Soochipara Falls also called Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad, India. The name has been derived from two wordsSoochi” means “Needle” and “Para” means “Rock”. Surrounded by deciduous, evergreen and montane forests, the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is 200 metres and offers a cliff face that is used for rock climbing”. The drive from Grassroots Wayanad, our resort in Wayanad to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls has views of a number of tea estates in Wayanad. The water from Soochipara Falls joins Chulika River which is popularly known as Chaliyar River after Velarimala Hills in Kerala.
Best time to Visit:
The best time to plan a trip to this beautiful waterfall is during the monsoon because the waterfall is mostly dry during the summer months and closed for travellers from March to June. The Soochipara Falls can be experienced to its fullest during the monsoon season and tourists can be seen enjoying the rich flora, fauna, the hills and valleys surrounding it.
Things to take care of at the Soochipara Falls:
- Since the waterfall is amongst one the most eco-friendly spots, travellers should not be carrying plastic bags or anything that messes up the surroundings. At the entry point of the waterfall, guards check if you are carrying any plastic with you or not. In case somebody is carrying water bottles inside, you need to deposit INR 50 per bottle and collect the tag for it. While returning, the tag needs to be shown and the money will be refunded.
- The visitors are not allowed to carry alcohol or any such substance during their trip to the waterfalls.
- Follow the rules and guidelines set by the guides there.
- The visitors will be provided with meals and transportation as well if the required personnel are informed before time and are paid extra for the services.
Reaching the waterfall:
You can reach the waterfalls by either hiring a cab which will drop you at the entry point of the waterfalls and then you have to walk for more about 1.5 km. There are about 50-70 stairs which need to be climbed to reach the waterfall. Trekking is easy and takes about 30 minutes one way.
You can also drive all the way to the waterfall. Since the roads are not well-maintained, no public transport is allowed till the entry point of the waterfalls.
If you are visiting Soochipara Falls, there are some beautiful places nearby that you must visit.
Chembra: Chembra Peak is a mountain near the Soochipara falls, with an elevation of 2,100 m above sea level. It is the highest peak in the Wayanad hills and is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, adjoining the Nilgiri Hills and Vellarimala, which is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, near the town of Meppadi and 8 km south of Kalpetta.
Edakkal Caves: These are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India’s Western Ghats 1,200 m above sea level.
Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasura Sagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979. It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. The dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.
Phantom Rock is a natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull and therefore is known as Phantom Rock.
Wayanad Heritage Museum, also known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is a museum at Ambalavayal. It has one of Kerala’s largest collections of remnants, dating back to the second century. The museum houses various interesting artefacts revealing the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region.
Wayanad is a perfect weekend getaway. There are many places you can explore while staying at Grassroots, our resort in Wayanad. There are many trekking destinations, waterfalls, temples, and lakes that you can visit.
