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Nestled amidst lush greenery and dense forests, Chethalayam Waterfalls in Kidanganad is a serene and tranquil escape. Cascading from a height of approximately 100 feet, this lesser-known waterfall is seasonal and relatively smaller compared to most others in Wayanad. The water is crystal clear and tends to dry up during summer. It is a lovely place to visit, especially for hiking enthusiasts.
Quick Details About Chethalayam Waterfalls, Kidanganad
Height of the Falls: 100 ft (in three tiers)
Where to stay: Sulthan Bathery, 13 km from the falls
Where to eat: Eateries at Sultan Bathery
Best time to visit Chethalayam Waterfalls: September to February
Chethalayam Waterfalls Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
Location
Photo: Rasel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This small but mesmerising waterfall is located in Kidanganad, on the road to Pulpally from Sulthan Bathery. Away from the bustling towns and cities, it is a very peaceful spot to relax amidst nature. The entry point is around four kilometres away from the waterfall. You can park your vehicle there and then hike through the small road for about two kilometres. On the way comes a small tribal village and then the deep forest starts, after which you’ll have to walk for 30 minutes more before you reach the Chethalayam Waterfalls.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kottayam
How To reach
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You can reach the Chethalayam Waterfalls by road, railway, and air.
By Road: If you’re driving, follow the scenic route from Sulthan Bathery to Pulpally. There is a parking area at the entry point of the hike. The nearest bus stand is 4 km away in Kidanganad, and you can hike up or hire a taxi to reach the entry point.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station to the Chethalayam Waterfalls is in Kozhikode which is 106 km away. From there, you can get many direct buses to Sulthan Bathery.
By Air: The closest airport to the Chethalayam Waterfalls is the Calicut International Airport, located approximately 111 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or pre-booked cab from the airport to reach Kidanganad, which is the starting point for the hike to the waterfalls.
Things To Do
You can enjoy the picturesque beauty around the Chethalayam Waterfalls by taking the long hike to the waterfall, which provides great opportunities for bird watching and photography.
1. Trekking
Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For adventurous explorers, the long hike to the waterfall will be the best part of exploring the area. Accessible by walking for about four kilometres in the lush wilderness, Chethalayam Waterfalls is an ideal spot for nature lovers. The woods are thick with plenty of birds and butterflies, and you may also spot some wildlife such as sloth bear, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, and elephants.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Bekal
2. Photography
Photo: Sanket Mishra / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The falls are a great spot for nature photographers who wish to capture the serene beauty of the Chethalayam Waterfalls hidden amidst the lush greenery.
3. Picnicking
Photo: Deepak Sudarsan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the gentle breeze while being surrounded by nature’s beauty. Explore the surrounding forest and breathe in the pure air which will rejuvenate your spirits.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Kerala
4. Bird Watching
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chethalayam’s peaceful ambience provides an ideal setting for bird watching and has many vIntage points for spotting the birds. So, keep your eyes peeled for colourful avian visitors!
Places To Visit Around Chethalayam Waterfalls
1. Ancient Jain Temple
Photo: Joseph Lazer / Wikimedia Commons
Soak in the ancient vibes and appreciate the unique architecture of the Ancient Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad. The temple is a fascinating historical site whose structure is made entirely of granite and features intricately carved square pillars. It is believed to have been built around the 13th century, and the architecture of the temple has a strong resemblance to that of the structures built by the then-reigning Vijayanagar Dynasty. The temple is now owned by the Archaeological Survey of India and is open for Jains only during Mahavir Jayanti
Things to do: Photography, explore the architecture, history, and belief system
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Ernakulam
2. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Aswini6 / Wikimedia Commons
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located at Ambukuthi Mala (Ambukuthi Mountain) at Edakkal. They lie in the Western Ghats Mountain in a vintage trade path connecting Mysore to Malabar ports. The caves remain a wonder and a mystery for archaeologists and historians alike. It is the only known place for stone-age carvings in South India, with some depictions estimated to be as old as 7000 years. Ancient inscriptions including a Tamil Brahmi script have also been found here.
Things to do: Trekking, photography, exploring ancient art and history
3. Neelimala Viewpoint
Photo: Kkraj08 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A jeep takes you through the forests to the trek starting point, from where a guide accompanies you up the hill. It is a short but moderately difficult trek, and the view from the top is unbeatable. As you hike through the lush green forests and plantations, the chirping of small birds and the refreshing aroma from the coffee and tea plantations give you company the entire way. As soon as you reach the viewpoint, the whole setting changes, and the mighty Western Ghats appear.
Things to do: Trekking, jeep rides, photography, bird-watching
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Sulthan Bathery
4. Soochippara Falls
Photo: Yjenith / Wikimedia Commons
Soochipara Waterfalls (also known as Sentinel Rock Falls) is a three-tiered waterfall located in the Vellarimala hills. It is a captivating sight to watch as the water cascades down the rocks from a total height of 200 metres. The falls are one of the most photogenic spots in Wayanad, especially during the rainy season. The steep hills surrounding it provide the perfect terrain for trekking and rock climbing. A natural pool is formed at the base of the falls, which is a perfect spot to take a dip and enjoy amidst the lush green, deciduous forests.
Things to do: Trekking, swimming, rock climbing, photography, picnicking
5. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Declared a sanctuary in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Project Elephant. The tourists are restricted to the outer zone of the sanctuary; only the ones given permission beforehand can enter the inner area. Only researchers and wardens are allowed to go to the inner zone. In addition to the herds of elephants and deer, the diverse and bustling animal life of the region includes tigers, panthers, langurs, bonnet macaques, gaur, sambar, and sloth bears. A wide variety of reptiles, including snakes, chameleons, flying lizards, and turtles, are also found here, along with some 216 species of birds and 30 species of amphibians.
Things to do: Trekking, wildlife encounters, bird watching, nature photography
Suggested Read: Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Other Factors To Consider
Average Cost of the Trip
Chethalayam is budget-friendly, making it affordable to all. There is no entry fee to the waterfalls, but there might be some charges while visiting other places.
Tips for Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
- Be mindful that the waterfall is seasonal and is in its complete glory during monsoon.
- Carry water and snacks.
- Respect the natural environment, and do not litter.
Chethalayam Waterfalls are one of the hidden gems of Wayanad, which adds to the charm of the place. With no crowd or traffic, you can unwind and connect with nature in peace. The crystal clear waters of Chethalayam Waterfalls invite you to create some beautiful and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and embark on this unforgettable journey with TripXL. We assure you this will be a trip to remember!
Cover Photo: Yogendra Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
