Soochipara Waterfalls - 5 Things to Know Before Visiting

Soochipara Waterfalls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall) is located near Meppadi town of Wayanad district in Kerala State of Southern India. Situated on the Vellarimala Mountain ranges, it is locally known as Soochipara (needle rock) Waterfalls and it is one of the most attractive falls in the district. The fall is three tiered and surrounded by Deciduous,  Evergreen and Montane forests.

The Sentinel Rock Fall is 200 meters high and its on a three tier rock face. Only the bottom portion of the falls can be seen from the trails leading to the falls and from the vicinity. The water from the falls later joins Chliyar River down below.

 

Visitors can swim in the pools that are on the foot of the falls but this can be done only after the rainy season as the force and volume of the water falling is huge during the rainy months.

The name of the fall is originated from one of the rocks nearby it. Its shaped like a needle and since the fall is right near to the rock, it is called Soochipara Waterfall.

 

Exploring the waterfalls

A lovely 5-20 minute drive from Meppadi through tea estates in the mountain paths and luscious vegetation will take you to the entrance of the falls. After reaching a flat hill top with parking spaces with some shops and the tourism office you will have to stop the vehicle and from then on will have to hike to the falls.

The exhausting hiking trail

After purchasing the ticket you will be passing the security check to make sure you do not carry any plastic. From here, visitors will hike around 30 minutes downward for about 2 km through a well laid path to reach the waterfall. This track may be too exhausting to climb back later. Watch out for any plastic material on the way to the falls- the place is trying to be extremely environmentally friendly, disposing the plastic garbage properly will be of enormous help to the authorities.

If you have to carry plastic items such as water bottles, you will have to pay a small deposit for each item. The deposit will be paid back once you are return with the bottles after exploring the place.

 

The pathway to the falls are beautifully paved with wooden benches and huts along the way for visitors to rest. 

Best time to visit the falls

Sentinel Rock Waterfall will be in its full force during the monsoon season. It becomes drier towards the summer months and from March to beginning of June, its likely to be closed as there wont be any water left. The destination is  popular, hence it will be crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during the school holidays. Try avoiding these days if you want to have a calmer experience. 

Nearby rocky regions of the falls were once a hiking point. However, due to frequent landslides in the route, it is no longer allowed by the authorities. ??

How to reach Soochipara Waterfalls?

Meppapdi is the nearest town. You can reach Meppadi from Kalpetta, around 10 km away by buses. There are infrequent buses from Meppadi to the falls. It is 46 km away from Suthan Bathery. Nearest railway station is in Kozhikode from where there are buses to Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta.