A unique skull-shaped natural rock formation in Wayanad, offering a short trek and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Phantom Rock, known locally as Cheengeri Mala, is a distinct natural rock formation located in the Ambalavayal area of Wayanad. Its name comes from its uncanny resemblance to a human skull, giving it a unique and somewhat imposing appearance. The site is reached via a short, moderately easy trek up a rocky path, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This walk itself is part of the experience, winding through sparse vegetation and granite boulders.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December-January, weekends, and public holidays due to peak tourist season in Wayanad.
September-November and February-March, especially on weekdays.
April-May due to heat, and June-August during the heavy monsoon season.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
8:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Open all days. It is an open area, but it is recommended to visit only during daylight hours for safety. Visiting before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM is not advisable.
There is currently no entry fee to visit the rock itself. However, the adjacent Cheengeri Rock Adventure Tourism park may have separate charges for activities like zip-lining.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Cheengeri Hills, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala 673593
Coordinates
11.6373, 76.2031
Nearest City
Wayanad
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is the nearest airport, located approximately 100 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Wayanad, which takes abo...
The closest major railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station (CLT), about 95 km away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities. Taxis and buses a...
Wayanad has excellent road connectivity with cities in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Phantom Rock is located near Ambalavayal town. You can drive or take s...
From Kalpetta (approx. 16 km) or Sulthan Bathery (approx. 12 km), you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Phantom Rock. Local buses ply up to Ambalavay...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Phantom Rock is a natural megalithic formation, shaped over centuries by weathering and erosion. It does not have a man-made history of construction. For generations, it has been a local landmark for the people of the Ambalavayal region, who call it 'Cheengeri Mala'. Its recognition as a tourist des...
The primary significance of Phantom Rock lies in its remarkable geological shape, which is a rare natural occurrence. Its resemblance to a skull makes it a photographic and natural curiosity. For visitors, it represents the raw, untamed beauty of Wayanad's landscape. While it holds no specific relig...
Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler
Explore More DestinationsReserve flights online for leading routes within India and across the globe. Discover popular city pairings and secure the best airfare deals with a wide range of airline choices.
Find and book top-rated hotels with the best deals on domestic and international hotel bookings for a comfortable stay.

Sign up to get the latest travel deals, insider tips, and destination guides straight to your inbox.
Exclusive Member Deals
Up to 40% off on curated stays
New Stays First
Be first to discover new properties
Hidden Destinations
Off-the-beaten-path gems
Member-Only Offers
Special perks & surprise rewards
Join 100k+ travelers already getting the best deals.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
2,400+ joined this week