Soochipara waterfalls alias Sentinel Rock waterfalls, is located at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala. It is around 25 min drive from Meppady town in Wayanad. The winding roads amidst tea plantations and natural forests will take you to this astonishingly beautiful waterfall. Surrounded by thick forests and falling from about 100-300 ft height, this three-pronged waterfall provides the right ambiance for trekking. The trekking trail to Soochipara falls is almost 1 km downwards, which could be a little hard for elderly people even though steps are made. Soochipara means needle-like-rock in local language and as the name suggests, water falls on needle like sharp spikes of the rocks at the base. The natural pool created below the falls allures the visitors with cool lucid water to take a dip in it. Also, there is a small lake called Cheenikkund on the top of the fall and can reach there through forest where wild animals can be seen rarely. Climbing up to this stage is rather risky and being restricted by Forest Department. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins Chulika River or popularly known as Chaliyar River after Vellarimala Hills near Cherambadi (Tamil Nadu).
This mesmerizing beauty would be at its fullest glory during monsoon season but one has to be careful about slippery steps and rocks. It is one of the ‘do not miss picnic spots’ in Wayanad. Click Wayanad Destinations to see the complete details of Wayanad Tourist Places.
Entry Fee at Soochipara Waterfalls:
Adults : Rs 50
Students/Children : Rs 25
Foreigners : Rs 90
Still Camera : Rs 40
Timings of Soochipara Waterfalls:
Soochipara Waterfalls is open throughout the week from 0800 h to 1730 h.
Entry is generally closed by 1700 h.
Best time to visit Soochipara Waterfalls:
September to March is the best time to visit Soochipara falls. During August -September the flow in the falls is in full swing. Towards January the flow retards. During Monsoon the trekking down needs to be very careful.
Places to Visit near Soochipara Waterfalls:
Chembra peak, Kathanpara waterfalls, Pookot Lake, Lekkidi view point and Chain Tree are the tourist attractions near Soochipara.
Calicut to Soochipara Wayanad Route: Calicut-Thamarassery-Vythiri. Further, reaching Chundale, take right turn to Meppadi. From Meppadi, Soochipara is 6 km. Calicut to Soochipara Waterfalls distance is 90 km, covered in 2 h 30 min.
Bangalore to Soochipara Falls Route: Bangalore-Mysore- Sulthan Bathery- Ambalavayal-Vaduvanchal-Meppadi- Soochipara. Bangalore to Soochipara Waterfalls distance is 294 km, covered in 6 h 10 min.
Mysore to Soochipara Route: Mysore- Sulthan Bathery- Ambalavayal-Vaduvanchal-Meppadi- Soochipara. Mysore to Soochipara Wayanad distance is 153 km, covered in 3 h 40 min.
Ooty to Soochipara Route: Ooty-Gudallur- Vaduvanchal(on Calicut road)-Meppadi- Soochipara. Ooty to Soochipara Falls distance is 119 km, covered in 3 h 20 min.
The nearest Railway Station to Soochipara Waterfalls is Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), known as Calicut (CLT). Calicut Railway Station to Soochipara Wayanad distance is 90 km, covered in 2 h 35 min.
Mysore Railway Station to Soochipara falls is 155 km, covered in 3 h 45 min.
The nearest airport to Soochipara Falls is at Kozhikode (Calicut), known as Karipur International Airport (CCJ) at 102 km covered in 2h 55min.
Bangalore Airport to Soochipara Falls distance is 337 km, covered in 6 h 40 m. It is presently known as Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
How to Reach Soochipara Waterfalls within Wayanad:
Soochipara Falls is located near Meppadi.
From Kalpetta Town : Kalpetta – Puthurvayal – Meppadi – Soochipara (Churalmala route)
From Sulthan Bathery : Sulthan Bathery – Kolgapara – Amblavayal – Vaduvanchal – Meppadi- Soochipara (Churalmala route)
From Manthavady : Manthavady – Panamaram – Kalpetta – Meppadi – Soochipara (Churalmala route)
From Vythiri : Vythiri – Chundel (Ooty road) – Meppadi – Soochipara (Churalmala route)
Distance to Soochipara Waterfalls
| From Place | Distance (in Km) |
|---|---|
| Bangalore | 295 km |
| Calicut | 98 km |
| Mysore | 155 km |
| Kalpetta | 26 km |
| Sulthan Bathery | 43 km |