Are you planning trips to Wayanad? So Soochipara Falls is a tourist destination that you should never miss. Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Falls, is a three-tiered waterfall located in Vellarimala in Wayanad, India. This waterfall is surrounded by deciduous and evergreen forests. Locally known as Soochipara ("Soochi'' meaning needle and ''Para" meaning rock), the 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Soochipara Falls has views of Wayanad's many tea plantations. Soochipara Falls is 200 meters (656 feet) and provides a cliff top suitable for rock climbing. The water from Soochipara falls then joins the Chulika river or known as the Chaliyar river after the Vellari Hills near Cherambadi in Kerala (Tamil Nadu).
Once people arrive at the parking area and purchase their tickets, you will pass a security check to ensure you are not carrying any plastic. From here, visitors will trek for about 2 km down a good path for 30 minutes to reach the falls. This track can be too tiring to climb back later. Be aware of any plastic items on the way to the falls- trying to make the place eco-friendly, proper disposal of plastic waste will be a big help to the authorities. In summer, the water flow is low, which makes it easier to reach the rocks where the water falls. As the water falling from the falls is a large pool, it is suitable for swimming and bathing. The falls are also called Sentinel Rock Falls as the rocks here are needle-shaped. The waterfall has three tiers, falling from a height of 100-200 feet. It is a place visited by tourists for trekking and rock climbing. If you have to carry plastic items like water bottles, deposit a small amount for each item. The deposit will be refunded if you return with the bottles after exploring the place. The path to the waterfall is beautifully constructed with wooden benches and huts along the way for visitors to rest. The dense forest around you vibrates more, birds fly expectantly, and the steep, bumpy path around you slowly lifts you up, where they say you're about to encounter a sight few have seen before. Your journey comes to an end and you will see a white stream drop headfirst into the sharp granite rocks that greet it like old friends. This is the Sentinel Rock or Soochipara Falls, near Kalpetta on an off route from Meppadi, the trek and the scenery are both stunning. People drive through rugged terrain and walk along natural rocky trails. But they never complain about the end result. Next time you are near Wayanad, don't forget to check out this natural masterpiece on the Kozhikode - Vythiri - Gudalur highway.
Why Soochipara Falls is Special?
Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Falls) is perhaps the most beautiful place located on the outskirts of Wayanad. The milky white water gushing down between the rocks and sticky trees into the rivers is a delight to the eyes. It is a place where exciting activities like swimming, bathing and other recreational activities take place. Walking towards the main pool of the falls, visitors can see tea plantations, rocky cliffs and dense forest. A number of guest houses and homestays are available at the falls that offer a remarkable view of the mountain ranges. Soochipara Falls is the latest fashion in adventure activities as it is an ideal base for trekking and rock climbing. Winter is the best time for sunset photography because the water flow is less heavy. Don't miss the panoramic view of the mountains from the treetop hut. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Kerala and is one of the must visit places as part of Wayanad holiday packages. Lined with beautiful tea plantations, the drive to Soochipara is a beautiful experience in itself against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chembra peak. The forest department is providing accommodation facilities above the trees. The treetop hut offers a spectacular view of the Western Ghats valleys. The falls are mostly dry during summer and are usually closed to visitors from March to June. Above the falls is a small lake called Cheenikund, which can be reached through the forest where wild animals are rarely seen. Climbing to this point is dangerous and under the control of the forest department. This mesmerising beauty is at its best during monsoons, but beware of slippery steps and rocks. This is one of the picnic spots in Wayanad. Considered one of the best places to visit in Wayanad, this waterfall is a mesmerising sight. Visitors will be awestruck by the thickness of the green forest that surrounds them from all sides. It is among the top tourist destinations in Wayanad. Visitors are more likely to catch a glimpse of wildlife such as deer. After reaching the top of a flat hill with a few shops and tourism office parking lots, you need to stop and climb up to the waterfall from there.
It is one of the few waterfalls in India with three tiers. Tourists from all over the world come to Wayanad to see this fall because of its natural beauty and surrounding area. Many tourists like to swim in the pool below the waterfall, while others like to have a quiet picnic with their family.
Best Time to Visit Soochipara Waterfalls
Monsoon is the best time to plan a trip to this natural wonder, as the falls are dry during summer and remain closed for tourists from March to June. Soochipara Falls can be fully experienced during the rainy season and tourists can enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the surrounding hills and valleys. September to March is the best time to visit Soochipara Falls. During the months of August-September, the flow of the falls remains at full capacity. It is not allowed to go near the waterfall during this time. In January the flow recedes and a descent into the falls is permitted. Trekking down during monsoon should be done very carefully. The cliffs near the falls were once a hiking trail. However, the authorities do not allow landslides on the route.
Tips for Visiting Soochipara Waterfalls
Since the waterfall is one of the most eco-friendly places, tourists should not carry plastic bags or any such items that harm the environment. At the entrance of the falls, guards will check whether tourists are carrying any plastic or not. If someone carries water bottles inside, they have to deposit Rs 50 per bottle and collect the tag for it. On return, the tag must be shown and the money will be refunded.Indian Child: ₹55Visitors are not allowed to consume alcohol or any such intoxicant during the trip to the falls.Be sure to follow the guidelines set by the guides there.Food and transportation will be provided to the visitors if the necessary officials are informed ahead of time and additional payment is made for the services.The falls are mostly dry during summer and visitors are not usually allowed during March-June.
Timings
9.00 AM - 5.00 PM
Entry Fee
Per Person: ₹80Camera: ₹50
How to Reach Soochipara Waterfalls
By Air
The nearest airport to the Soochipara Waterfalls is Kozhikode Airport at a distance of about 121 km. You can easily take a cab from the airport to Wayanad or take a bus from the airport (or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Soochipara Waterfalls directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.
Kannur Airport is not far from the Soochipara Waterfalls and is about 99 km away. It is possible to take a cab from the airport (or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Soochipara Waterfalls directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.
By Rail
Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Soochipara Waterfalls, at a distance of about 91 km. The Kozhikode Railhead is well connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as to several regional cities and towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Once your train arrives, you can easily take a cab from there (fares will be higher) or take a bus from the airport (or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Soochipara Waterfalls directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.
By Road
Wayanad is served by various KSRTC buses and private buses from various districts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wayanad is easily accessible by road.
Soochipara Waterfalls - Directions
From Mananthavadi
Soochipara Waterfalls is 53 km from Mananthavady. From Mananthavady you can reach Soochipara Waterfalls via Panamaram - Kalpetta - Meppadi - Kalladi.
From Sultan Bathery
Soochipara Waterfalls is 46 km from Sultan Bathery. From Sultan Bathery you can reach Soochipara Waterfalls via Kolagappara - Ambalavayal - Vaduvanchal - Meppadi - Kalladi.
From Kalpetta
Soochipara Waterfalls is 23 km from Kalpetta. From Kalpetta you can reach Soochipara Falls via Meppadi - Kalladi.
