Are you looking for a serene and scenic getaway in Kerala? Do you want to explore the natural beauty and diversity of the Western Ghats? If yes, then you should visit Kakkayam Dam, a hidden gem in the district of Kozhikode. Kakkayam Dam is a stunning dam site and a trekking spot that offers a range of activities and attractions for all types of travellers. Whether you want to enjoy boating, hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, or wildlife watching, Kakkayam Dam has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and engaging guide on how to visit and enjoy Kakkayam Dam, one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
How to Reach Kakkayam Dam
Kakkayam Dam is located at an altitude of 1800 feet above sea level, in the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO world heritage site. The dam is part of the Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Project, which harnesses the power of the Kuttiyadi River. The dam covers an area of 14 square kilometres and offers spectacular views of the valley and the forests.
The dam is about 60 kilometres away from Calicut, the nearest city and airport. You can reach the dam by road, rail, or air, depending on your convenience and budget. Here are the details of each mode of transportation:
Road:
The best way to reach the dam by road is to take a bus or a taxi from Calicut to Kakkayam. The journey takes about 2 hours and passes through scenic routes and villages. You can also drive your own vehicle or rent a car or a bike from Calicut. The road is well-maintained and safe, but it can be narrow and winding at some places. You can also stop at some of the attractions along the way, such as Peruvannamuzhi Dam, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and Kariyathumpara.
Rail:
The nearest railway station to the dam is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 55 kilometres away. You can take a train from any major city in India to Kozhikode and then take a bus or a taxi to Kakkayam. The train journey is comfortable and affordable, but it can take longer than the road journey. You can also enjoy the views of the countryside and the coast from the train window.
Air:
The nearest airport to the dam is Calicut International Airport, which is about 75 kilometres away. You can take a flight from any major city in India or abroad to Calicut and then take a bus or a taxi to Kakkayam. The flight journey is fast and convenient, but it can be more expensive than the road or the rail journey. You can also get a glimpse of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea from the flight window.
The dam is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, except on Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person, which includes access to the dam, the boating, and the nearby attractions. You can book the tickets online or contact the authorities at +91-495-2371002 for any queries.
Best Time to Visit Kakkayam Dam
The weather and climate of Kakkayam Dam vary throughout the year, depending on the season and the time of the day. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 35°C, the rainfall ranges from 100 mm to 400 mm, and the humidity ranges from 60% to 90%. The wind speed ranges from 5 km/h to 15 km/h, and the visibility ranges from 5 km to 10 km.
The best time to visit the dam is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry, and the water level is high. The dam looks beautiful and green during this time, and you can enjoy all the activities and attractions without any hassle. The crowd is also less during this time, and you can have a peaceful and relaxing experience.
The worst time to visit the dam is from June to September, when the weather is hot and humid, and the rainfall is heavy. The dam looks dull and muddy during this time, and you can face some difficulties and risks while doing the activities and attractions. The crowd is also more during this time, and you can have a noisy and crowded experience.
The average time to visit the dam is from April to May and from October to November, when the weather is moderate and variable, and the water level is low. The dam looks decent and clear during this time, and you can enjoy some of the activities and attractions with some precautions. The crowd is also moderate during this time, and you can have a balanced and enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips on what to wear, carry, and avoid depending on the season and the weather:
1. Wear comfortable and breathable clothes, such as cotton shirts, shorts, or trousers. Avoid wearing synthetic or woolen clothes, as they can cause irritation or allergy.
2. Wear sturdy and waterproof shoes, such as sneakers, boots, or sandals. Avoid wearing flip-flops, heels, or barefoot, as they can cause injury or infection.
3. Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun and the heat. Avoid carrying umbrellas, as they can be cumbersome and ineffective.
4. Carry a jacket, sweater, or shawl, to protect yourself from the cold and the wind. Avoid carrying blankets, as they can be bulky and unnecessary.
5. Carry a water bottle, snacks, and medicines, to keep yourself hydrated, energized, and healthy. Avoid carrying alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, as they can be harmful and prohibited.
6. Carry a camera, binoculars, and a guidebook, to capture, observe, and learn about the dam and the surroundings. Avoid carrying valuables, such as jewellery, cash, or cards, as they can be lost or stolen.
Things to Do at Kakkayam Dam
Kakkayam Dam offers a range of activities, attractions, and experiences for all types of travellers. Whether you want to enjoy boating, hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, or wildlife watching, Kakkayam Dam has something for everyone. Here are some of the things that you can do at the dam:
Trekking:
One of the most popular and adventurous activities at the dam is trekking. You can explore the various trails and paths that lead to the hills and the forests around the dam. You can witness the stunning views of the dam, the valley, and the waterfalls from different angles and heights. You can also encounter some of the wildlife and plants that inhabit the area, such as elephants, bison, birds, butterflies, orchids, and medicinal herbs. The trekking trails range from easy to difficult, depending on the distance, elevation, and terrain. Some of the famous trekking trails are:
Kakkayam Dam to Urakkuzhi Waterfalls: This is an easy and short trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail starts from the dam and ends at the Urakkuzhi Waterfalls, a beautiful and refreshing waterfall that cascades from a height of 60 feet. The trail is flat and smooth, and passes through the dam, the boating area, and the forest. You can enjoy the views of the dam and the waterfall, and also take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
Kakkayam Dam to Vayalada Waterfalls: This is a moderate and long trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail starts from the dam and ends at the Vayalada Waterfalls, a scenic and serene waterfall that flows from a height of 80 feet. The trail is steep and rough, and passes through the hills, the rocks, and the forest. You can enjoy the views of the dam, the valley, and the waterfall, and also relax in the shade of the trees at the end of the trail.
Kakkayam Dam to Kariyathumpara: This is a difficult and challenging trail that takes about 4 hours to complete. The trail starts from the dam and ends at the Kariyathumpara, a panoramic hilltop that offers a 360-degree view of the dam and the surroundings. The trail is narrow and winding, and passes through the cliffs, the caves, and the forest. You can enjoy the views of the dam, the waterfalls, and the hills, and also camp or picnic at the top of the hill.
Boating:
Another popular and relaxing activity at the dam is boating. You can rent a boat or a kayak from the boating area and sail on the calm and clear water of the dam. You can enjoy the views of the dam, the hills, and the forests from the water. You can also catch a glimpse of the waterfalls and the wildlife that are near the dam, such as Urakkuzhi Waterfalls, and more.
Nearby Attractions
Kakkayam Dam is not the only attraction in the area, but there are many other places that you can visit along with the dam, such as:
Kariyathumpara:
This is a scenic hilltop that is about 5 km from the dam. You can reach the hilltop by trekking or driving. The hilltop offers panoramic views of the dam and the valley. You can also camp on the hilltop or watch the sunrise or sunset from there. The charge is Rs. 50 per person for a day.
Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a protected area that is about 10 km from the dam. You can reach the sanctuary by bus or taxi. The sanctuary hosts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque. You can also take a guided tour or a safari in the sanctuary. The charge is Rs. 100 per person for a day.
Peruvannamuzhi Dam:
This is another dam site that is about 15 km from the dam. You can reach the dam by bus or taxi. The dam offers boating, birdwatching, and a crocodile farm. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Smarakathottam and the Kalakkadavu. The charge is Rs. 150 per person for a day.
Thusharagiri Waterfalls:
This is a series of three cascading waterfalls that is about 20 km from the dam. You can reach the waterfalls by bus or taxi. The waterfalls offer a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. You can also trek to the top of the waterfalls or enjoy the natural pool at the bottom. The charge is Rs. 200 per person for a day.
Kakkayam Dam is a hidden gem in the Western Ghats that will mesmerize you with its beauty and diversity. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, who can enjoy the various activities, attractions, and experiences that the dam offers. You can also visit the nearby places that are equally stunning and interesting. Kakkayam Dam is a must-visit place in Kerala that will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.
If you are interested in visiting Kakkayam Dam, you can book your tickets online or contact us for any queries or information. You can also share this article with your friends, family, or partner who might want to join you on this amazing trip.
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