Lakkidi, Wayanad

Best time

October to March

Nearest town

Vythiri

Nearest railway station

Kozhikode

Nearest airport

Kozhikode

What to see and do

The viewpoint at the top of the pass looks down over the ghat road and the valleys below, and on clear days the scenery stretches a long way. Walks and treks lead into the surrounding forest, and much of the area is still lightly explored. Keen birdwatchers can look for peafowl, bulbuls and babblers, and the wider forest is home to elephants, spotted deer and big cats, though sightings are a matter of luck.

• The Lakkidi viewpoint over the ghat road
• Forest walks and short treks
• Birdwatching along quiet stretches of road

Nearby attractions

Pookode Lake, a natural freshwater lake ringed by hills and meadows, is a short drive away and popular for boating and picnics. Further into Wayanad, the Edakkal Caves near Ambalavayal are known for ancient rock carvings and a climb with wide views. Vythiri has most of the resorts and homestays close to Lakkidi. A popular local legend also links Lakkidi with a tribal guide, Karinthandan, and a chained tree near the road is pointed out to visitors in his memory.

Best time to visit

October to March is the most comfortable period, with pleasant days and cool nights suited to walks and sightseeing. The monsoon brings mist, full streams and deep green forest, but also heavy, persistent rain and slippery trails. Road conditions on the ghat can be slow in bad weather, so leave extra time for the drive up from the plains.

How to reach

Lakkidi lies on the main road from Kozhikode into Wayanad, and Kozhikode has the nearest railway station and airport. Buses on the Kozhikode–Kalpetta route pass through, and Vythiri is the nearest town. We can arrange a Wayanad tour with a car and driver from Tamil Nadu or Kerala.

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