Chethalayam Falls, Wayanad

Located at a distance of 12 km from Sultan Bathery, Chethalayam Falls is a small and beautiful waterfall in Kerala. This waterfall is a seasonal waterfall in the Wayanad region, which is one of the least explored or hidden waterfalls in Kerala. Though it tends to dry up between monsoons, Chethalayam Falls is a lovely place to visit. It is a gorgeous place to relax and soak the senses in picturesque surroundings.

Also, a much sought after destination among the adventure seekers, the locales of the Chethalayam Falls offers exciting trekking trails. The water stream of the falls dries during the months of summer and acts as a perfect field for the trekkers, mountain climbers, and hikers. However, this waterfall spring back to life during the monsoon season. Pictorial valleys, dense thickets, and rugged terrains around the cascade make it for an adrenaline-pumping trekking experience and the trekking enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the climb up the rocks here.

This stunning waterfall shares a close proximity with the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and is a true treasure trove for the nature enthusiasts. As visitors go deeper inside the jungle, the chirping of the birds can be heard more clearly and the sound of the waterfalls attract them towards it. Along with admiring the breathtaking beauty of nature, this destination is popular for being a favorite picnic spot for the tourists in Wayanad.

Things To Do In Chethalayam Falls:

• Visitors can enjoy the scenic backdrop of this panoramic waterfall.

• Visitors can take photographs of the cascading Chethalayam Falls and the panoramic view of the surroundings. People visit this place to explore its alluring surroundings and refreshing atmosphere, masked in the glory of lush green valleys, ambient surroundings, and many more.

• With its picturesque beauty, blue water bodies and scenic slopes, Chethalayam Waterfalls are worth the trek up. Visitors can enjoy the trek of about 4 km from Kidangand to reach this place.

• This is the ideal place to relax while absorbing soothing views and observing and listening to the melodious chirping of birds.

• Visitors can be amazed by the untouched flora and fauna here. If they go here during the summers, they might spot an elephant also.

Travel Tips To Visit Chethalayam Falls:

• Visitors have to take passes to visit this waterfall issued by the forest range office at Chethalayam. The permission of the forest range office is mandatory to get into the forest surrounding the waterfall.

• Visitors can avail the services of a guide from the check post. At times wild elephants pass through the region that is why guide service becomes indispensable to the trek to this destination.

Places To Visit Nearby Chethalayam Falls:

During a trip to Chethalayam Falls, visitors can also visit some nearby places like Thovarimala Ezhuthupara, Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal Heritage Museum), Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, Krishnagiri Stadium, Vaduvanchal, Muniyaras, Sultan Bathery, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala Viewpoint, Ananthanatha Swami Temple, Varambetta Mosque, Kanthapara Falls, Kalpetta, etc. that have gained huge popularity as tourist attractions at Wayanad.

Best Time To Visit Chethalayam Falls:

The best time to visit Chethalayam Falls is immediately after the monsoon, from September till February. Though this waterfall gets to full glory in monsoon season, leaches are in abundance during that time. Also, the moss-covered wet rocks of the trekking trail get very slippery at that time. Early morning visits are preferable to this destination to observe some wildlife and birds around. One must avoid visiting this place during the summer season as it tends to dry.

How To Reach Chethalayam Falls:

The Chethalayam Falls is just 12 kilometers away from Sulthan Bathery on Pullpalli road, and is near Kidangand is 37 kilometers from Kalpetta in Wayanad. It is possible to take the vehicle through an off-road path to near this waterfall.

• By Train - The nearest railway station to this waterfall is Kozhikode, which is about 97 km by road from Sulthan Bathery.

• By Air - The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode, which is nearly 120 km from Sulthan Bathery.

• By Bus - The waterfall is about 45 kilometers away from the bus station in Wayanad.