Forest road rules
- Checkposts near Malakkappara and Vazhachal/Vettilappara operate in daylight only; vehicles must clear them within the allowed hours.
- No stopping in elephant areas, no feeding animals and no single-use plastic — forest staff inspect vehicles.
- The road can close after heavy rain or landslides; we check status the evening before.
Trip options
- One-way drop: Valparai → Athirappilly → Chalakudy railway station or Kochi airport.
- Day return: out in the morning, back before the checkposts close — a long but beautiful day.
- Package: see the Valparai Athirappilly package.









