Lakkidi View Point – Wayanad

The climb to Wayanad from Kozhikode is an experience by itself.

The road winds its way up the Western Ghats through the famous Thamarassery Ghat, negotiating one hairpin bend after another. As you approach the top of this climb, you reach Lakkidi.

Quite appropriately, it is called the Gateway to Wayanad.

Located close to Vythiri, Lakkidi stands at an elevation of around 700 metres above sea level. The viewpoint looks down towards the ghat road and the deep green valleys below.

And what a road it is.

From above, parts of the highway appear and disappear between the hills, twisting through the forest before climbing towards Wayanad.

When the Mist Takes Over

Lakkidi receives plenty of rain, and mist is a frequent visitor.

That can either help or spoil your view, depending on what you came expecting.

On a clear day, the valley opens up beautifully, with forest-covered hills stretching into the distance. Small streams and waterfalls appear on the slopes during the rainy season.

Then the mist moves in.

Within minutes, much of the landscape can disappear.

Wait a little.

The clouds may move again and reveal the valley below.

For me, that changing view is more interesting than having a perfectly clear landscape throughout the visit.

The Gateway to Wayanad

Lakkidi is not a destination where you need to spend several hours.

It works better as a pause.

If you are entering Wayanad through the Thamarassery Ghat, stop here for a few minutes. Look back at the road you have just climbed.

Nine hairpin bends.

Dense forest.

Deep valleys.

And somewhere far below lies the road towards Kozhikode.

You have reached Wayanad.

Happy travelling.