Chain Tree
The Chain Tree of Lakkidi is one of the most intriguing and mystical spots in Wayanad. Located right beside the National Highway 766, it is a massive Ficus tree with a heavy iron chain hanging from its branches. The legend associated with this tree dates back to the British Colonial era. It is said that a British engineer took the help of a local tribal youth named Karinthandan to find the secret route through the dense forests of the Thamarassery Ghat. After the route was discovered, the engineer killed Karinthandan to take sole credit for the discovery. Legend has it that the ghost of the tribal youth haunted travelers on this route until a priest chained the restless spirit to this very tree. Locals believe that the chain grows in length along with the tree every year. Today, it stands as a memorial to Karinthandan, who is considered the first martyr of Wayanad. A small temple dedicated to him is located right next to the tree. Every traveler passing through the Gateway of Wayanad stops here to pay their respects and marvel at the eerie sight of the rusted chain merging into the bark. The atmosphere at Lakkidi is often foggy and cool, adding a layer of mystery to the legend. It is a quick but essential stop that connects the modern traveler to the dark and colonial history of the region. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
20 to 30 MinutesPlace Type:
Historical & MythologicalEntry Fees:
There is No Entry Fee to visit the Chain Tree. It is a public monument located on the side of the highway. However, devotees can make voluntary donations at the small shrine for the upkeep of the memorial.
:...There is No Entry Fee to visit the Chain Tree. It is a public monument located on the side of the highway. However, devotees can make voluntary donations at the small shrine for the upkeep of the memorial.
:Timing:
The site is accessible 24 Hours a day as it is on a public highway. However, the Ideal Visit Time is between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM when the temple is open and the mist is most photogenic. Night visits are not recommended due to heavy truck traffic on the ghat road.
:The site is accessible 24 Hours a day as it is on a public highway. However, the Ideal Visit Time is between 9:00 AM and 6:30 PM when the temple is open and the mist is most photogenic. Night visits are not recommended due to heavy truck traffic on the ghat road.
:Special Events:
The Karinthandan Smrithi is observed on the second Sunday of March every year. Thousands of tribal people and activists gather to honor the memory of the tribal chief with traditional music and rituals. It is a powerful display of indigenous pride and history.
:...The Karinthandan Smrithi is observed on the second Sunday of March every year. Thousands of tribal people and activists gather to honor the memory of the tribal chief with traditional music and rituals. It is a powerful display of indigenous pride and history.
:Best Photo Spots:
Direct Front View: Capturing the chain hanging from the dark bark against a foggy background.
The Temple Entrance: A cultural shot of the small shrine with incense smoke rising.
Wide Angle from Road: Showin...Direct Front View: Capturing the chain hanging from the dark bark against a foggy background.
The Temple Entrance: A cultural shot of the small shrine with incense smoke rising.
Wide Angle from Road: Showing the tree's massive canopy overshadowing the highway, highlighting its scale.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Witness the Legend: Observe the heavy iron chain and see how it has become part of the tree's living tissue.
Visit the Shrine: Offer a prayer at the Karinthandan temple to respect the local tribal history.
Photography: Take a photo of the misty tree, which looks particularly haunting in the early morning fog.
Ghat Road Drive: Enjoy the hairpin curves of the Thamarassery Churam just a few meters away.
Local Tea Tasting: Stop at the small stalls nearby to taste authentic Wayanad tea and snacks.
Learn History: Read the plaques placed by the PEEP NGO to understand the tribal contribution to the region.
Fog Watching: Spend a few minutes at the nearby viewpoint to wat...Witness the Legend: Observe the heavy iron chain and see how it has become part of the tree's living tissue.
Visit the Shrine: Offer a prayer at the Karinthandan temple to respect the local tribal history.
Photography: Take a photo of the misty tree, which looks particularly haunting in the early morning fog.
Ghat Road Drive: Enjoy the hairpin curves of the Thamarassery Churam just a few meters away.
Local Tea Tasting: Stop at the small stalls nearby to taste authentic Wayanad tea and snacks.
Learn History: Read the plaques placed by the PEEP NGO to understand the tribal contribution to the region.
Fog Watching: Spend a few minutes at the nearby viewpoint to watch the clouds roll over the valley.
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Information
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Why Famous:
It is famous across India as one of the most "haunted" or "spiritually bound" locations. The story of the betrayal of Karinthandan by the British is a significant piece of local folklore. It is also famous for its location at the highest point of the Wayanad ghats, offering a chilling and atmosph...It is famous across India as one of the most "haunted" or "spiritually bound" locations. The story of the betrayal of Karinthandan by the British is a significant piece of local folklore. It is also famous for its location at the highest point of the Wayanad ghats, offering a chilling and atmospheric experience to visitors entering the district.
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Architecture:
There is no formal "architecture" for the tree itself, but the surrounding memorial is built in a minimalist tribal style. The steel chain is approximately 30 feet long and is deeply embedded in the trunk of a Ficus Religiosa tree. A small, modern concrete shrine (Karinthandan Temple) with a simp...There is no formal "architecture" for the tree itself, but the surrounding memorial is built in a minimalist tribal style. The steel chain is approximately 30 feet long and is deeply embedded in the trunk of a Ficus Religiosa tree. A small, modern concrete shrine (Karinthandan Temple) with a simple roof measuring 10x10 feet has been constructed nearby to facilitate worship and offerings by the local Paniya tribe.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Calicut International Airport is 65 KM away.
By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest at 58 KM.
By Road: It is on NH 766, about 15 KM from Kalpetta and 5 KM from Vythiri.By Air: Calicut International Airport is 65 KM away.
By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest at 58 KM.
By Road: It is on NH 766, about 15 KM from Kalpetta and 5 KM from Vythiri.
By Local Transport: Any bus going from Kozhikode to Kalpetta will stop at Lakkidi.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
The Monsoon (June to September) provides the most atmospheric experience with heavy fog and rain. The Winter (October to February) is great for clear views of the valley. Early Mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) are the best part of the day to avoid traffic and see the mist.
:<...The Monsoon (June to September) provides the most atmospheric experience with heavy fog and rain. The Winter (October to February) is great for clear views of the valley. Early Mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) are the best part of the day to avoid traffic and see the mist.
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Near Tourist Places:
Lakkidi View Point (1 KM), Pookode Lake (3 KM), Vythiri Park (4 KM), Enteveedu (12 KM), Honey Museum (10 KM), Thusharagiri Falls (15 KM), Chembra Peak (18 KM), Karamanathodu River (12 KM), Old Vythiri Church (6 KM), Adivaram (11 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be extremely careful of the passing traffic on the narrow highway.
Packing: Always carry an umbrella or raincoat as Lakkidi is the rainiest place in Kerala.
Accommodation: Many luxury rainf...Health & Safety: Be extremely careful of the passing traffic on the narrow highway.
Packing: Always carry an umbrella or raincoat as Lakkidi is the rainiest place in Kerala.
Accommodation: Many luxury rainforest resorts are available in Vythiri, just 5 KM away.
Cash & Connectivity: Mobile signal is excellent; no cash is needed except for tea or snacks.
Road Safety: If driving, be prepared for 9 steep hairpin curves before reaching this spot.
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