If you are looking for a place to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Wayanad, then Lakkidi view point is a must-visit destination for you. Lakkidi view point is a high-altitude spot that offers a bird’s eye view of the picturesque landscape of Wayanad district in Kerala. It is located at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level and is one of the wettest and greenest places in India.
From Lakkidi view point, you can see the majestic Western Ghats, the winding roads, the misty clouds, the lush green forests and the sparkling water bodies. It is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and capture some stunning photos of nature.
History of Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi view point has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. It is said that Lakkidi view point was the place where Pazhassi Raja, the legendary ruler of Kottayam province, fought against the British colonial forces. Pazhassi Raja was known as the Lion of Kerala for his bravery and resistance against the foreign invaders. He used the dense forests and hills of Wayanad as his hideout and base for his guerrilla warfare. He was assisted by his loyal tribal warriors who knew the terrain well and helped him ambush the enemy troops.
One of the most famous battles that took place at Lakkidi view point was the Thamarassery Churam or Thamarassery Pass. It was a narrow and steep pass that connected Wayanad with Kozhikode district. The British army tried to capture this strategic point several times but failed due to the fierce resistance of Pazhassi Raja and his men. The pass was also known for its natural beauty and scenic views. It is said that Lord Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington and defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, was mesmerized by the beauty of Thamarassery Churam when he visited it in 1799.
Another interesting legend associated with Lakkidi view point is that of the Chain Tree. It is a large ficus tree that stands near the entrance of Lakkidi view point. It has a long iron chain hanging from its branches. According to the local folklore, the chain tree marks the spot where a British engineer named Baber was killed by a tribal chieftain named Karinthandan. Baber was sent by the British government to survey and construct a road through Thamarassery Churam. He hired Karinthandan as his guide who showed him the way through the dense forests and steep slopes. However, Baber was greedy and wanted to take all the credit for himself. He killed Karinthandan after reaching Lakkidi and claimed that he discovered the route on his own.
But Karinthandan’s spirit did not rest in peace. He haunted Baber and his successors who tried to use the road. He caused accidents, landslides and deaths on the road. The locals then consulted a priest who performed a ritual to pacify Karinthandan’s spirit. He chained his spirit to a tree near Lakkidi and thus created the Chain Tree. The locals believe that the chain tree protects them from any harm and pay their respects to it.
Location of Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi view point is situated on the southern edge of Wayanad district in Kerala. It is about 5 km from Vythiri town, which is a popular hill station and resort destination in Wayanad. Lakkidi view point is also close to Pookode Lake, which is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forests and hills.
Lakkidi view point is easily accessible by road from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka. It is about 55 km from Kozhikode city, 85 km from Mysore city, 120 km from Ooty town and 280 km from Bangalore city.
How to Reach Lakkidi View Point
The best way to reach Lakkidi view point is by road as it offers a thrilling and scenic drive through Thamarassery Churam or Thamarassery Pass. The pass has nine hairpin bends that test your driving skills and reward you with breathtaking views of nature.
You can also enjoy some refreshments and snacks at the roadside stalls along the way. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles. You can also hire a taxi or a bus from Kozhikode, Mysore, Ooty or Bangalore to reach Lakkidi view point.
If you prefer to travel by rail, the nearest railway station is Kozhikode railway station, which is about 55 km from Lakkidi view point. You can take a train from any major city in India to Kozhikode and then take a taxi or a bus to Lakkidi view point.
If you prefer to travel by air, the nearest airport is Kozhikode airport, which is about 65 km from Lakkidi view point. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Kozhikode and then take a taxi or a bus to Lakkidi view point.
You may also like to read: Live Like a Tarzan At These Tree Houses In Wayanad
Best Time to Visit Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi view point can be visited throughout the year as it has a pleasant and moderate climate. However, the best time to visit Lakkidi view point is from October to May, when the weather is clear and sunny and the views are spectacular.
You can also witness the sunrise and sunset from Lakkidi view point during this time. The monsoon season from June to September is also a good time to visit Lakkidi view point if you love the rain and the mist. The rain enhances the beauty and freshness of the greenery and the waterfalls. However, you may not get clear views of the hills and valleys due to the fog and clouds.
Things to Do at Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi view point offers a lot of things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do at Lakkidi view point are:
Sightseeing:
The main attraction of Lakkidi view point is the panoramic view of the Wayanad landscape. You can see the rolling hills, the deep valleys, the winding roads, the misty clouds, the lush green forests and the sparkling water bodies from Lakkidi view point. You can also spot some wildlife such as monkeys, deer, elephants and birds from Lakkidi view point. It is a great place to enjoy nature and relax your mind and body.
Photography:
Lakkidi view point is a paradise for photographers as it offers some amazing opportunities to capture the beauty of nature in your camera. You can take some stunning photos of the sunrise and sunset, the hills and valleys, the clouds and mist, the forests and waterfalls, and the wildlife from Lakkidi view point. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives and filters to create some unique shots of Lakkidi view point.
Trekking:
If you are an adventure lover, you can also go for trekking from Lakkidi view point to explore the nearby hills and forests. There are some trekking trails that start from Lakkidi view point and lead you to some hidden gems of nature such as waterfalls, caves, streams and meadows. You can also enjoy some camping at these spots if you have the permission and equipment. Trekking from Lakkidi view point is a great way to experience the thrill and challenge of nature.
Camping:
If you want to spend some quality time with your friends or family at Lakkidi view point, you can also opt for camping at some designated spots near Lakkidi view point. Camping at Lakkidi view point will give you a chance to enjoy the starry night sky, the cool breeze, the bonfire, the music and the stories. You can also wake up early in the morning and watch the sunrise from your tent. Camping at Lakkidi view point will give you some unforgettable memories of nature.
Birdwatching:
If you are a bird lover, you can also indulge in some birdwatching at Lakkidi view point as it is home to many species of birds such as peacocks, parrots, hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, eagles and more. You can spot these birds in their natural habitat and listen to their melodious songs. You can also learn more about their behavior, diet and nesting habits. Birdwatching at Lakkidi view point will give you a chance to appreciate the diversity and beauty of nature.
Nearby Attractions
Lakkidi view point is not only a scenic spot but also a gateway to many other attractions that are located near it. Some of these attractions are:
Pookode Lake:
Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake that is situated about 3 km from Lakkidi view point. It is surrounded by evergreen forests and hills and has a shape like India’s map. It is a popular picnic spot that offers boating, fishing, cycling and other recreational activities. It also has a children’s park, an aquarium, a handicrafts shop and a spice shop.
Chain Tree:
Chain Tree is a large ficus tree that has a long iron chain hanging from its branches. It is located near the entrance of Lakkidi view point and has a legend behind it. It is said that the chain tree marks the spot where a British engineer named Baber was killed by a tribal chieftain named Karinthandan. The locals believe that the chain tree protects them from any harm and pay their respects to it.
Banasura Sagar Dam:
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is situated about 25 km from Lakkidi view point and is built across the Karamanathodu river, a tributary of the Kabini river. It is a major source of irrigation and power generation in the region. It also offers some scenic views of the Banasura hills and the reservoir. It also has some adventure activities such as speed boating, kayaking, trekking and camping.
Chembra Peak:
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and one of the most popular trekking destinations in Kerala. It is situated about 30 km from Lakkidi view point and has an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. It offers some spectacular views of the Wayanad valley and the surrounding hills. It also has a heart-shaped lake on its way, which is believed to be perennial and never dry. Trekking to Chembra Peak is a challenging and rewarding experience for nature lovers.
Edakkal Caves:
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves that are located about 35 km from Lakkidi view point and have some ancient rock art and inscriptions on their walls. The caves are believed to be dating back to 6000 BC and have some evidence of human habitation from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. The caves also have some carvings of animals, humans, weapons, symbols and scripts that are of historical and archaeological significance. The caves can be reached by a steep trek from the base of the Ambukuthi hill.
You may also like to read: Wayanad : A Complete Vacation Trip
Lakkidi view point is a scenic spot that offers a bird’s eye view of the beauty of Wayanad. It is also a place that has a rich history, culture and nature. It is a perfect destination for visitors who want to enjoy nature, adventure, history and culture in Wayanad.
If you are planning to visit Wayanad, make sure to include Lakkidi view point in your itinerary and share your experiences with us at Tripoto. We would love to hear from you!
