Sunrise at Lakkidi View Point
Watching the sunrise at Lakkidi View Point is one of the most peaceful experiences in Wayanad. Known as the Gateway of Wayanad, Lakkidi sits at an elevation of around 700 metres along the famous Thamarassery Ghat Road, the mountain pass that connects the plains of Kozhikode to the hills of Wayanad. The viewpoint offers sweeping views of mist-covered valleys, rolling Western Ghats mountains, and one of Kerala's most scenic roads.
What makes Lakkidi special is the atmosphere during the early morning hours. Before sunrise, the valleys below are often covered in drifting mist while the surrounding hills slowly emerge as daylight spreads across the landscape. As the sun rises, layers of mountain ridges become visible one after another, creating one of the most photographed views in Wayanad.
Another highlight is the view of the historic Thamarassery Ghat Road, famous for its nine hairpin bends that wind through the mountains below. Watching the road disappear into the valleys while clouds drift between the hills adds another dimension to the experience.
Unlike many viewpoints that require trekking, Lakkidi is easily accessible by road. Visitors can simply arrive before sunrise, find a comfortable viewing spot, and enjoy the changing colors of the sky and landscape without any strenuous effort.
After sunrise, many travelers stop at the nearby roadside restaurants and tea shops that serve traditional Kerala breakfast dishes such as puttu, appam, idiyappam, and freshly brewed tea. The combination of mountain views and local food makes the experience even more memorable.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months for sunrise at Lakkidi are October to February, when the weather is pleasant and visibility is generally excellent.
- November to January: Peak season with cool temperatures and morning mist
- October: Lush post-monsoon landscapes
- February: Clear skies and comfortable weather
- June to September: Heavy monsoon rains often reduce visibility
Best Time of Day
- Arrive between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM
- Sunrise usually occurs between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, depending on the season
- Spend at least 60 to 90 minutes to enjoy the full sunrise experience
Entry Fee
- No entry fee
- Free public viewpoint
- Parking may be available nearby depending on the season and crowd levels
How to Reach
- 10 to 15 km from Vythiri
- Around 15 km from Kalpetta
- Easily accessible by car, taxi, scooter, or motorcycle
- Approximately 15 to 30 minutes from most Wayanad hotels and resorts
What to Carry
- Light jacket or sweater for early mornings
- Drinking water
- Camera or smartphone for photography
- Sunglasses for post-sunrise hours
- Cash for tea and breakfast stops nearby
Traveller Tips
- Reach before sunrise for the best views and photography
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience
- Check weather forecasts as fog and rain can affect visibility
- Carry a tripod if you're interested in sunrise photography
- Stay for breakfast at one of the nearby local eateries
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Soochipara Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, and Banasura Sagar Dam
For travelers exploring Wayanad, Lakkidi View Point offers one of the simplest yet most rewarding experiences in the region. The combination of mountain views, drifting mist, cool morning air, and the famous Thamarassery Ghat makes it one of the best places to witness a Western Ghats sunrise.