Chethalayam Waterfall

About Chethalayam Waterfall

About 12 km from Sultan Bathery Pulpalli Main Road, near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist spot known as Chethalayam Waterfalls. Chethalayam is one of Wayanad’s smaller waterfalls. It’s surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts. One has to trek for about 4 km across hills to reach the scenic picnic spot. ere you can see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear.For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.

Interesting things to Visit

Kanthapara Falls

About 25 km north-east of Kalpetta is Padinjarathara Dam. This dam is 2nd largest in Asia and is attractive with serene environment engulfing it. Padinjarathara is surrounded by mist capped mountains and wildlife sanctuary. Picturesque ambience, beautiful location and divine.

Sentinel rocks falls

Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

Meenmutty falls:

It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala’s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.

Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Indian state of Kerala is a must for tourists looking forward to experience a bit of wilderness during their travel in Kerala. A part of the Waynad Plateau, this wildlife park in Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find during holidays in Waynad. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises two districts of Kerala i.e. in the north; it is a part of the Cannanore district while its southern part is located in the Calicut district.lephants here are mainly found only during the dry seasons as they migrate to other places during the heavy monsoons. The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, with its fogy beautiful hills.

Nearest Visiting places

Edakkal Caves:

Places to visit near luxury hotel on the gateway of wayanad, Calicut.The interesting trek up the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the
fascinating neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians
worldwide.The earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.Edakkal
Caves 1000mts above sea level, this ancient natural cave exhibits ancient carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the stone ages.

Pookode Lake:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencySet in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.

Thirunelli Temple:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyThe temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water.

Pakshipathalam:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad Regency Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey buildings.he deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants.

Kuruva Islands:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyKuruvadweep is a unique and fragile 950 acre protected river delta system on the Kabini River.The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom.The nearest town is Mananthavady and only 17 km.

Phantom Rock:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyLocated close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock, named so because of it’s skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo
opportunities.

Chembra Peak:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyThe highest peak in Wayanad at 2100mts above sea level, this spot provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley and also has a path for trekking
enthusiasts.

Chain Tree:

Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyEven today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Issac’s regency Hotel
The Resort,
Tel: 91 4936 220510, + 91 4936 220583.

Raincountry Resorts
Lakkidi, kerala
Ph.no:9447004369 / 9447245288 / 09287576617.

Dwaraka Tourist Home
Sulthan Bathery,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-220358.

Pepper Green Resorts (Wayanad Resort)
Near Kuruva Island
Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady
Wayanad, Kerala,
Ph.No: +91 4935 251110.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station:
Vellimadukunnu police station
NH 212,Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road, Vellimadukunnu,
Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala 673012.

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala State.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad,
Kerala
Tel: 04936 220102.

Link:

http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/08/chethalayam-waterfalls.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/waterfalls-in-kerala.html
http://deepugeorge.blogspot.com/2007/03/chethalayam-waterfalls-sulthan-bathery.html
http://way2greenhills.blogspot.com/2008/10/wayanad.html
http://wayanadtourist.blogspot.com/2008/04/wayanad.html
http://travel-indiatourism.blogspot.com/2008/10/waterfalls-in-kerala.html

Location info

• Address:Sultan Bathery, Wayanad District, Kerala, India.

• District: Wayanad District.

**Nearest City:****Kalpetta, Meppadi, Mananthavady, Muttil, Meenangadi, Sultan Battery, Vythiri.
**

• Best time to visit:November to March.

Climate & weather

Tropical climate. The Temparture will be Max: 32.6 °C z and Min: 21.4°C

Things to do at Chethalayam Waterfall

This is the ideal place for trekking. we can go around the hills and stay overnight camping.

Nearest petrol pump

Petro pump
Kalpett Mananthavadi Road
Wayanad, Kerala, India.

Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Thamarashery Petrol Pump
NH212, Thamarrassary
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Things to carry

Some warm clothes, and some spicy foods to eat, camera etc.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Chethalayam Waterfall

The best time to visit Chethalayam Waterfall is during and immediately after the monsoon season (July–January) when the water flow is at its peak. The falls are most spectacular from July to October. Post-monsoon (November–January) offers good water flow with pleasant weather. Summer (February–May) sees reduced water flow but easier access.

Timings & opening hours

Waterfalls are accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during morning hours (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) when the water flow is strong and the lighting is good for photography. Visiting after dark is not recommended for safety reasons.

Entry fee & tickets

Most waterfalls in Kerala have a nominal entry fee of INR 10–50 for adults and INR 5–10 for children. Parking fees are additional (INR 10–30). Some waterfalls within forest areas may require forest entry permits (INR 25–50 per person).

Duration needed

1–2 hours including trek to the falls, photography, and time spent enjoying the natural surroundings. Some waterfall treks require 3–4 hours round trip (including travel).

Safety tips

The rocks near Chethalayam Waterfall are extremely slippery — walk with extreme caution. Do not attempt to climb the waterfall or rocks near the cascade. The water current can be deceptively strong. Do not swim or bathe close to the waterfall base. Supervise children closely. Avoid visiting during heavy rain when water levels rise suddenly. Follow all safety signage.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Chethalayam Waterfall

Chethalayam Waterfall is one of the many spectacular waterfalls that cascade through the Western Ghats of Kerala. These waterfalls are formed by the rivers that originate in the Ghats and flow westward to the Arabian Sea. The region’s unique geography — where the Western Ghats meet the coastal plains — creates ideal conditions for waterfalls. Many waterfalls are located within forest areas and have been part of local folklore and traditions for generations.

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming allowed at the waterfall? — Swimming is allowed at some waterfalls in designated safe areas. However, the area near the cascade is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and underwater rocks. Follow all safety signage. What is the best time to visit? — Morning hours (7:00 AM–10:00 AM) for the best light and fewer crowds. The waterfall is most spectacular during and after monsoon (July–January). Is there a trek to reach the waterfall? — Some waterfalls require a short trek (200 m–2 km) from the parking area. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Are there food facilities? — Basic snack stalls and tea shops are usually present near popular waterfalls. Carry water and light snacks.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.