Chalakudy River or Chalakudy Puzha runs through Chalakudy town which is in the Thrissur District of Kerala state, south India.The river though has its origin in the Anamalai region of Tamilnadu, is actually a collection of some major tributaries originated from Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam. It is the 4th longest river in Kerala and its basin is between 10° 05’ to 10° 35’ North latitude and 76° 15’to 76° 55’ East longitude. This area is located in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts of Kerala. The length of the river is 145.5 km. Chalakudy River is the one of very few rivers of Kerala, which is having relics of riparian vegetation in substantial level. The annual report of the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Lucknow, mentioned that the Chalakudy River is the richest river in fish diversity perhaps in India. The river though has its origin in the Anamalai region of Tamilnadu, is actually a collection of some major tributaries originated from Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam. Chalakkudy Dam is Bulit across this river.The famous waterfalls, Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls, are situated on this river. The famous Hydro Electric Projects on Chalakkudy River are ‘Sholayar Hydro Electric Project’ and ‘Peringalkuttu Hydro Electric Project’.
Location info:
Address: Chalakudy, Thrissur District , kerala, India.
The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January – May) 15º C to 36º C. and Monsoon: (June – October) 26º C to 36º C.
History:
Interesting things to do:
Fishing and Boating are the main attraction here, and also see Chalakkudy Dam(Sholayar) acroos this dam, he famous Hydro Electric Projects on Chalakkudy River are Sholayar Hydro Electric Projectand Peringalkuttu Hydro Electric Project.
Interesting things to Visit:
The Vazhachal waterfalls:The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.Sholayar Dam:Sholayar Dam is situated 20 km from Valparai, a hill station on the Anamalai range in Coimbatore District. It is the second deepest dam in Asia. With its scenic surroundings, the dam is a busy tourist spot in the hidden forest area. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.Vachumaram:Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.Thumpurmuzhi gardens:
Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.Malakapara Tea Gardens:
For the adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife.Charpa Falls:To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Chalakkudy Railway station is the nearest station
Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport Nearest railway and from Kozhikode (Calicut) Airport is 80 km
Road Transport:Take the Cochin Thrisur Highway from Chalakudy Railway Station to reach Vazhachal Falls and You can also reach here by bus from cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore.
Nearest Visiting places:
Peechi Dam:
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.Chowalloor Shiva Temple:Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum.Heritage Garden:Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.Archaeological Museum:The archaeological and art museum at Thrissur has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Located near the Zoo, at a distance of 2 km from the Thrissur town, this museum is a treasure trove of various Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal , megaliths like earthen pots and urns etc.Peechi Dam:Quite near to Thrissur, there is an irrigation project site ‘Peechi Dam’, which is a well-known picnic spot. There are also boating facilities at the reservoir, and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.The Zoo:Its 2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.Shakthan Thampuran Palace:One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the tourists having special interest on history.Vilangakunnu:This place is 7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter):Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time.Christian Divine Retreat Centres:They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi – Thrissur route.Thriprayar Temple:This Temple is located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight.Mummiyur Temple:This is a small temple dedicated to Shiva, whose image is said to have been existing in Guruvayoor, even prior to the installation of the image of Krishna. It is located near the famous Krishna temple.A visit to this shrine is considered mandatory for all those worshipping at the Krishna temple.Chavakkad Beach:Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad beach is an important tourist spot. Chavakkad is famous for Haidross Kuttee, a lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. St Thomas Church at Palayur and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby tourist spots.Parthasarathy:This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha)Anakkaya:
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.Elephant Camp:Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
HP Petrol Pump SH 22, Vasanth Nagar Thrissur Kerala.Thaliyath Petrol Pump Irinjalakuda, Thrissur KeralaPetrol pump Panampilly Nagar Avenue, Panampilly Nagar Ernakulam, Kerala.Prabhus Petrol Pump Kodungallur, Thrissur Kerala.Petrol pump Perumbavoor Aluva Road, Aluva Ernakulam, Kerala.Reliance Petrol Pump NH47, Karayamparambu Angamaly, Ernakulam Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Motel Aaram Athirapally, Vettillappara Chalakudy Thrissur, Pin – 680 721.Hotel Riverrok Villas Athirappilly,kerala.Rain Forest Resort PIV/93A, Kammamkuzhy P.O Athirappilly, Kerala Tel: 0480 2769062.A N Z Hotel 22, 95/2 Puthenveettil House Perumpadanna N Parur Ernakulam, India – 683513.Hotel Hill Park Near Ksrtc Bus Stand, Angamaly Ernakulam, Kerala 680572 Tel: 0484 2452256.Hotel Prestige Opposite Ksrtc Bus Stand, Angamaly Ernakulam, Kerala 680572 Tel: 0484 2452737.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Koratty Police Station NH47, Thrissur, Kerala.Chalakudi Police Station Chalakudi, Thrissur KeralaKalady Police Station Kalady Malayattoor Road Ernakulam, KeralaPolice Station Edappally Ernakulam, Ernakulam Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Hotel Das Continental Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala 0487 2446222Surya Hotels Kap Complex, Aluva Ernakulam, Kerala 680101 0484 2626390Hotel Nalummakal Municipal Bus Stand (west) Kodungallur Thrissur Dt. Kerala, India. Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala Tel:0480 2802222Nedstar Airport Hotel Airport Road, Ernakulam Kerala 680589 Tel: 0484 2475540
