Lakkidi - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 16 km from Kalpetta & 4 km from Pookote Lake, Lakkidi is small hill station situated at the highest point in the Wayanad district. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, Lakkidi gets about 600 cm rainfall annually, making it one of the highest rainfall regions in Kerala and also one of the prime Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Often referred as 'the gateway of Wayanad', Lakkidi is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass, which features over 9 hairpin curves that start at Adivaram (downhill). The 12 km long ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi passing through thick forest leaves a wonderful experience. The lush green hills, gorges and streams on both sides of the passage up the hill are breathtaking sights to the visitors.

This beautiful hill town has a number of scenic locations and enchanting viewpoints. Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular viewpoint which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. Apart from Lakkidi Viewpoint, Pookote Lake is another popular attraction in Lakkidi. This is a natural fresh water lake, spread across 13 acres.

Lakkidi is also famous for the Chain Tree, which is a large ficus tree bounded by a chain. According to the myth, a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided him in making the route. The engineer was reluctant to share the glory and hence he killed Karinthandan. Local people believe that later the soul of the tribal youth started haunting the travellers on this way and at last a priest chained the spirit to the tree.

Lakkidi is one of the richest biodiversity areas in the Western Ghats. Many species of birds such as peacocks, bulbuls, babblers etc. are found in plenty here. One can also spot some wild animals like leopards, tigers, elephants, spotted deer etc. here. Most of the people visit this place for enjoying the beauty of nature as well as for trekking.

Vythiri is the major town nearby which is about 5 km away from Lakkidi. There are many expensive hill resorts at Lakkidi that provide accommodation near tea and coffee plantations.