Chain Tree

Chain Tree (locally celebrated as the Sacred Tree of Karinthandan), dramatically perched along the misty mountain highway at Lakkidi just 16 km southwest of Kalpetta in Wayanad in Kerala, is one of the Western Ghats' most fascinating, eerie, and culturally revered folk heritage landmarks.

Standing at the high altitude crest of the treacherous Thamarassery Ghat Pass (Thamarassery Churam) at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, this colossal wild Ficus (Banyan) tree is wrapped in thick, heavy iron chains that anchor the restless spirit of an 18th century tribal chieftain named Karinthandan.

It's the home of a dramatic historical colonial legend where tribal knowledge and colonial betrayal collide, an active roadside shrine where mountain drivers light oil lamps seeking safe passage across the nine hairpin curves, the mist draped rainforest gateway to Wayanad, and immediate proximity to the striking Lakkidi View Point and freshwater Pookode Lake.

It represents a rich cultural landmark where indigenous Paniya tribal folklore, 18th century British colonial history, deep atmospheric rainforest mist, and high altitude Western Ghats geography unite in Malabar.

Located directly beside National Highway 766 (Kozhikode Mysore road) at Lakkidi, it sits 16 km from Kalpetta, 58 km from Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), and 65 km from Calicut International Airport (CCJ), easily accessible by regular interstate KSRTC bus, private car, or tourist taxi.

The Legend of Karinthandan & British Betrayal

During the late 18th century, British engineers were desperately searching for a direct trade and military route through the dense, cloud shrouded forests of the Western Ghats to connect the Malabar coast to the Mysore plateau.

A wise and nimble Paniya tribal youth named Karinthandan, who possessed intimate knowledge of the rugged mountains, guided a British engineer through secret jungle paths to discover the optimal pass over the Thamarassery ridge.

Truth is, to take sole credit for engineering the treacherous mountain road and claim royal honors, the British engineer ruthlessly shot Karinthandan dead on the mountain crest once the path was mapped.

The Chaining Ritual & The Roadside Shrine

The Restless Spirit: Following his tragic murder, Karinthandan's spirit reportedly haunted the high mountain pass, causing frequent carriage overturns, vehicle breakdowns, and deep panic among travelers descending the steep ghats.

The Sacred Steel Chains: A renowned tantric priest was summoned to perform sacred rituals, successfully invoking the spirit of Karinthandan and binding it permanently to the branches of this banyan tree with massive forged steel chains.

Mountain Driver Rituals & Lakkidi Viewpoint

Prayer for Safe Travel: Today, virtually every bus driver, truck operator, and motorist traveling up or down the nine dangerous hairpin curves of Thamarassery Churam stops at the tree shrine to light an incense stick, offer coins, and pray for accident free journeys.

Lakkidi View Point: Just 1 km past the Chain Tree lies the famous Lakkidi View Point, where visitors can gaze down upon the striking sight of vehicles navigating the winding mountain road through deep emerald valleys.

After visiting the Chain Tree at Lakkidi, go boating on the freshwater Pookode Lake, hike up to Chembra Peak, or explore the historic 13th century Jain Temple and citadel at Sulthan Bathery.