconvenience. So, the best time to visit is from September to January.
They are located approximately 76 kilometres from Ernakulam. It is easily reachable by road. There are three main options for roads to take whilst going to the falls. They are Chalagudi, Angamaly and Valparai. All these three roads lead to the Falls at Athirappilly.
The resort also offers a lot more than just a comfortable stay. You take a trek around the waterfall for 30 minutes, a stroll into the forests and spot wildlife, pick one of the B-twins parked outside the resort and go on a ride to discover the other two waterfalls. Along the way, meet winding roads, river streams, giant Malabar squirrels and families of Nilgiri long-tail langurs. Or try birdwatching, just try on a tree branch, and keep looking out for the great Indian hornbill, Malabar Trogan, Paradise Fly Catcher and so many other species. You can also witness the firefly breeding season.
Have you tried waterfall hopping? Begin with the giant Athirappilly waterfall and keep hopping. After 2 km, stop by Charpa falls, and after the next 3 km laze around Vazhachal Falls. We think relaxing on the hammock gazing at the sky is a good option along with sailing and kayaking.
One can also visit the church of St. Thomas, situated atop the 609 m high, lush Malayatoor hill in the Western Ghats, girdled partially by the Periyar. The life-size statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock is a charming sight or go for an early to visit Guruvayoor temple. You can also visit the divine retreat centre, said to the largest Catholic retreat centre in the world.
One of its main highlights would be their food inspired by authentic tribal cooking. You can taste some smoky, woody tapioca and fish cooked in charred bamboo. All the cooks require would be a five-day notice. They also provide specially crafted continental, European as well as Kerala cuisine.
When it comes to rooms there are various options, including a treehouse, a beautiful way to stay connected with nature. They have both AC/Non-AC rooms. Other rooms are the premium, celestial, collage, and luxury category.
