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.
State: Kerala
Ideal Duration: 30-45 Minutes
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.