Malakkappara: The Hidden Wonder of the Hills
Such is the topography of the Western Ghats that there will be no shortage of hill stations. Some like Munnar, stand out like diamonds in the rough, some will turn out to be hidden gems. Malakkappara is one such gem.
It is a picturesque tea town located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, bordering neighboring Tamil Nadu. It is also on the way to Athirapally when coming from the general direction of the Sholayar forest.
Apart from the sightseeing opportunities, there will be tons of things to do in Malakkappara as the low footfalls of tourists give ample opportunity to do so.
Coming back to the forest route, you can just book a ticket in a KSRTC bus and go for a one-day trip. There is a regular bus-route that, but KSRTC operates a special bus service on holidays due to increasing tourism in Malakkapara.
It operates from the Chalakudy KSRTC bus depot, starting from 7:30 AM and you can be back by 7:30 PM. You can do on the spot bookings but it is prudent to book in advance. It has stops at Athirappilly viewpoint, Charpa waterfalls viewpoint, Peringalkuthu dam reservoir viewpoint, Anakkayam Sholayar dam, Nellikunnu viewpoint and Malakkappara tea estate.
That being said, the trip is worth it. Without further ado we will further explore the wonders of Malakkappara.
Thrilling Activities at Malakkappara
So what are the thrilling activities in store at Malakkapara. Let’s have a look:
Trekking
- Malakkappara has no shortage of scenic trekking routes that cut through tea and spice plantations.
- The ambience is just too good for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts who would not want to miss out on the fresh mountain air.
- Be sure to pack on some sturdy trekking boots to navigate through all those twists and turns, but that is what makes the adventure itself a great one.
Jungle Safari
The hill station has the following wildlife:
- Elephants
- Deer
- Wild buffalo
- Rare species like the
- Indian Leopard, gaur and lion-tailed macaque.
The rare species are hard to spot at times, but who knows! You may get lucky. That being said, you can still spot other species in the list easily.
Bird Watching
Many species of birds can be found in Malakkappara. Some of the well known species are:
- The Indian Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Great Hornbill
- Black Eagles
Be sure to take photos with intense flash as you might disturb them in their nesting grounds.
Sholayar Dam
Located some 6 kms from Malakkappara, the surrounding forests near it is full of wildlife that accentuates the greenery further.
One can easily reach there by hiring local taxis. The upper part of Sholayar Dam is in Tamil Nadu while the lower portion is accessible in Kerala
Thumboormuzhy Hanging Bridge
The hanging bridge offers superb views of the river and the surrounding environs. Just over 65 kms from the hill station, its panoramic views offer plenty of photography opportunities, while the Chalakudy river is perfect for relaxation.
Thumboormuzhy Butterfly Garden
Just a few kilometers from the hanging bridge, is the butterfly garden which is home to 140 species of butterflies.
It is a must-see for aficionados who would like to observe butterflies in their original environment.
Valparai
Just over 27.5 kms away is Valparai, a hidden gem in the hills known for its tea estates and pleasant climate.
If you decide to go on a road trip then the route between Valparai and Malakkappara is quite scenic to begin with. Valparai has a lot to offer in terms of adventure, perhaps even more than Malakkappara. If you want to know more on what Valparai offers then be sure to visit the linked article.
Silver Storm Water Theme Park
As an icing on the cake of your proverbial adventure, you can end the journey with a visit to the Silver Storm Water Theme Park, located near the Athirapally waterfalls. It offers a variety of water rides, pools and even an indoor snow park – Snow Storm.
Snow Storm is the first indoor snow park in India and offers a unique winter experience. A scenic drive away, it is the perfect end to your adventure through Malakkappara.
What to Expect at Silver Storm?
Now that we are on the topic of Silver Storm, it would be fair to give you a head up and what to expect there:
- Part take in thrilling land rides such as sky jet and pirate jet while the water rides have some exciting attractions like the Harakiri, Master Blaster and the pedal boat in case you decide to take a break from your adrenaline rush.
- To cool off well in the summer, there is the Snow Storm where you can witness the winds of winter first hand in Kerala.
- You may want to try out all the rides and attractions at Silver Storm, but you may not get all the time to do so. Which is why Silver Storm has its own resort within its premises if you plan on an overnight stay.
A Day Trip from Malakkappara To Silver Storm
A scenic trip from Malakkappara to Silver Storm should definitely be on your itinerary, just for the sole reason that it offers a healthy mix of breathtaking landscapes and a sense of adventure.
So what does a day trip from Malakkappara to Silver Storm look like? Let’s find out.
- Your day will begin with a morning drive through winding tea estates that will be covered in morning dew. Once you are through the lush green landscape, you will be making a pit stop at the Sholayar forest reserve for an impromptu jungle safari. A little bit beyond will be the Sholayar Dam where stunning views will be yours to add to your bucket list of “incredible places to visit before 40” or something of that sort.
- It is afternoon and considering that there won’t be any unscheduled stops, you will reach the Athirappilly waterfalls. Its cascading waters have earned it the moniker of “Kerala’s Niagara falls”.
- Now is the proverbial icing on the cake – the Silver Storm Water Theme Park. It is just a few kilometers away from the Athirappilly Waterfalls. Enjoy the myriad selections of water and adventure rides that are a thrill for age groups. In case you are feeling hungry, the in-house cafeteria will keep you refreshed throughout the day.
- As the sun sets in the evening, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Malakkappara,reminiscing about the day’s adventures while sipping on some freshly brewed tea available from the myriad of tea stalls that line the road.
Planning in Advance
The best time to visit Malakkappara is during October to January when the weather will be pleasant enough. You can also visit Silver Storm at this time just plan in advance like booking tickets online.
- The park opens at 10 AM so you can also avoid the long que
- Bring in clothes with Nylon if you are planning to get into the wet rides at Silver Storm
- For Snow Storm bring in warm jackets. Although jackets will be provided it is advisable to carry some on your own.
Conclusion
Despite its relative size and remoteness, Malakkappara offers so much in terms of natural beauty and is a paradise for nature lovers who want to enjoy a quiet getaway from the daily grind. The Sholayar Dam, the Butterfly Garden and Silver Storm Amusement Park among others.
Put on your adventure boots and get on a journey to remember for a lifetime.
FAQs
Malakkappara is famous for its natural beauty, lush green tea plantations, forests teeming with wildlife and unique species of birds.
Some of the key attractions in Malakkappara include:
- Birdwatching
- Butterfly Garden
- Thumboormuzhy Hanging Bridge
- Trekking
It is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
KSRTC bus services are available between Malakkappara and Valparai at regular schedules.
The timings are:
7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:20 PM, and 5:10 PM
Frequent buses operate between Malakkappara and Athirapally. Timings may vary but services usually begin from 8:30 AM. You can check with the local bus depot for the exact timings.