A Drive to Lose Yourself to Nature: Athirappilly to Valparai

 Athirappilly falls in Kerala is one of the biggest attractions in south-India. But, if you are someone who likes the journey more than the destination, this territory has something up its sleeve for you. With thick green vegetation and blessed weather, the drive from Athirappilly to Valparai through the Sholayar Reserve Forest is a gem of a drive.

Athirappilly lies about 25 km from Chalakkudy in Trissur district. One can take an early morning ride from Trissur or Kochi and deviate to Athirappally road from Chalakkudy to get the best of it. Drive through this stringy stretch with rubber plantations and amusement parks and about 40 minutes later, you see the magnificent falls up straight. Standing 80 feet high, it is the highest fall in Kerala and will tease any traveller in its path to stop and click some pictures of this rainbow dwelling wonder. On weekends the falls will have quite the rush as crowd flow in from as far as Karnataka to witness the giant beauty.

For some, the trip ends here, and for some, it’s just beginning. Stop at the falls and have a good breakfast from one of the few local restaurants here, as the forest road coming up have absolutely no shops on it. Enjoy a proper Kerala styled breakfast, stock some bottles of water, and get back on the roads. Drive further 5 to 7 km from Athirapilly to Vazhachal, which hosts another small but refreshing waterfall. The forest check post here is the entry point to the Sholayar Reserve Forest. Beginning here is a 44 km stretch of single-lane road through the Sholayar forest, that ends at Malakkapara check post on the other side. The check post is open from 6am to pm through the week. Try and getting in as early as 7-8 have certain advantages of its own.

All travellers must enter their details at the check post, however, there is no entry charge here. All plastic materials carried by one will be marked here to avoid littering inside the forest. Once entered, the traveller is allotted a certain time period to cross the check post at Malakkapara. This is to give the passengers the minimum time to stop inside the protected area. The breach of any of these two rules will land a fine of Rs. 2000.      

Say goodbye to the mobile phone network and drive on to the scenic road. Silky smooth pathway filled with twisties, the southern parts of the Western Ghats come alive on these hills. The trail through the Sholayar rain forests with occasional features of green meadows, dense green forest trees, bamboos, and wild animal cries, the ride is as peaceful as it gets. The road remains cold throughout the year and occasional drizzles are common. Casually walking elephants among other beasts are exciting sights. This is the advantage of getting in the forest early.

The route has multiple viewpoints and passengers can afford to spend 10-15 minutes at a couple of them. Looking down at the water flowing from the Sholayar reservoir and spotting elephants taking a bath in them are the best crowd-pullers. Driver must keep the senses active as wild animals like gaurs and deer crossing roads is common. Malakkappara village is spotted, once the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border is crossed. Driving past the check post at Tamil Nadu, the surreal silence of the forest engulfs. Dense tropical trees and serene skies. Stop here for a snack with a view.

While on the route, one might want to take halts at the Sholayar Dam and Urulikkal estate, as both offer refreshing views. Drive further up between the tea plantations and villages that smell of cardamom to reach Valparai. At 3500 ft above sea level with manicured greenery and sounds of its rich wildlife, it is often referred to as the ‘seventh heaven’. Note that the climate at this town is a bit harsh than the rest of the journey, often receiving thunderstorms. The obscure yet tranquil hill station in the Anamalai Hills is the biggest attraction here. Its alluring combination of clean air and picturesque sights is bound to entice any traveller.

The town hosts multiple eateries. The restaurants serve authentic Tamil dishes and the local tea stalls offer light snacks. One can have a good south-Indian lunch here and get back on the road and roll out to probably the last of the day’s locations. Drive further up a couple of km through the Vlaparai-Pollachi road and a mighty descend starts here. With 40 hairpins straight down with a view of Aliyar dam and reservoir on the right Valparai to Pollachi is a treat for any driver. One can choose to enjoy the view of this picturesque descend from the first hairpin and head back to Athirappilly or take on the route and end up at Pollachi. Taking this longer way back means driving down with troops of Monkeys, Hornbills, the endangered lion-tailed Macaque, and the most exciting Nilgiri Tahrs, endemic to the region. Visit during the monsoons to soak in the best of these misty mountains.