Quick answerThe Chain Tree at Lakkidi is a large ficus beside NH766 with a heavy chain around its branches. Legend says it holds the spirit of Karinthandan, the tribal guide who showed a British engineer the route up the ghat and was killed for it. It is free, and a quick stop.
Our tip
A famous roadside shrine on NH766 with deep local folklore: a spirit said to protect travellers on the ghat road. Every local stops here briefly. A real slice of living Wayanad culture, worth a quiet 10-minute stop on your drive in or out.From our guest guidebook
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The legend
Karinthandan, a tribal man, is said to have led a British engineer through the forest to find the route that became the ghat road. The engineer killed him to take the credit. Travellers were then troubled by his restless spirit, until a priest bound it to this tree with a chain. Locals say the chain grows with the tree. There is a small shrine at the base, and many drivers stop briefly before going down the ghat.
Plan your visit
- It sits right on a busy highway; park well off the road.
- Combine it with the Lakkidi viewpoint and Pookode Lake.
Getting there
Questions
What is the story of the Chain Tree?
It is linked to Karinthandan, the tribal guide said to have shown the British the ghat route. His spirit is believed to be chained to the tree.
Is there a fee at the Chain Tree?
No. It is a roadside stop.