Lakkidi Wonderland- Kerala’s Enchanting Hill Station
Lakkidi Kerala
Lakkidi is a beautiful hill station located in the Wayanad district of the southern state of Kerala, India. It is situated about 22 kilometers east of Kalpetta, which is the district headquarters of Wayanad. It is nestled in the Western Ghats, making it a part of a lush, mountainous region. Lakkidi Kerala is located at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The region is characterized by misty mountains, lush forests, and winding roads, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The Lakkidi Viewpoint is a major attraction in the area. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the winding roads leading to Wayanad. The viewpoint is especially popular for its misty and foggy atmosphere.
Lakkidi view point
Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular tourist destination in Lakkidi. It is known for its lush greenery, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. Lakkidi is often referred to as the “Gateway of Wayanad” because it is the entry point to the Wayanad district when approaching from Kozhikode (Calicut).
Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys are simply amazing. The lush greenery, misty mountains, and winding roads make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Lakkidi is located on the Thamarassery Ghat Pass, which is a series of hairpin bends and steep slopes that lead to Wayanad. The viewpoint offers an excellent vantage point to witness the challenging and picturesque Ghat road.
Lakkidi Kerala often experiences misty and foggy weather, especially during the monsoon season. This adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the place. Lakkidi and the surrounding areas offer opportunities for trekking, nature walks, and birdwatching. There are also adventure sports activities available in some nearby locations.
The weather in Lakkidi, a hill station in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, is influenced by its elevation and location in the Western Ghats. Here’s an overview of the typical weather conditions in Lakkidi throughout the year-
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Lakkidi Kerala is relatively cool and pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures occasionally dropping to around 5°C. This season is considered one of the best times to visit Lakkidi due to the comfortable weather conditions.
Spring (March to May)
Spring sees a gradual increase in temperatures. Daytime temperatures can range from 20°C to 35°C. This period is relatively dry, but temperatures can be warm during the daytime.
Monsoon (June to September)
Lakkidi Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The region becomes lush and green during this time. Rainfall can be quite intense, leading to occasional landslides and road closures. It’s essential to check the weather and road conditions before traveling during the monsoon season.
Post-Monsoon (October to November)
After the monsoon, the weather starts to cool down, and the landscape remains lush. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is another favorable time to visit Lakkidi as the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak.
Lakkidi Tourist Places
Lakkidi Kerala is a picturesque hill station known for its misty landscapes and serene ambiance. While it’s a destination in itself, there are several tourist places and attractions in and around Lakkidi that you can explore. Here are some of the top tourist places in and around Lakkidi-
Lakkidi Viewpoint: This is one of the most popular attractions in Lakkidi Kerala. It offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, mist-covered hills, and winding roads. The viewpoint is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Pookode Lake: Located a short distance from Lakkidi, Pookode Lake is a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery. You can enjoy boating on the lake and explore the surrounding gardens.
Chain Tree: Legend has it that a priest tied a chain around this ancient Ficus tree to show the way to travelers. It’s a unique spot with an interesting story.
Thamarassery Ghat Pass: This mountain pass is en route to Lakkidi Kerala, and it’s famous for its hairpin bends and beautiful vistas. The drive through the ghat is an adventure in itself.
Kuruva Island: A little further away from Lakkidi, Kuruva Island is an ecotourism destination known for its dense forests and the Kabini River. It’s a great place for nature walks and picnics.
Banasura Sagar Dam: Located near Lakkidi, this is the largest earth dam in India. It offers boating facilities and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Chembra Peak: Although it’s a bit of a drive from Lakkidi, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and offers an excellent trekking opportunity. The heart-shaped Chembra Lake on the way is a highlight.
Soochipara Waterfalls: These picturesque waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, are a short drive from Lakkidi. You can trek to the base of the falls through the dense forest.
Edakkal Caves: These ancient caves feature petroglyphs and cave art, providing a glimpse into prehistoric times. The hike to the caves offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: While exploring the wildlife sanctuary, you might spot various animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Best Resorts in Lakkidi
Wayanad, particularly in the Lakkidi area, offers a range of resorts that cater to tourists looking for a serene and nature-centric experience. Here are some resorts in Wayanad, Lakkidi-
Vythiri Village Resort: This is a popular luxury resort in Wayanad located near Lakkidi Kerala. It offers various types of accommodations, including cottages, villas, and treehouses. The resort is known for its natural surroundings and has facilities like a swimming pool, spa, and multi-cuisine restaurant.
Wayanad Silverwoods: Situated near Lakkidi, this luxury resort is known for its luxurious accommodations, private pool villas, and scenic views of the Banasura Sagar Dam. The resort also offers various activities and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Lakkidi Village Resort: This resort is often praised for its serene location and offers comfortable accommodations, including cottages and rooms. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Rainforest Resort: Located near Lakkidi, this resort is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It offers cottages and rooms with forest views. The resort also conducts guided nature walks and has a multi-cuisine restaurant.
Blue Ginger Spa Resort: This is a boutique resort set amidst coffee and spice plantations near Lakkidi. It offers well-appointed rooms, a spa, and an open-air restaurant.
The Windflower Resort and Spa: This is another upscale resort in Wayanad, offering comfortable accommodations and a range of facilities, including a spa, swimming pool, and restaurant.
Tranquil Resort: Located a bit further from Lakkidi Kerala, this eco-friendly resort is known for its lush surroundings and serene ambiance. It offers treehouse accommodations and organizes activities like birdwatching and trekking.
Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth
“Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth” is a well-known and highly regarded eco-friendly resort located in the Kunnathidavaka area. CGH Earth is a respected chain of eco-friendly and sustainable resorts in India. Wayanad Wild is situated in the midst of the lush rainforests of Wayanad, providing guests with a serene and nature-immersed experience.
Wayanad Wild offers a variety of accommodation options, including treehouses and cottages, designed to blend with the natural surroundings while providing comfort to guests. The resort offers a range of activities and experiences for guests, including guided nature walks, birdwatching, tribal village visits, and wildlife safaris in the nearby forests.
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Rain Country Resort is a well-known and popular resort located in Lakkidi Kerala. It is nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, offering guests a serene and nature-centric experience. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including cottages and rooms. Many of these accommodations are designed to provide beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Rain Country Resort is known for its breathtaking views of mist-covered hills, dense forests, and the serene ambiance of the region. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Guests can enjoy various activities such as nature walks, birdwatching, trekking, and exploring the nearby attractions in Wayanad, including waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites.
How to reach Lakkidi Viewpoint Kerala
The nearest airport to Lakkidi is Calicut International Airport (also known as Karipur Airport), which is approximately 100-110 kilometers away from Lakkidi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to Lakkidi. The journey by road will take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station (Calicut), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Kozhikode Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Lakkidi. The distance is approximately 70-80 kilometers, and the journey by road takes around 2-3 hours.
Lakkidi Viewpoint is accessible by road, and it’s often visited by travelers driving from nearby cities and towns. If you’re traveling from Kozhikode (Calicut), you can take the NH 766 (Kozhikode-Mysore Road) to reach Lakkidi. The drive is scenic but involves navigating the Thamarassery Ghat Pass, which has steep slopes and hairpin bends.
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