conservation efforts. "Any disruption to this fragile ecosystem will spell disaster," says Vijayan. The river provides habitat for 85 species of fresh water fishes. Among these, 35 are endemic species. Tourism The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west in Chalakkudy Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 55 kilometres (34 mi) southwest of the waterfall and 58 kilometres (36 mi) south of City of Thrissur. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakkudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakkudy bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on a state highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, in a thick forest and so night travel is not permitted. The checkpoints at either ends close by 6:30 pm IST prior to which all vehicles have to exit through either checkpoints. The journey from Chalakkudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters . From Angamaly, the route is in the midst of an Oil Palm Reserve at Ezhattumugham tourism village. A steep narrow path or a wide staired path can be taken to the bottom of the falls. The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months (June–September). About 7 million tourists visit the falls and the Vazhachal picnic spot each year. Jungle safari Daily jungle safari trips are organized by Thrissur District Tourism Promotion Council with Athirappilly Destination Management Council from Chalakudy to Malakkappara. Movies Athirappilly falls has been used as a location for several Malayalam films as well as in other regional language films in India The fall is featured in old Malayalam movie Ponnapuram Kotta (1973), specially the song "Valliyoor Kaavile", starring Prem Nasir, Vijayasree. Scenes from the Malayalam movie Vanadevatha (1976) starring Prem Nazir, Madhushala Scenes from the Malayalam movie Anuragi (1988) starring Mohanlal, Urvashi (actress) A major portion of the 1986 Tamil movie Punnagai Mannan was shot near the falls, the falls itself playing a role in it. It made the falls so popular in Tamil Nadu that it got the nickname "Punnagai Mannan Falls". The song "Koyaliya Gati Hai Payaliya Chhankati Hai" from the film "Jungle Love (film)" in 1990 The falls were featured in Mani Ratnam's film Dil Se.., starring Shahrukh Khan, Manisha Koirala, and Preity Zinta,