Lakkidi

Lakkidi in Wayanad (celebrated globally as the Gateway of Wayanad and one of the highest altitude hill stations in the Western Ghats perched at 700 meters / 2,296 feet above sea level, world famous for its dramatic Thamarassery Churam mountain pass with 9 dramatic hairpin bends, heavy annual rainfall earning it the title 'Chirapunji of Kerala', and the legendary Karinthandan Chain Tree shrine), located at the crest of the ghat pass in Wayanad in Kerala, stands as the district's most iconic scenic viewpoint and historical entryway.

Greeting travelers arriving from Kozhikode and the Malabar coast with cool mountain mist, emerald rainforest ridges, and deep gorge panoramas, Lakkidi holds profound historical importance as the traditional trade passage discovered by the native Paniya tribal chieftain Karinthandan before being engineered into a carriage road during colonial British rule.

It's the home of the famous Lakkidi View Point offering sweeping 180 degree panoramas of the 9 snaking hairpin curves below and lush Calicut valley plains stretching toward the Arabian Sea horizon, the mystical Chain Tree (Changala Maram) where a massive rusted iron chain binds the legendary spirit of Karinthandan to a towering Ficus tree, the tranquil freshwater Pookode Lake situated just 3 km away surrounded by evergreen forests, the misty high altitude tea plantations of Vythiri enveloped in swirling cloud cover, and an intensely invigorating, chilly mountain atmosphere where passing monsoon clouds, mountain winds, and chirping Malabar whistling thrushes create a truly hypnotic highland ambiance.

It represents a rich tribal folklore legacy, Western Ghats mountain engineering, and high altitude hill tourism where Thamarassery Churam hairpin turns, the Chain Tree shrine, Pookode Lake, and misty valley views unite in Lakkidi Wayanad.

Located on NH 766 at the border of Kozhikode and Wayanad districts, it sits just 5 km from Vythiri town, 16 km from Kalpetta, 3 km from Pookode Lake, 65 km from Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), and 70 km from Calicut International Airport (CCJ), easily accessible by car, KSRTC bus, or tourist taxi.

The Legend of Karinthandan & The Chain Tree

Local lore recounts that a British engineer discovered the treacherous Thamarassery route with the guidance of the tribal chief Karinthandan.

To claim sole credit for engineering the pass, the engineer betrayed the chieftain, whose restless spirit was later bound to a Banyan tree with a heavy steel chain by a local priest.

Truth is, standing before the sacred Chain Tree where passing drivers offer coins for a safe journey is deeply intriguing.

Lakkidi View Point & 9 Hairpin Churam Curves

The 9 Hairpin Curves: The cantilevered viewpoint platform overlooks the snaking curves of NH 766 as vehicles handle the dramatic mountain gradient.

Valley Panoramas: On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the Arabian Sea coastline across lush tropical forest canopies.

Wayanad Eco Tourism & Nature Circuit

Vythiri Loop: Sits just 3 km from Pookode Lake pedal boating, 5 km from Vythiri town, and 16 km from Chembra Peak base.

District Day Tour: Connects smoothly with Soochippara Waterfalls (30 km), Banasura Sagar Dam (35 km), and Edakkal Caves (40 km).

After gazing at the misty valley views from Lakkidi View Point and visiting the Chain Tree, explore Pookode Lake, tour Vythiri, or explore Wayanad.