Friday, January 20, 2012

Peechi Dam

Peechi Dam


The beautiful picnic spot, Peechi dam is located in Peechi village, 23 km away from Thrissur. The dam is built across the Manali river and the area comprises of nearly 3200 acres of land with botanical gardens and fountains. The prime purpose of the reservoir is to provide irrigation and drinking water supply to Thrissur city. There is a facility for boating in the reservoir amidst picturesque surroundings and the area is surrounded by tea and eucalyptus.

Vazhachal

Vazhachal



Located a few kms away from Athirapally, is another picturesque waterfall named Vazhachal. This waterfall is close to dense green forests and is also part of the Chalakkudi river. The medicinal herb garden near the waterfall may also attract the visitors. Vazhachal is around 68 km away from Thrissur and approximately 3 km from Athirapally.  
There is an entry ticket for visitors who wish to get a closer view of this waterfall.
Visiting Time: 7.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.




A visual treat of nature.. Athirappilly - Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls in Kerala. Located east of Chalakudy in Thrissur district near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges (Kerala's famed rain forests), Athirappilly is 63 km, and Vazhachal, 68 km away from Thrissur. The falls are a part of the Chalakudy river stream which flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The forest division has 5 territorial ranges viz., Athirappilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar.
Vazhachal, the marvelous wonder in thick forests just a drive away from Athirampilly, is a part of theChalakudy river stream. The area is surrounded by protected forests and provides a breath taking view. The river originates from the Aanamudi mountain and flows through the Vazhachal Forest Division. The river which initially flows smoothly through the forest ranges changes its form and surprisingly narrows itself to a mere 10 m width when it reaches the Ittyani mountain range and continues the same way for about half a kilometre till it reaches the end of the Ittyani rock. Then the river turns furious, widens to about 400 mts and charges forward and till it reaches Athirapilly. Here, after its long winding course, the water is separated by big rocks, which is usually covered up during very heavy rainy season, and cascades down through three paths. This leap of about 150 feet over the sand-stone cliff gives the viewers a mind blowing and fantastic experience. The water falling from above charges again furiously about 1km till it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms down and flows smoothly and is blocked by the dam at Imburmuzhi. The dam under the Chalakudy irrigation project irrigates about 35,000 acres of agricultural land. There is a beautiful garden adjacent to the dam.


Anakkayam

Anakkayam


Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar- Peringalkuthu route. The place is famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. It is said that a group of elephants drowned in the deep lake and hence the place derived the name 'Aanakkayam' (Elephant crevice). The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams. October to March is the best time to visit the place.