Soochipara Waterfall

The Soochipara Waterfall, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfall, is a three-tiered waterfall located in Vellarimala village about 13km from the town of Meppadi in Wayanad. Locally referred to as Soochipara ("Soochi" meaning "Needle" and "Para" meaning "Rock"), the half hour drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea, coffee and spice plantations in Wayanad, including the Harrison Malayalam and Chulika estates.The view all along the drive is truly breathtaking. A large number of tourists visit this place especially during the weekends.

This region receives the second highest rainfall in Wayanad, next to Lakkidi. The Sentinel Rock Waterfall tumbles down from a height of 656 feet. The pool situated below the falls offers a great opportunity for a refreshingly cool dip. The cliff face is ideal for rock climbing. There are caves on the rock face that are worth exploring. Tree-top huts offer spectacular views of the verdant hills and valleys of the Western Ghats.

The Kerala Forest Department has a check-post less than 1km from the falls. The entry to the falls is restricted from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A nominal fee is charged for entry into the waterfalls area. Close by is another fall – Kanthampara, fed by a breakaway stream from the main watercourse atop the rocks. Lacking the grandeur of its cousin nearby, the place is nevertheless ideal for a leisurely picnic. The hike from the main road is easier too. The Soochipara Waterfall lies at a distance of 54km from Banasura Hill Resort.