Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad, and registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world.

Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar, Kerala's famous satirist poet, who is regarded as the progenitor of Ottanthullal, the traditional solo dance narration.

His songs combine satirical barbs with rib tickling laughter. Some of the famous lines are still quoted to lampoon contemporary social injustices. The poet's house is preserved as a monument by the Government of Kerala.

Unique Travel Attractions of Lakkidi

Pokkot Lake
Pookot Lake, a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills is located 3 kms from south of Vythiri town. 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 the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.

Eddakal Caves
Situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district. Formed by a large split in a huge rock, the two natural rock formations represent the world's richest pictographic gallery of its kind.

The two caves located at a height of 1000m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal can be accessed only by a 1 km trek trail from Edakkal. Edakkal literally means 'a stone in between'. Edakkal rock engravings stand out distinct among the magnitude of prehistoric visual archives of paintings and graphic signs all over the world.

Chethalayam Waterfalls
Located 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, are the breathtakingly beautiful Chethalayam Waterfalls. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is another tourist spot. Here you can see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear.

About 15 km from Sultan's Bathery, the Wildlife Sanctuary covers over 344-sq. km. and forms part of the area of Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Sanctuary in Karnataka.

Pakshipathalam - The Bird Watching Centre
Pakshipathalam, located 7 kms north east of Thirunelli Temple in Brahma Giri Hills is a challenging tourist spot. A trekkers' paradise, this place is accessibe only by trekking.

Located at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level, this hill station offers great opportunities for bird watching. One has to trek 17 kms through the wild forests, to reach 'Pakshipathalam'. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. One can watch rare species of birds from the watchtower of the Bird sanctuary located nearby.

Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.

Here, one can find nature at its thundering best. Soochipara is a 3-tiered, powerful waterfall. And the cliff face here is ideal for rock climbing.