There are very few places that can offer a holistic experience, combining wilderness with responsible eco-tourism and the comforts of a modern holiday, and the Wayanad District is one of them. Vythiri with its untouched natural wealth offers ideal conditions for a quiet retreat and restful time-off. The district is known for being the least populated in Kerala, which becomes extremely trangible in the quietude of the hills around Vythiri, where footfalls sound loud against the backdrop of impending silence.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Soochippara and Kanthanpara Falls
The 28-km drive along serpentine roads that meander through picturesque settings will take you from Vythiri to the end of the motorable road near Soochippara. A 1.5-km walk from there will bring you to Soochippara Waterfall, cascading down from a height of 200m. Adjacent to Soochippara, on the rocky side, are the Kanthanpara Falls. Smaller and slightly quieter than Soochippara, about 30-m-high, they make for an ideal picnic spot.
Entry ₹20; Students ₹10 Parking Two-wheelers ₹5; Cars ₹20; Heavy Vehicles ₹50
Lakkidi
Lakkidi, one of the highest points of the Wayanad District at almost 3000ft above sea level, is known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’ because of its location at the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat Pass. Most tourists stop by here for the gorgeous views and incredible photography. Another interesting local sight is the Chain Tree, a giant ficus tree bound to the ground by chains. It is said that an adivasi youth was killed by a British engineer here and his soul haunted the place in a vengeful rage, until a priest chained his spirit to this very tree.
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake lies on the way back to Vythiri from Lakkidi. It is not unusual to sometimes find the entrance to the lake crowded with hundreds of holidaying families. You can go boating and kayaking here. You can also visit the aquarium in the lake complex. The walkway around the lake offers a welcome relief from the melee.
Entry Adults ₹10; Children ₹5 Timings 9.00am–6.00pm Pedal Boat Charges ₹30 for two people; ₹50 for five people
THE INFORMATION
When to go May to September are the really wet months. It is advisable to carry a jacket or a pullover
Tourist offices
District Tourism Promotion Council, Pookode Lake, Vythiri, Tel: 04936-255207
District Tourism Promotion Council, Civil Station, Kalpetta North, Tel: 202134
District Tourism Promotion Council, Collectorate Office, Civil Station, Kalpetta North, Tel: 204441, Cell: 09446072134, W dtpcwayanad.com
STD code 04936
GETTING THERE
Air Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (88km/ 2hrs). Prepaid taxis to Vythiri ₹1,700 and to Kalpetta around ₹2,000
Rail Nearest Railhead: Kozhikode (62km/ 1.5hrs). Taxis to Vythiri and Kalpetta ₹1,500 and ₹1,700 respectively
Road Vythiri is on NH212 that connects Kozhikode to Kollegal via Mysuru. From Kozhikode, take NH212 up the Thamarassery Ghat Pass via Kunnamangalam to Lakkidi, Vythiri and Kalpetta Bus Kozhikode’s KSRTC Bus Stand has connections to Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Coimbatore among others