Lakkidi Wayanad
Lakkidi Wayanad, 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. Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri.
Lakkidi is located in the southern portion of India in the state of Kerala. It is many times referred to as the Gateway of the Wayanad district. This city is used as a jump off point in exploring the entire Wayanad region by countless people every year. The entire region is most notable for containing impressive mountain peaks, dense forests, and beautiful streams and other water features.
This area gets an impressive amount of rain every year. In fact, Lakkidi has the second highest amount of annual rainfall in the world. So much water makes for a boaters paradise. With so many streams, lakes, and waterfalls, no wonder water lovers flock here.
With so much landscape that remains ultimately untouched, it is no wonder that birdwatchers are drawn to this area. It is common to see such bird species as peacocks, cormorants, egrets, bulbuls, snipes, peafowl, and babblers. The natural landscape is also a draw for exotic animal lovers. The area is home to such wild animals as tigers, Asian elephants, sambars, leopards, cheetahs, sloth bears, and spotted deer.
Trekking in the area is another favorite tourist activity. This undisturbed part of the country begs to be explored, and what better way to do so than by hiking and camping, all at the same time. Trekkers find themselves hiking through some of the most breathtaking lands in the world. Waterways, mountain peaks, forests, and even waterfalls are all readily explored when on a trek. Temples can be explored along the way as well.
This hill station is one of the highest locations in Wayanad and it registers the second highest rainfall in the world. With a clutch of mostly upscale resorts and planatation stays, catering to well heeled Metropolitan Indians and foreigners, it is fast emerging as a popular hill retreat.
The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms. long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghats road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
Wayanad is situated at an height of 2100 from sea level and to reach Wayanad from other districts of Kerala one has to pass through the mighty Wayanad Churam. This section starts from Adivaram in Calicut district and ends at Lakkidi in Wayanad distrcit and span around 14 KM. wayand churam is also known as Thamarassery churam, since this place comes under the Thamarasery section of Calicut district.
There are 9 Hair-pin curves with steep rock in one side and deep valley on other. The view offered through the hairpin bends are prized experience for any traveler, and the view get thrilling and gorgeous on reaching the top. The view from the 'view point' at the top is breath taking.
This ghat section is always covered with mist at the top. Lakkidi, the place near the top of the ghat section, is one of the place in India where highest rainfall is recorded in a year. You can feel this as the climate is very cold and windy over here.
