Chain Tree

The Chain Tree is a large ficus tree located beside NH-212 near Lakkidi in Wayanad district, Kerala. It stands at the end of the Thamarassery Ghat road that leads to Wayanad from Kozhikode, approximately 15 kilometers from Kalpetta. The tree is notable for a heavy iron chain wrapped around it and is associated with the legend of Karinthandan, a tribal chieftain who was killed by a British engineer after helping discover the route through the ghats.

Visitors can see a large ficus tree with a prominent iron chain wrapped around its trunk, situated directly beside the highway. The site is a roadside attraction where travelers typically stop briefly for photographs and to read about the local legend. A small shrine or temple dedicated to Karinthandan is located nearby. The area offers views of the surrounding misty hills and lush greenery characteristic of Wayanad's landscape.

The Chain Tree is associated with the colonial-era legend of Karinthandan, a tribal chieftain of the Paniya tribe who lived between 1700-1750 AD. According to folklore, Karinthandan helped a British engineer discover the secret route through the Thamarassery Ghats to Wayanad. After finding the path, the engineer allegedly killed Karinthandan to take credit for the discovery. Travelers passing through the route reportedly experienced mysterious incidents attributed to Karinthandan's restless spirit. A priest was summoned to perform an exorcism, and the spirit was symbolically chained to the ficus tree. An annual Karinthandan Smrithi Yatra is organized by PEEP (People's Action For Educational And Economic Development Of Tribal People) on the second Sunday of March in his memory.

The Chain Tree holds cultural importance as a memorial to Karinthandan, considered the first martyr of Wayanad. The site represents indigenous tribal history and the colonial impact on local communities. Local tradition includes stopping at the tree and bowing before the spirit believed to be held captive by the chain for safe passage.