Athirapally: Waterfalls

Athirappally Waterfalls, located on the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, Kerala, is the largest waterfall in the state by volume. Often dubbed the "Niagara of India," this 80-foot (24-meter) tall cascade is a critical component of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. This paper examines the hydrology, ecology, socio-economic dependency, and conservation challenges facing the falls, emphasizing the conflict between hydroelectric projects and tourism-driven preservation.

Athirapally Waterfalls is situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India, approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The waterfall is part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most protected areas in the Western Ghats. The Athirapally River, a tributary of the Periyar River, flows through the sanctuary and drops approximately 100 feet (30 meters) to create the stunning Athirapally Waterfalls. athirapally waterfalls