A very popular attraction is Soochipara falls in Wayanad. Its name comes from two words: Soochi, meaning rock, and para, meaning needle. Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad. This waterfall, surrounded by deciduous, evergreen, and Montane Forests, considered being one of the best waterfalls. The drive to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls from Meppadi gives tourists scenic views of some of Wayanad’s best tea estates.
The land of natural beauty in Kerala. There are many waterfalls, hill stations, and mountains in it. There’s one well-kept secret about Kerala, though, and it’s Wayanad. Overshadowed by other popular tourist destinations like Alleppey, Kochi, and Munnar, in God’s own land, Wayanad is an untouched emerald. And Soochippara Falls is one of the major attractions in Wayanad.
This spectacular waterfall is 200 meters high, offering a cliff face perfect for rock climbing. Also, because a wide pool created by water falling from the waterfall, one can enjoy swimming and bathing in it. Later, after hills from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the water falling from Soochipara enters the Chulika River, aka Chaliyar River. It is a location visited by visitors for trekking and rock climbing.
Things to Do In Soochipara Falls
Rock Climbing at Soochipara Falls
A massive rock about 200 m high, The Sentinel is an excellent location for rock climbing. Blessed with an incredible variety of terrain. Surrounded by lush green meadows, The Hills bring more pleasure to climbing rocks. Beautiful tea plantations with a backdrop of Chembra Peak surround the path between Meppadi and Soochipara.
A journey to Soochipara falls is a beautiful experience. From the wood-topped huts provided by the Forest Department, a stunning panoramic view of landscapes and mountains can see. And to give a beautiful view of the Western Ghats, these tree-topped huts strategically placed.
Trekking at Soochipara Falls
One of the best waterfalls in Wayanad is this waterfall. A 20-minute drive to this spectacular waterfall will take you from Meppadi. To reach the falls, tourists have to trek about 2 km from the road. The trek is simple and takes approximately 30 minutes one way. The trail packed with diverse flora and views of many unusual animals such as spotted deer and elephants.
High Diving at Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall with a height of around 200 m. A broad pool created by water falling from 200 m. making it suitable for visitors and travelers to take a dip and relax. After flowing through Vellarimala Hills, Tamil Nadu, the water from the Soochipara Falls joins the Chaliyar River.
Some nearby Visiting Places from Soochipara Falls
Below are some of the best places to visit near Soochipara Falls.
Kanthanpara Waterfall
Kanthanpara Waterfall, between two lush green tea farms, is a mesmerizing attraction. For nature walks, the walking paths leading up to the waterfall are perfect. And the picturesque location makes it great for camping. The attraction’s attractiveness is irresistible and provides a fast escape from the busy lifestyle.
Neelimala Viewpoint
A spectacular view of the lush green natural vegetation and the magnificent Meenmutty waterfalls provided by Neelimala Viewpoint. One will be immediately at ease with the serene environment. And the sounds of the birds chirping among the whispering leaves. A popular activity here is trekking through the thrilling misty trails and soaking in the fresh air to reach the stage.
Chembra Peak
The highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range, Chembra Peak, located close to Meppadi. And just 8 km south of Kalpetta, at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The Chembra Peak provides a panoramic view of not only the entire district of Wayanad. But also a significant portion of the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Nilgiri. The summit, its surrounding lush greenery, and the popular heart-shaped lake make it a paradise to explore by travelers.
Wayanad Heritage Museum
Also known as the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the Wayanad Heritage Museum is an archaeological museum that has an impressive collection of objects belonging to the region’s tribes. It has an intriguing array of 2nd-century objects that tagged as rare. Some of these artifacts date back to the Neolithic period. Include everyday items, decorative items, figurines of terracotta, memorial stones, etc.
There are four parts of this archaeological museum: Deva Smruthi, Gothra Smruthi, Veera Smruthi, and Jeevanamrutha. Each block contains many things that show the simplicity and wisdom and the rustic way of life in the past. The museum brings our country’s history alive uniquely, from stones of primitive wars and tiger hunts to admiring stone idols of the 12th to 16th centuries and belongings of the Wayanad tribe.
Edakkal Caves
The pre-historic Edakkal Caves, famous for their exquisite rock and wall carvings. Two naturally occurring alcoves in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The caves measure 96 and 22 feet and width, respectively, and sit 1200 meters above sea level. Because of its precarious location, to reach the cave entrance. One needs to hike for an hour and a half (around 4000 ft) and another 45 minutes to reach the mouth of the cave. The caves of Edakkal are of historical and geological importance. Because they have carvings that date back to the late Stone Age of the Neolithic period. It’s estimated that the stonework in the cave’s interior is as old as 5000 BC to 1000 BC.
Literally, Edakkal means ‘a stone in-between’ and defines its shape correctly. Between 2 larger ones, a smaller rock wedged to create a natural cave. It is not a cave in the genuine sense of the term. But a natural fissure in the rock which has a heavy boulder on top. The cave has 2 tiers. Via a small opening, the first floor of the cave can explore. Just in front of this is a passage that leads to another gap in the roof this time. You get to the second stage here, which is much larger in scale. Visitors have to cross rough boulders, an iron ladder, and fungi-covered rock walls to explore the caves.
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake has an elegant beauty that captivates tourists and remains surrounded by lush greenery all around. This freshwater lake, in the form of India’s map amid the wooded hills, is one of its kind in Kerala. It’s known that a species of cyprinid fish known as Pethia Pookodensis occurs only in Pookode Lake. The lake also has a range of large numbers of blue lotus and other freshwater fishes present.
It looks unreal because of the appearance of dispersed blue water lilies in the lake. Thick bushes and tall trees cover the path leading up to Pookode Lake, adding even more charm to the location. The South Wayanad Forest Division is in charge of the lake and managed by the Council for the Promotion of District Tourism.
This Lake is a natural freshwater lake snuggled in the evergreen forests and wooded hills, about 2 km away from Vythiri. Pookode Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Wayanad, also known as Pookot Lake. The lake, accessible by motorway, is a great place to go out, particularly with family and loved ones. People love boating, seeing the freshwater aquarium, shopping for crafts, and just wandering about, aside from the natural view.
The Panamaram River originates from Pookot Lake, which is one of the major branches of the Kabini River, and then enters the Panamaram Valley. Lake Pookode falls on the way back to Vythiri from Lakkidi. It’s located 3 km from the valley-view area and 2 km from Vythiri. By renting a car, bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi, you can enter the lake quickly.
Chain Tree
Chain Tree is a common Ficus, which associated with many myths. The road up constructed by a foreign engineer, according to one legend. But the path offered to him by a local tribal youth who shot by the engineer to death.
His spirit said to have stuck to the tree, causing several hairpin curve incidents. Another story shows that the Adivasi Mahouts brought them to the top of the mountains when the British first came to Wayanad. They did not want the Mahouts to go back and get the Portuguese, as the Portuguese were close behind them. Thus the Mahout, whose spirit lived in the region causing incidents killed. The spirit later tied to the tree by a local priest with a chain over it.
Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi Viewpoint is a high elevation that provides a view of the city from the bird’s-eye. The area remains mostly misty and provides a stunning view of the hairpin turns down the hill. Situated 32 kilometers from Wayanad, at an elevation of 700 mts. An experience is the excitement of driving up to the stage. To get the best vistas, one should visit Lakkidi View Point for sunrise and sunset. The viewpoint is also a popular picnic spot, also referred to as the “gateway to Wayanad”.
The best time to schedule a trip to the wonder of this nature is during the monsoon season. Because the waterfall is dry during the summers and closed from March to June for visitors. During the monsoon season, Soochipara Falls can experience to its fullest. And visitors can enjoy seeing the rich flora, fauna, hills, and valleys that surround it.
By either hiring a cab that will drop you at the waterfall entry point or taking the public bus to a point near the waterfall, you can hit the waterfalls. You can drive all the way to the waterfall. However, since the roads not well maintained, no public transport permitted until the waterfalls. So reaching the destination, you need to walk or trek for about 2 kilometers from there.
Best Time to Visit Soochipara Falls
The rainy season is the best time to visit Soochipara Falls. During the rainy season, you can see a considerable volume of water. During the hot season, the waterfall often dry and is usually closed to visitors from March till June. The fee for entry is Rs. 50.
How To Reach Soochipara Falls?
Option 1 By Air
Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, situated approximately 65 km from Wayanad</a>. Local cabs or buses may be available to travel to Wayanad upon arrival at the airport.
Option 2 By train
Kozhikode is the nearest railway station to Wayanad. By train, Wayanad not linked. Kozhikode railway station, however, well connected to major towns in India.
Option 3 By road
Access to Wayanad from various parts of South India and India provided by a wide range of roadways. To meet Soochipara Falls, you can hire a taxi. And a 30-minute trek will take you to the Falls once you reach Soochipara falls.
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