Thumpurmuzhi Gardens

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens in Athirappally (celebrated across southern India as Thumboormuzhy Dam and Butterfly Safari Park and one of Kerala's most scenic riverfront eco tourism parks, located where the mountain waters of the Chalakudy River split into two major irrigation canals through a massive weir check dam, world famous for its iconic 140 meter-long pedestrian suspension hanging bridge spanning high above the roaring river, outdoor butterfly park hosting over 148 species of native and migratory butterflies, children's riverfront adventure park, landscaped botanical flowerbeds, and direct walking trails connecting into the dense Ezhattumukham Prakriti Gramam pine groves), located along the Chalakudy Athirappally Highway in Athirappally in Kerala, stands as the rainforest corridor's premier family eco park and nature gateway.

Built around the historic Thumboormuzhy Irrigation Weir commissioned in the 1950s, the park has been converted by Kerala Tourism and the Forest Department into a world class natural sanctuary where river engineering harmonizes with botanical biodiversity.

It's the home of the high suspension bridge swaying gently over the foaming Chalakudy River rapids offering panoramic bird's eye views of water curtains spilling over the weir gates, the open air butterfly safari filled with nectar plants and host trees that attract colorful species like the Southern Birdwing (India's second largest butterfly), Malabar Banded Peacock, Paris Peacock, and Common Jezebel, the shaded cobblestone promenades lined with manicured topiaries and flowering bushes, the riverbank bathing ghats where cool shallows allow safe paddling, and an intensely refreshing, cheerful family atmosphere where cool river mist blends with the sweet fragrance of blossoms.

It represents a rich Chalakudy basin irrigation history, butterfly habitat conservation, and riverfront leisure where suspension bridges, butterfly gardens, check dam cascades, and Athirappally eco tourism unite in Thumpurmuzhi Gardens.

Located on State Highway 21 (SH 21), it sits just 14 km west of Athirappally Waterfalls, 16 km east of Chalakudy town and railway station (CKI), 40 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), and 55 km from Thrissur city center, making it the perfect first stop along the Athirappally tourism highway.

The 140 Meter Suspension Bridge & Ezhattumukham Walk

The centerpiece of Thumboormuzhy is the 140 meter steel suspension bridge hanging high above the rocky Chalakudy Riverbed, connecting Thrissur district with Ernakulam district on the opposite bank.

Crossing the bridge leads directly into Ezhattumukham Prakriti Gramam, a tranquil riverside forest grove where seven branches of the Chalakudy River converge.

Truth is, standing in the middle of the suspension bridge while looking down at the white foaming river rapids below is exhilarating.

148 Butterfly Species & The Weir Check Dam

Natural Butterfly Safari: Over 148 species of butterflies breed here naturally due to the ideal tropical microclimate and abundant host plants like Calotropis, Citrus, and Aristolochia.

Thumboormuzhy Weir: The wide masonry check dam diverts water into the Chalakudy River Diversion Scheme, creating a broad, glassy reservoir upstream and foaming rapids downstream.

Athirappally Rainforest & Tourism Circuit

Highway Gateway: Sits just 14 km from Athirappally Waterfalls, 17 km from Charpa Falls, and 19 km from Vazhachal Forest Gardens.

Day Trip Circuit: Connects smoothly with Dreamworld Water Park (8 km), Silver Storm Theme Park (11 km), and Chalakudy town center (16 km).

After exploring the butterfly gardens and hanging bridge at Thumpurmuzhi, visit Athirappally Waterfalls, explore Vazhachal Falls, or tour Athirappally.