Sentinal Rock Waterfall

About Sentinal Rock Waterfall

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, a popular picnic spot, is located at Vellarimala village, near Chooralmala, in Wayanad District of Kerala. It cascades down from a height of 20 meters. The sentinel rock, 200 meters high, is ideal for rock climbing.Kalpetta is 22 km south.Sentinel Falls is a long series of cascades descending into Yosemite Valley alongside Sentinel Rock. It is a tiered waterfall consisting of 6 major drops totaling 1,920 feet (590 m), the longest single drop being 500 feet (150 m).It ranks on many lists as the twelfth highest waterfall in the world, although in truth it is roughly the 60th tallest, as most weaker waterfalls don’t make it into such lists. Despite its immense height it has a relatively low drainage and is usually dry by July.

This is an excellent picnic spot as well as trekking centre and fantastic scenery provides for white water rafting, swimming, bathing etc. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.The tree top huts at Soochipara will give unique view of the valleys of Western Ghats.It is the most attractive falls among all falls around.on the way there are various tea plantation hillocks worth watching. Souveigniers are available at the enterance near the car parking.

Interesting things to Visit

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple:

Valliyoorkavu temple and the Valliyoorkavu festival hold an important role in the history of the Wayanad. The temple is situated 3 kilometers away from Mananthavady, on the way to Koileri-Panamaram route. The temple is situated near the bank of the river Kabani. The vast green ground on either side of the main road nearby the temple and the Kabani river adds to the exotic beauty of the location, and is the perfect stage for the big festival of Wayanad.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary :

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km east of Mananthavady): This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals. Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs. Permitting authority Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty Tel: 04935-250853

Soochipara Falls:

The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.

Edakkal Caves:

The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are magnificent formations of nature. The word ‘Edakkal’ itself means ‘a stone in between’. The structure of these caves is truly extraordinary as a big boulder balances itself on two relatively smaller boulders, thus forming the truly fascinating Edakkal Caves of Kerala. These caves are a very popular tourist attraction of Wayanad. The cave has two levels inside that can be entered through an entrance that is merely 5 feet in height.

Nearest Visiting places

Boys Town:

5 kms north of Mananthavady. A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.

Pazhassi Tourist Resort:

Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourist are available here. Pazhassi raja, the lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British east India company.

Pookode Lake:

Set 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:

The 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.

Kuruva Islands:

Kuruvadweep 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:

Located 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:

The 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:

Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman .

Pakshipathalam:

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.

Banasura sagar project:

Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

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

PPS Tourist home
Kalpetta, kerala
Ph.no:91-4936-203732.

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

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

M.G.T International, Main road
Kalpetta,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-202705.

Green Gates Hotel
T. B. ROAD, KALPETTA,
WAYANAD,kerala
Tel: +914936202001/2/3/4.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

MananthavadyPolice Station
P.O Wayanad Dist.,Kerala-670645
Tel: 04935-240232

ThirunellyPolice Station
Mananthavady, Wayanad Dist
Kerala-670645
04935-210264

Thalappuzha Police Station
P.O.Mananthavady, Wayanad Dist
Kerala-670644
Tel: 04935-256262.

Nearest Hospital:

St. Vincent’s Hospital
Vincentgiri, Mananthavady
waynad, kerala.

Kakkodan Mammu Hajee Memorial Mission Hospital
Sulthan Bathery, Waynad, kerala.

Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad, kerala.

St.Joseph Hospital
Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala.

Link:

http://aandpatopia.blogspot.com/2009/09/in-valley.html
http://india-travelog.blogspot.com/2009/06/waterfalls-in-kerala-india.html
http://99travel.blogspot.com/2009/08/trip-to-wonderful-wayanad.html

Location info

• **Address:**Chooralmala,Wayanad district, Kerala, India.

• District: Wayanad district.

• Nearest City: Kalpetta, Meppadi, Mananthavady

• Best time to visit: Novemebr and April.

Climate & weather

During the hot weather the temperature goes up to a maximum of 35 °C and during the cold weather the temperature goes down to 10 °C. The more perceived temperature variation in the last 5-6 years is in the range of 18-28 degree Celsius.

Things to do at Sentinal Rock Waterfall

Excellent picnic spot, trekking centre, swimming and bath.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Kalpetta, Mananthavadi Road
Wayanad, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kalamassery, Kalpetta
kerala.

Petrol Pump
Irinjalakkuda, Kattor road
kalapetta, kerala.

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 Sentinal Rock Waterfall

The best time to visit Sentinal Rock 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 Sentinal Rock 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.

Things to carry

A change of clothes (you will get wet from spray), quick-dry towel or swimsuit, waterproof footwear or sandals with good grip, a waterproof phone pouch/cover, drinking water, snacks, an umbrella, mosquito repellent, a camera in waterproof housing or a GoPro, a comb, and plastic bags for wet clothes.

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 Sentinal Rock Waterfall

Sentinal Rock 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.