Lakkidi View Point
Sitting at roughly 700 metres where the winding road from the Malabar coast. Levels out onto the Wayanad plateau, Lakkidi’s misty viewpoint is often the first. Stop for visitors arriving from Kozhikode, with a giant tree-root sculpture marking the spot. Lakkidi View Point is typically explored in about 30-45 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Lakkidi View Point Main Deck, Chembra Peak Lookout. Pookode Lake View. Other notable highlights include nine-hairpin bend view down the ghat road.
Lakkidi View Point at a Glance
Essential information about Lakkidi View Point.
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Overview
Sitting at roughly 700 metres where the winding road from the Malabar coast levels out onto the Wayanad plateau, Lakkidi’s misty viewpoint is often the first stop for visitors arriving from Kozhikode, with a giant tree-root sculpture marking the spot. Lakkidi View Point is typically explored in about 30-45 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Lakkidi View Point Main Deck, Chembra Peak Lookout, and Pookode Lake View. Other notable highlights include nine-hairpin bend view down the ghat road, morning mist rolling over the Chembra peak horizon, and watch jeeps and buses climb the sharp curves. It falls within Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Nine-hairpin bend view down the ghat road
- Morning mist rolling over the Chembra peak horizon
- Watch jeeps and buses climb the sharp curves
- Cool breeze at 700m above sea level
- Spot the winding road far below to Kozhikode
- Tea estate slopes visible on the valley floor
Places That Define Lakkidi View Point
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Chembra Peak Lookout (Far View)
On extremely clear days, the southern face of Chembra Peak, the highest in Wayanad, can be glimpsed from the eastern side of the viewpoint, a favourite for photographers.
Pookode Lake View (from Lakkidi)
A natural freshwater lake visible from the viewpoint’s northern edge, surrounded by lush evergreen forests and misty hills, often dotted with pedal boats.
Kuruvadweep (Island Viewpoint)
A distant but clear sightline to the river island on the Kabini River, known for its sandbanks and bamboo groves, best viewed on clear mornings from the Lakkidi ridge.
Getting There
Things To Do
Walk Along the Ghat Road Curves
Take a gentle, level stroll along the short, safe stretch of the main road near the viewpoint to appreciate the engineering of the nine hairpin bends that ascend from the plains below. This walk offers close-up encounters with the cool mountain breeze and the sounds of birds from the surrounding forest.
45 minutes
Panoramic Views from the Lakkidi View Point Deck
Stand at the designated viewing platform and soak in the sweeping vista of the misty Wayanad plateau, with the winding ghat road curling below like a ribbon through lush green hills. It is a perfect spot for slow, unhurried photography of the Western Ghats.
1 hour
Short Trek to the Pookode Lake Viewpoint (via road)
Drive or take a shared auto down the ghat road for about 3 km to a lesser-known pull-off that overlooks the shimmering Pookode Lake in the valley below. From here, you can enjoy a different, calmer perspective of the lake and the surrounding coffee estates without the crowds.
2 hours (including travel time)
Spot Birds and Butterflies on the Forest Edge
Walk a few metres down the paved side path that borders the dense shola forest fringe, where you can quietly observe Malabar hornbills, drongos, and colourful butterflies flitting among the canopy. Binoculars are helpful, but even without them, the natural chorus is a treat for the senses.
1 hour
Visit the Small Tea and Spice Stalls
Stop at the cluster of roadside vendors near the viewpoint who sell fresh cardamom, black pepper, and locally grown coffee. Chat with the friendly stall owners to learn about the region’s plantation economy and pick up a small packet of spice as a souvenir.
30 minutes
Photograph the Sunset from the Western Ridge
As late afternoon approaches, position yourself on the open rocky ledge just left of the main deck to watch the sun dip behind the distant Brahmagiri hills. The changing light over the valley floor is a memorable, serene experience for those who enjoy quiet moments.
1.5 hours
Top Attractions
Chembra Peak Lookout (Far View)
On extremely clear days, the southern face of Chembra Peak, the highest in Wayanad, can be glimpsed from the eastern side of the viewpoint, a favourite for photographers.
Pookode Lake View (from Lakkidi)
A natural freshwater lake visible from the viewpoint’s northern edge, surrounded by lush evergreen forests and misty hills, often dotted with pedal boats.
Kuruvadweep (Island Viewpoint)
A distant but clear sightline to the river island on the Kabini River, known for its sandbanks and bamboo groves, best viewed on clear mornings from the Lakkidi ridge.
Travel Tips
Start early to avoid crowds and heat
Reach Lakkidi View Point by 8:00 AM, as the parking and viewing platform fill up quickly with tour buses by mid-morning. Early arrival also means cooler, clearer weather for better photos and easier walking.
Carry your own water and light snacks
There is no cafeteria or shop at the viewpoint, and the nearest tea stall is about a 10-minute drive away. Bring sealed water bottles and easy-to-eat items like bananas or biscuits, but avoid heavy meals before the climb.
Use the handrails and walking stick support
The short but steep path to the main viewpoint has uneven stone steps, so hold the provided railings and take slow, deliberate steps. If you have mobility concerns, ask the caretaker for a sturdy wooden walking stick available at the entrance.
Wear non-slip shoes and keep rain gear handy
The viewpoint is often misty and the stone floor can be slippery, especially after morning dew or light rain. Choose closed-toe shoes with good grip, and carry a light rain jacket or umbrella even if the sky looks clear.
Book a vehicle with a patient driver and ample waiting time
For groups, hire a taxi or van with a driver who knows the narrow ghat road and is willing to wait 45-60 minutes. Do not rely on local buses, as they stop only briefly and schedules are unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry a light jacket or shawl, as the breeze at the viewpoint can be surprisingly cool, even in summer. Also bring water, a small snack, and a walking stick if needed, but avoid heavy bags since there are no lockers or shops at the viewpoint itself.
Early morning, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, is ideal because the mist is still lifting and the valley is visible without the midday haze. Weekdays are also far less crowded than weekends, especially during peak tourist season from October to March.
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee of about 20 rupees per person, and parking charges are around 30 rupees for cars and 10 rupees for two-wheelers. These fees are collected at the ticket counter near the entrance, and no advance booking is needed.
The guardrails are sturdy, but the drop below is very steep, so please stay behind the railing at all times, especially in windy weather. Also, avoid visiting during heavy rain or fog, as the path can become slippery and visibility drops to almost zero, making it unsafe for older travellers.
The viewpoint itself is a short, flat walk from the parking area, but there are about 20 to 30 steps down to the main railing. Seniors can manage if they take it slowly, but wheelchairs are not suitable, and there are no handrails along the entire stretch.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Lakkidi View Point
Day 1
Arrive at Lakkidi in the morning and settle into the cool mountain air. Spend the afternoon exploring the immediate surroundings of the view point, which offers sweeping views of the misty valleys and the winding ghat road below. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed sunset from the main platform, followed by a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.
- Take a gentle walk along the Lakkidi View Point main platform and soak in the panoramic views of the Chembra Peak and the surrounding coffee plantations.
- Visit the nearby Pookode Lake (about 8 km away) for a short boat ride and a stroll around the freshwater lake, spotting lotus blooms and migratory birds.
- Drive down the famous 9-hairpin bend ghat road (just below the view point) for a slow, scenic drive, stopping at small viewpoints to photograph the valley.
Day 2
Start the day early with a visit to the nearby Kuruvadweep island, accessible by a short boat ride across the Kabini River. After lunch, explore the lush spice and coffee plantations around Lakkidi, learning about cardamom, pepper, and coffee cultivation. End the day with a visit to the ancient Edakkal Caves for a moderate climb and prehistoric rock art.
- Take a morning boat ride to Kuruvadweep island (about 15 km away) and walk through the dense bamboo groves and sandbanks, with a packed snack for a picnic.
- Visit a working spice plantation (like the Wayanad Spice Garden) for a guided tour, tasting fresh spices and seeing how they are dried and processed.
- Drive to Edakkal Caves (about 25 km away) and climb the 450 steps to see 8,000-year-old petroglyphs, with a stop at the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum en route.
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Tour Packages for Lakkidi View Point
Wayanad
Kerala
11 place(s) covered within Wayanad
Banasura Sagar Dam
Chembra Peak
Edakkal Caves
Kalpetta
Kanthanpara Falls
Kuruvadweep
Meenmutty Falls
Pookode Lake
Soochipara Falls
Sultan Bathery
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
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