Chain Tree - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 15 km from Kalpetta, and 41 km from Sulthan Bathery, Chain Tree is an old fig
tree with a chain around it. It is located along the national highway near the Pepper Wayanad
Gate Hotel and is one of the interesting tourist places in Wayanad .

Changala Maram or Chain Tree is a major attraction for travelers who pass through the Calicut -
Wayanad route. The chain is rather heavy, hanging from a stout branch and anchored to the
ground. This majestic tree has an enthralling tale and provides an intriguing look into local
folklore. The myth of the tree is associated with the tribal chief Karinthandan, who lived between
1700-1750 AD.

During the colonial era, Wayanad didn't have any developed roads. So, the British took help
from the tribes to build a road as only the local tribes were aware of the paths through the
forests. Karinthandan, the chieftain of the local Paniya tribe, helped an English engineer identify
this route. After discovering the unknown route, the engineer killed him to take credit for
finding the route. Later, the soul of the chieftain started troubling the passerby and the whole
region was haunted by him. So the people called a priest to find a solution to this problem. After
a lot of effort, the priest cast a spell and tied the captured soul to this tree using a chain.

This tree with a chain can still be seen near the highway at Lakkidi and it is believed that the
chain grows along with the tree. The tree has grown over time and is now an amazing 25 feet
tall. There is also a small temple dedicated to Karinthandan, the martyr/ghost around whom the
myths revolve. Many truck drivers stop by and pray for a safe journey up and down the hilly
terrain of this region.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free