Lakkidi

Lakkidi is one of the upcoming hill stations of Kerala. It is located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, atop Thamarassery ghat pass. It has the wild beauty of the forests of Wayanad, across the state border in Kerala.

Located about 30kms from Palakkad, Lakkidi is considered as the gateway to Wayanad district of Kerala. Most of the tourists stop here, on their way to explore the beautiful Wayanad.

The highest location in Wayanad, this area gets an impressive amount of rain every year. Lakkidi has the second highest amount of annual rainfall in the world.

The entire region is known for its impressive mountain peaks, dense forests and beautiful cascading streams. Plantations of coffee, pepper and cardamom surrounding the area gives another added attraction to this area. The 12 km long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests offers panoramic, breath taking views.

Since this area recieves good monsoon every year, Lakkidi is always wrapped in lush green forests and rinsed by the many streams and waterfalls.

Lakkidi is also a bird watcher's paradise and it attracts birdwatchers from different parts of the world. Bird species like Peacocks, Bulbuls, Cormorants, Egrets, Snipes, Peafowl and Babblers are sighted here. The natural landscape is also a draw for wild animal lovers. Some of the inhabitants include Tigers, Elephants, Sambar, Leopards, Cheetahs and Spotted deer.

Trekking, hiking and camping are the other favorite tourist activities in Lakkidi. Trekers can explore some of the most breathtaking lands. Local guides are available to help and guide the visitors. The equipment is available on rent from the travel operators and tourism department. On the way, one can find waterways, mountain peaks, forests etc. Temples also can be seen along the way as well.

Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of the Malayalam poet and founder of the Ottamthullal art form, Kalakkath Kunchan Nambiar. As a tribute for this famous poet, a memorial named Kunchan Smarakam was built here. It was converted to a national monument by the State government which serves as an institution for young people interested in satirical art form. A three year course on Ottan Thullal, Seethankan Thullal and Paravan Thullal is conducting her with the help of trained artistes. Here Navarathri festival and the poet's birthday which falls on 5th May is celebrated in a majestic way.

Attractions

Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi View Point is the major attraction in Lakkid. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys.

Pokkot Lake
This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. It is one of the few places in Kerala which is liked by most of the people and especially children. People come here every weekend just to have a small outing with their family. It is located 3 kms from Lakkidi. Pookot Lake is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it. Boating in paddle-boats in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Boat ride timings 9 am to 6 pm. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A children's park, a handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here

Eddakal Caves
Situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district. Edakkal Caves are natural caves that feature prehistoric New Stone Age petroglyphs in the Pali and Brahmini scripts. These caves have become famous all over the world as one of the earliest human habitats. read more......