Lakkidi is a quaint place, quite untouched by human hands and often the most missed part of a trip to Wayanad. Since it is located so close to the entry point most tourists give it a miss, but this place is known for it really nice weather and the excellent photo opportunities it presents. It is also famous for the place that receives the second highest rainfall in the country, next to Chirapunjee.

One of the highest points in the district at 2296 feet above sea level, it offers some breathtaking views for the Thamarassery Ghats through which we had just driven through. Early in the mornings and  late evenings are perfect here. A huge mist covers the entire mountain and you can literally have a walk in the clouds. The view of the Ghats and the valley below is scintillating and photographers should not miss this place.

We stumbled upon this place by accident. Once we started late from Cannanore (Kannur) and had to stop midways as it was very late. So we chose to plonk ourselves at Lakkidi. We took a room in a Hotel called Tushara. It is right after you enter Wayanad (Maybe 2-3 kms from the arc) on the left. It is the only big building in the vicinity and you should probably not miss it. It has a restaurant on the ground floor and rooms on the first. The charges are decent and for 1000 rupees a night it provides a comfortable stay. The hotel provides a clean room with a TV. The room had a balcony which opened into the valley below; a very good view of the mountains indeed. Cable TV was OK. The restraint although lists a lot on it menu, it did not have much in stock that time (As is the case with all most all hotels in Kerala), so we settled for a simple Kerala fare of veg stew and Chappati .    

The temperature drops low during the nights, so it is a very nice experience from the heat of the plains.

After staying there the night we wanted to leave for Vythiri or Kalpeta (as suitable) early next morning. But we got up late and spent a lot of time enjoying a few cups of tea in our balconies overlooking the valley. It was very peaceful to sit in midst of so much natural beauty and sip on one of the best beverages nature ever gave us-Tea.

Our next stop was the Pookote Lake.

Towards Pookote Lake, on the left side of the road is a large Ficus tree is an interesting blend of intrigue and myth. Legend has it that a young adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in taking a British Engineer through the difficult area of Wayanad from Calicut. However to claim the entire credit, the engineer had the boy killed and his sprits used to haunt subsequent travellers. So a priest was called in who then chained the sprit to this tree with a chain. I am not sure this is the reason, but nonetheless it is an interesting snippet and worth a photo op. Will just take a couple of minutes to stop by.