Pookode Lake is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes, is a only one of its kind in Kerala. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookot is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. At an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level and having an area of 13 acre and 40 meter deep. It is 15 km away from Kalpetta.
This refreshing waterbody is so close to the highway (Calicut-Kalpeta) and travelers are wooed to its chilling charms. Temperatures are much lower around the lake and it is a great getaway from the heat of Calicut. I was drawn to this ancient beauty while attending the National Theatre Festival of Kerala 2011 at Kozhikode. The lake has the shape of India’s map. The lake has abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fishes. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds and flies.
The Panamaram rivulet – one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River – originates from it. Lying 3km south of Vythiri town, the lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad. The blue lake also has mesmerizing lilac waterlilies in its bosom. Reeds, bamboos, flowering riperian shrubs and trees lull the lake from all sides. The walk around the lake along the winding path is amazing and spectacular. It opens up a new view of lake at every curve and turning.
Plenty of tourists from other states are also here to enjoy the chill and charms of this forest fairy. boating and canoeing provisions are available. Plenty of monkeys are also here. There are also a few fish ponds near the lake. It is a plastic-free zone and rural handicrafts are available in eco-shops with mud walls and bamboo thatches. Spices and handicraft items are available for sale at Pookode. The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children’s park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.
How to reach
Plenty of KSRTC buses are available from Calicut to this place. It takes under two hours to reach the lake from the city.
