Thamarassery Churam

About this place

Thamarassery Churam is a scenic mountain pass located in Wayanad district, Kerala, connecting the coastal plains of Kozhikode with the cool hill landscapes of Wayanad. It forms an important section of National Highway 766 (NH 766) and is widely known for its dramatic winding roads, sharp hairpin bends, and the lush forest scenery of the Western Ghats. The mountain pass plays a crucial role in linking the Malabar coastal region with the highland districts of Kerala and neighboring Karnataka, making it both a vital transportation route and a popular travel experience for tourists and road-trip enthusiasts. Thamarassery Churam is especially famous for its nine steep hairpin bends, which climb through thick greenery and rolling hills, offering spectacular views of valleys, forested slopes, and mist-covered landscapes along the route. As vehicles ascend the ghat road, travelers are treated to panoramic viewpoints where the scenery shifts from tropical lowlands to the dense forests and cool climate of the Western Ghats hill region. The road itself winds through forest areas rich in biodiversity, with tall trees, vines, and seasonal waterfalls appearing along the slopes, particularly during the monsoon months when the landscape becomes especially vibrant and green. Because of its scenic beauty and thrilling road curves, Thamarassery Churam has become one of the most recognized mountain roads in Kerala, frequently visited by travelers heading toward Wayanad’s popular destinations such as hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and coffee plantations. The area is also associated with local folklore and historical stories, including the well-known legend of Karinthandan, a tribal guide who is believed to have helped early explorers find the mountain route through the dense forests. Today, a small memorial along the road commemorates this story, adding cultural significance to the journey through the pass. Travelers often stop at various viewpoints along the route to enjoy the fresh mountain air, photograph the winding roads below, and take in the vast stretches of forested hills that define the Western Ghats landscape. During early mornings and evenings, mist often settles over the hills, creating a dramatic atmosphere that enhances the natural beauty of the region. Overall, Thamarassery Churam stands as one of the most iconic mountain passes in Kerala, combining scenic Western Ghats landscapes, adventurous ghat roads, and historical significance, making it a memorable gateway between the coastal plains of Kozhikode and the hill districts of Wayanad.

🚆 Railway: Kozhikode Railway Station (~30 km)

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport (~45 km)

🚌 Bus: Thamarassery Bus Stand / Adivaram Bus Point

🏨 Stay: MOUNTAIN DEWS Hotel & Resort / FEZINN Hotel, Wayanad / Abad Brookside Lakkidi | Resort in Wayanad

✅ Notes: Thamarassery Churam is the historic mountain-ghat road on NH 766 linking Kozhikode with Wayanad, featuring nine hairpin bends and scenic viewpoints over the Western Ghats.