State Highway 21 (Kerala)
# State Highway 21 (Kerala)

State Highway 21 (SH 21) or Chalakkudy-Malakkappara Road is a State Highway in Kerala, India that starts in Chalakudy and ends at the state boundary with Tamil Nadu at Malakkappara. The road where its majority of portion passes through Sholayar reservoir is 86.0 kilometres (53.4 mi) long. It passes through one of the most picturesque rainforests and is often described as one of the best scenic routes in India. The Athirappilly falls and Vazhachal falls are located on this route. It connects with Valparai-Pollachi Road in Tamil Nadu.

## Route description

The road begins from Chalakudy in Thrissur district where it meets the NH 544. It then enters the Athirappilly stretch, goes through Vettilapara and reaches Athirappilly Water Falls. It then goes to the Vazhachal-Malakkappara strech from a forest checkpost located at Vazhachal, 4 km from Athirappilly. From here, the vehicles are allowed only from 6 am to 6 pm (6 am - 4 pm for two wheelers). The road then reaches the Malakkappara checkpost near the Tamil Nadu border. It ends near Malakkappara and the Valparai-Pollachi road starts a few distance from there.

The Vazhachal-Malakkappara strech is situated on the banks of the Chalakudy river. The area is covered with thick forest and unauthorised entry into the forest is prohibited and punishable as per Kerala Wildlife Protection Act. Charpa waterfalls viewpoint, Peringalkuthu dam reservoir viewpoint, Anakkayam bridge, Sholayar hydro power station and Nellikunnu viewpoint are located on this stretch. The human habitation on the area is limited to some isolated tribal hamlets.

