Athirapally,Vazhachaal revisited-July 30
2012
We had visited
Athirapally and Vazhachaal waterfalls in 2004.The bridge linking Vettilapara
and Athira
Athirapally,Vazhachaal revisited-July
30 2012
pally had not been completed then and as such we had to
cross the river by jankar.But we made our journey by car via Chalakkudy
covering around 74 km.But this time we
travelled by car from Perumbavoor via Kalady,Manjapra,KPC’s (Kerala Plantation
Corporation )Kallala and Vettilapara estates,Vettilapara bridge,Silverstorm
junction ,Athirapally and then Vazhachaal.The total distance is only 46km upto
Vazhachaal,against the 74 km along the Chalakkudy route.
We four started
from Perumbavoor by 9.30 am after breakfast.We had 3 bottles of fresh water,
some snacks and fruits, 2 towels and 2 hand cameras.From kalady junction we
turned to the right and from the policestation to the left.The road leads to
Manjapra via Manlckamangalam and Chandrapura. There is very good road upto
Manjapra.We turned to the right and drove via Ayyampuzha,Kollakkode etc to
reach the KPC area.Here the entire land is owned by the Kerala Plantation
Corporation ,The road is somewhat narrow but reasonably well maintained.The
drive along this stretch of the journey is really enjoyable and
evermemmorable.There are alternating oilpalm,rubber and Teak plantations on
both sides of the road.There are narrow water streams flowing amidst these
vegetations.In many places we found herds of cattle eating grass in the estates .In several pockets we could
see the long shedlike buildings constructed for the KPC labourers.In the
central part of the estate is the KPC’s High School in Vettilapara.A few buses
( both private and KSRTC ) operate services through the estate from
Aluva,Angamaly and Kalady.The oilpalm trees are the most beautiful sights.Here
and there we could see ripe oilpalm kernels being heaped together for
transportation to the processing cetres.As we drove very slowly we reached the Vettilapara bridge
by 11 am only.But it was a very pleasant and unforgetable journey. After
spending some time over the bridge we reached the Sliverstorm Water theme park
junction.We turned to the right and went straight to reach the Athirapally car
parking area by 11 45 am.There were plenty of domestic tourists and a few
foreigners.We saw several batches of monkeys both old and young to receive the
visitors.But they were not at all troublesome as in some other places.Put
together in Athirapally and Vazhachaal,there should be several thousands of
monkeys.They walk majestically along and across the road,climb on the tall
trees and sit on the rooftops and roadside
walls.While we were watching the rushing river water we found on the other bank
of the river a few wild dogs catching a small monkey and killing it.Though we
could see that only vaguely the monkeys near us saw it clearly.There was a
commotion with loud screaming from several of their groups far and near.The
protest show continued for about 15 minutes and gradually died out.
The water falls
that drop to the valley form mainly 4 streams in Athirapally.The water gets
scattered by the several layers of rocks on the sides and present a wonderful
sight.Later on our way back,we watched the falls from the rain forest hotel
compound which was the closest and best sight of the waterfalls.
By 1’o clock we
left for Vazhachaal which was 5 km away.On this journey we saw the Charpa water
falls which is midway between Athirapally and Vazhachaal.Here we find the water
from the mountain top rushing down into the base which is much below the bridge
from which we watch the waterfalls.We reached Vazhachaal by 1.30pm and spent
about an hour there.The river flows in it’s entire breadth as a water fall
flowig down in several layers reaching the Athirapally area.On the other side
of the river we see high mountains with thick forests stretching to the
TamilNadu border.The tickets bought in Athirapally is valid for Vazachaal also.No
separate charge is realized here.To some extent we felt this duo is better than
Munnar.On our return we had lunch from the KTDC hotel in Athirapally.Many of
the items in the menu card were not available.We had to be satisfied with
Veg.fried rice.
The return drive was also along the same route and it took 1
1/2 hours to reach Perumbavoor.We felt happy that our second visit to the same
place gave us a new experience .We do recommend a family visit to this destination
by all who can afford.
