Athirappilly falls Kerala

Friendships are born in a million different ways, and all good friends strive to achieve the same goal: to be a source of love and support.

There are friends, family and friends who become family. Jiji John, as I know her, is one such friend of mine. Our friendship dates back to 35 years ago, when we were in high school. Jiji and her younger sister Viji would travel with us in the long train ride to Tambaram. My sister and me would alight the train at Guindy station and sit next to the John sisters. We would reach school happily chatting and holding hands. Thanks to social media we reconnected 5 years ago. It was so easy to pick up the threads of conversation. There were no awkward silences or hesitation. We spoke of our school days with fond memories. Now both of us were mothers with adult children.

As a yearly ritual I take a trip to one of my favorite pilgrimage spots - Guruvayoor temple. Every year I would alight at Kochi airport, cab it to Guruvayoor temple, stay at the lodge and finish my darshan. When Jiji knew I travelled to the temple via Trichur, she was quite firm that I should stay with her and I could travel to Guruvayoor from her home. Since then, that's become the trend. Every time I stay with her, Jiji's family becomes my own. Her mother prepares tasty savories and Jiji and I spend time together- shopping, singing and talking. This year, I had an extra day at Trichur. Jiji gave me a big surprise by organizing a family picnic trip to Athirapally falls.

Located 60 km from the Thrissur district of Kerala, Athirapally Falls is a marvellous cascade of frothy waters that makes its way from the mountains of the Western Ghats. This 80 ft high and 330 ft wide marvel is the largest waterfall in Kerala . From here, the Athirapally falls flows through the verdant greenery of Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. The falls is set in the backdrop of emerald green jungle and azure sky. 

We set off from home after a hearty breakfast and a basket full of goodies for the road. Jiji and I decided to twin that day with similar clothes. We had to pick up Viji on our way for the road trip. Seeing us twinning our clothes, she got into her usual enthusiastic self and decided to change to something similar. With great excitement and squeals of happiness we posed for pics. 

 Jacob.. Jiji's son,  ably managing the wheels, we happily started our trip to the waterfalls.  Andrea kept us busy with her cheerful chatter. Soon we had left the highway traffic and were in the road leading us to the falls. The mountain road was  gentle with green thick forest on both sides of the road. We drove through the winding roads, surrounded by plantation on both sides. The air was cooler and the chirping of birds were music to the ears. Stopping by a lay road, we devoured the sweet payasam carefully prepared by aunty and neatly packed by Jiji. Taking the opportunity of empty roads on both sides, we walked in the centre of the road enjoying the thrill of running for cover when any vehicle passed by.

Jacob who was a frequent traveller had a good knowhow of the scenic spots on the way. We stopped by a nearby clearing where the water was shallow. Walking through a small clearing we reached the river bank. There were many rock pools in the river. Stepping gingerly into the cool water we wet our feet. Spending few moments in reflection we watched the gentle flow of water flow by.

Continuing our journey we reached the top of the waterfalls. We had to walk through thick bamboo clusters to reach the falls. Reaching the edge of the paved path we were greeted by the majestic silver falls. It was gushing and rushing down the mountains. There was a path to reach the bottom of the waterfall, we decided to skip the walk down. I was astonished to see the plastic free zone was very well maintained.

A short distance away was the Vazahal waterfall. Parking our car we entered the Vazahal garden. There were sitting arrangements in the garden . The garden was full of monkeys. Sitting by the benches we got some wonderful view of the waterfalls. Here the water cascaded through rocks that seemed like steps. The sublime beauty of nature around the area was compelling us take deep breaths and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Road  trips are magical as they are so prone to serendipity and the discovery of unexpected gems. The road trip to Athirapally falls proved a real bonanza in this context as we came across one such gem.   Thumboormuzhy River Garden we visited on our return to Trichur. We almost passed by the garden before Andrea pointed out the beautiful bridge structure.

Backing our vehicle deftly Jacob, drove us to this garden. The garden was beautiful. The highlight of the place was the walk on the bridge. The view of the Chalakudy river from both sides of the bridge was stunning. The hanging bridge sways a little as we walk across the bridge.

We returned home tired and happy with many a sweet memories of our day trip. A good friend is a connection to your past, and a road to your future. To my dearest Jiji.. my school friend. Wishing for many more such trips with you in the future.