Athirapilly To Get A New 100-Key SeleQtions Hotel By IHCL

Athirapilly, best known for the dramatic waterfall that plunges through Kerala’s forested landscape, is adding a new hospitality address to its tourism map. Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed a 100-key SeleQtions hotel in the destination, marking the hospitality company’s latest expansion in Kerala. The project will involve the conversion of an existing property as well as an expansion, with the hotel being developed in two phases.

The first phase will comprise the property’s existing 37 operational keys, while the remaining rooms will be added as part of the expansion. Once complete, IHCL SeleQtions Athirapilly will have 100 keys, alongside an all-day dining restaurant, wine and beer lounge and rooftop dining experience. Banquet venues and meeting rooms will cater to social gatherings and business events, while a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa with multiple treatment rooms will add leisure and wellness facilities.

A Stay By The Falls

The location is one of the biggest draws. The hotel will be situated on the banks of the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, adjacent to Athirapilly Falls, Kerala’s largest waterfall. The waterfall drops through the Western Ghats amid thick greenery, making the area one of the state’s better-known destinations for nature-focused getaways.

Athirapilly also works well as part of a wider Kerala itinerary. The destination is within reach of Cochin International Airport and lies along routes connecting Kochi with Munnar. Travellers can therefore combine a stay here with time in Kochi, the hill country around Munnar or other attractions in central Kerala.

For visitors, the appeal of Athirapilly goes beyond the waterfall itself. The surrounding landscape of forests, rivers and smaller cascades gives the destination a distinctly outdoorsy character. The nearby Vazhachal Falls and forested stretches of the Sholayar region can also form part of a longer visit, subject to local access and forest regulations.

What The Hotel Offers

The SeleQtions property is being planned as more than a base for sightseeing. Its dining line-up will include an all-day restaurant, a wine and beer lounge and a rooftop dining space. The combination should give both staying guests and visitors more options for spending time at the property after a day exploring the surrounding area.

The hotel will also have facilities for celebrations, meetings and other gatherings, including banquet venues and meeting rooms. A swimming pool and fitness centre will sit alongside a spa with multiple treatment rooms, giving the property a broader leisure offering.

The partnership is with Kshema Group, a diversified business group with interests including renewable energy, infrastructure and hospitality. For the group, the project marks an expansion of its hospitality interests in a destination that has seen growing visitor interest.

For IHCL, meanwhile, the signing adds another leisure-focused address to its Kerala portfolio. Once the Athirapilly property is included, IHCL will have 25 hotels in the state, including seven under development.

Plan Your Visit

There is currently no announced opening date for IHCL SeleQtions Athirapilly, and the company has not released room rates or opened reservations for the property. Travellers planning a future stay will therefore need to wait for the hotel to announce its booking window and tariff.

For a trip to Athirapilly more generally, the drier months from around October to March are a practical period for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The waterfall is particularly striking during and after the monsoon, when water levels are higher, although heavy rain can affect road and attraction access. Those planning to visit during weekends, festive periods or the post-monsoon season should consider booking accommodation well in advance once reservations open.

The hotel’s proximity to Kochi also makes it convenient to build into a multi-stop itinerary rather than plan a trip solely around Athirapilly. A two- or three-night stay can be combined with Kochi or extended towards Munnar, depending on the rest of the journey.

The Information

Location: Athirapilly, Thrissur district, Kerala

Setting: Banks of the Chalakudy River, adjacent to Athirapilly Falls

Total inventory: 100 keys

First phase: 37 existing operational keys

Dining: All-day dining restaurant, wine and beer lounge, rooftop dining

Nearest major airport: Cochin International Airport

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