Kochi to Athirappilly Falls is a refreshing 2-hour journey that takes you to the most beautiful waterfall in South India often called the “Niagara of India” and prominently featured in the hit Bollywood blockbuster “Baahubali”!
Located in Thrissur district, Athirappilly Falls is just 2 hours away from Kochi city and 1 hour 10 minutes from Cochin International Airport.
ALSO SEE- Athirappilly Falls Pocket Guide: Photos, Routes, Timings & Entry Fee
You can get to Athirappilly from Kochi by bus, car, taxi, or train through landscapes like rainforests, hills, paddy fields, rivers, local villages, and towns.
See how to get from Cochin to Athirappilly and the best time to take a trip to one of the biggest waterfalls in India flaunting a height of 84 feet and a width of over 330 feet!
Best time to visit Athirappilly Falls from Kochi
The waterfall is most majestic during the monsoon and winter seasons, which is why June to January is the best time to visit Athirappilly Falls. The water flows most fiercely during the rainy season and turns the surrounding rainforest into a refreshing spectacle!
ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala: Summer, Winter, or Monsoon?
The weather is pleasant and the greenery around is radiant and dewy. You can get drenched even on the viewing platform away from this enormous cascade!
The winter, October to January, is a great time to visit when Athirappilly weather is cool and comfortable for exploring its most famous attraction!
How to reach Athirappilly Falls from Kochi
You can pick from a variety of ways to reach Athirappilly Waterfallsfrom Kochi considering your budget, convenience, and trip duration.
Distance from Kochi to Athirappilly : 67 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Kochi to Athirappilly by car
You can drive or take a taxi from Kochi to get to Athirappilly Waterfalls via NH 66, Angamaly, and Chalakudy.
You can book a taxi or rent a vehicle from Kochi Airport itself. Cochin Airport to Athirappilly Falls is about 33 km and takes an hour to cover.
Kochi to Athirappilly Waterfalls taxi fare: Starting at INR 1,200/-
ALSO SEE – How To Book Taxis From Cochin Airport (COK)
Kochi to Athirappilly by bus
You can take a KSRTC bus to Chalakudi near Athirappilly from Kochi. From the bus stop in Chalakudy, you can easily get taxis, tuk-tuks, and local buses to get to the waterfall.
Nearest bus stand to Cochin Airport: Angamaly KSRTC Bus Stand (8 km)
Nearest bus stand to Athirappilly Falls: KSRTC Bus Stand Chalakudi (30 km)
Kochi to Athirappilly bus fare*: Starting at INR 82/-
*The price indicated is from Kochi to Chalakudy bus stand.
ALSO SEE – Top 10 One Day Trips From Kochi
Kochi to Athirappilly by train
Nearest railway station to Kochi: Ernakulam Junction
Nearest railway station to Athirappilly : Chalakudy Railway Station (32 km)
A Kochi to Athirappilly train journey will be a convenient, time-saving, and economical option for you. You can find taxis, autorickshaws, and local buses at Chalakudy Railway station to take you to the waterfall.
Malabar Express, Guruvayur Express, Ernakulam Kannur Intercity Express, Kottayam Express, Ernad Express, and Parasuram Express run between Cochin and Chalakudy at regular intervals.
Kochi to Athirappilly by flight
This is not a practical option as the nearest airport to Athirappilly is Cochin International Airport itself.
ALSO SEE- Airports in Kerala? Which one to choose for your holiday?
Athirapally Falls: Activities & best stays
Athirappilly Falls, or Athirappilly Falls, is among the largest waterfalls in India and a major shooting location for many Indian films. Famous movies like Baahubali and Ravan have been shot here.
There are a lot of things one can do here:
- Wildlife sighting: Animals like Asian elephants, bison, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, and sambar deer can be spotted in the jungle here.
- Birdwatching: The forest area around is home to many migratory and endemic bird species like the Great Pied Hornbill, White-cheeked Barbet, Orange Minivet, Bonelli’s Eagle, Osprey, and Plain Sand Martin.
- Trekking and hiking: The Sholayar Range forest around is a great locale for hiking, trekking, and camping.
- Kerala cuisine: There are many local food joints near the waterfall serving authentic and delicious Kerala cuisine.
- Vazhachal Waterfalls: Located 10 km from Athirappilly Waterfalls, this small cascade makes for a great addition to your tour.
- Sholayar Dam: Visit Asia’s largest rock dam located 53 km away from Athirappilly Waterfalls.
If you wish to stay near Athirappilly itself after traveling from Cochin to Athirappilly Falls, you can choose from the following options for a comfortable and relaxing stay within your budget:
- Sterling Athirappilly
- Niraamaya Retreats
- Athirappilly Green Sights
- Willow Heights
- Casa Rio Resort
- Green Trees Nature Resort
- Hayath Homes
ALSO SEE – 10 Best Resorts In Athirappilly For A Luxe Stay
Kochi to Athirappilly Falls travel tips
- Do not visit the waterfall during heavy rainfall.
- Start your journey from Kochi early in the morning if you’re driving or taking a taxi.
- Choose to travel by KSRTC bus or train for a more budget-friendly trip.
- Book your taxi only from a government-approved operator.
- Book your bus or train online in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability of seats.
- Visit the waterfall after 11 AM for the best experience. Athirappilly waterfall timings are 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
- The viewing platform at the bottom is a steep climb down and not fit for people with heart problems, breathing issues, and injuries.
- Wear sturdy and preferably water-resistant trekking shoes that do not slip easily in mud and slush.
- Carry an umbrella, raincoat, mosquito repellent, a change of clothes, towels, hats, and sunscreen.
- If you’re carrying snacks, finish them before reaching the waterfall as eatables are not allowed inside the forest and waterfall area.
- Do not carry plastic bottles or you’ll be asked to make a security deposit per bottle!
- There are several confectionary shops, cafes, and restaurants near the waterfall where you can eat and rest.
- Do not litter.
ALSO SEE – 20 Incredible Waterfalls In Kerala
Add a Kochi to Athirappilly tour in your itinerary when you book a customized Kerala tour packages and enjoy a scintillating journey to this beautiful marvel of nature! Happy tripping!
