Situated in the heart of the panoramic hills of the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, Pookode Lake is a pristine freshwater lake with immense tourist potential. Its bewitching beauty and tranquil environment make this lake a quiet spot. Surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and all those who look forward to spending time in the seclusion of nature. If you plan to visit Kerala with your friends and family, Pookode Lake has to be on your list. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pookode Lake, its attractions, the activities you can enjoy there, how to reach and more.
The Pristine Beauty Of Pookode Lake
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The exciting beauty of Pookode Lake lies in its serene locality and the natural landscape surrounding it. The lake is also precisely in the shape of India’s map, which makes it even more beautiful.
Its crystal-clear water mirrors the green surroundings to create a great view. At the periphery, dense forests host several flora and fauna varieties. This place’s serenity, complemented by the chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves, makes it an ideal venue for relaxation and a nature walk.
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Activities At Pookode Lake
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1. Boating: When it comes to recreational activities, one of the preeminent ones it offers is boating. Boat rental service is available for pedal or rowboats, and you will surely enjoy the ride in the calm water while admiring the beauty of nature surrounding the area.
2. Nature Walks: The nature around Pookode Lake is ideal for a nature trail. Excellent trails encourage one to stop and take a look at the relatively diverse and complex ecosystem and a big breath of fresh air.
3. Bird Watching: Pookode Lake is the correct bird-watching destination. Many types of birds can be seen residing in these surrounding forests. Bring your binoculars and partake in the joys of bird watching or watching birds in their natural environment.
4. Photography Opportunities: Pookode Lake is ideal for photographing in such a backdrop. Anyone who is a working photographer or even someone with a casual interest in photography can indeed have a lot of gorgeous shots to take.
5. Children’s Park: Besides the lake, there is a small children’s park where the children can entertain themselves by playing. This is the right place, especially if a family has children at home or toddlers, mainly under the age of 5.
Nearby Attractions At Pookode Lake
There is so much that you can explore around Pookode Lake. From viewpoints to sanctuary to caves, there is much to explore around Pookode Lake. Here are some of the top choices available for you –
1. Lakkidi View Point
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Located just a few kilometres from Pookode Lake, the Lakkidi View Point offers an exciting bird’ s-eye view of Wayanad and the surrounding hills and valleys. This is why it is called the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’. It is one of Wayanad’s highest points, famous for its sunrise and sunset views. It is a popular picnic spot that offers scenic views of the valley and ghat roads.
Location: About 4 km from the Lake
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
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2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Just a short drive from Pookode Lake is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which has a collection of wildlife ranging from elephants to tigers and leopards. The Sanctuary is one of the most visited sanctuaries in Kerala. Set up in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers so much diversity in flora and fauna that any wildlife enthusiast can not miss it.
Location: About 50 km from Pookode Lake
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
3. Edakkal Caves
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Edakkal Caves are two natural caves in a remote area near the Lake. They are one of the significant archaeological sites of Kerala and one of the only known places for Stone Age remains in South India. The ancient rock engravings in these caves give much information about life during the prehistoric period.
Location: About 37 km from Pookode Lake
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
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4. Soochipara Falls
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Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara Waterfalls are three-tiered waterfalls. They are beautiful, situated amidst dense forests, and offer refreshing experiences. The waterfall is located in an isolated area and forms a spectacular attraction near Meppadi, Wayanad.
Location: About 30 km from Pookode Lake
Timings: From 7 AM to 7 PM
Local Delicacies
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Another aspect of the place that is known is the cuisine. The local cuisine combines traditional Kerala flavours with some local ingredients, making it a fusion of sorts. In Kerala, try Puttu and Kadala Curry, a famous breakfast dish with steamed rice cakes and black chickpea curry.
Try Malabar Biryani, a local version of biryani derived from the Malabar region. It is made by combining scented rice, scented spices, and meat. You can also have Appam with Stew, a soft and luscious pudding made from rice batter with a bit of fermentation, accompanied by a pouring vegetable or meat-heavy stew. Kerala Fish Curry is a must-have for fish lovers. It is a spicy and sour fish curry made in coconut milk with the right mix of traditional spices.
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Pookode Lake, one of the jewels of Wayanad, is an excellent combination of nature, tranquillity, and outdoor activity. Be it the nature lover, the photography enthusiast, or the person seeking a peaceful retreat, this Lake will suffice. Laden, with history and variety in flora and fauna in the serene environment, stands at the top of the list of most-visited places in Kerala. Plan a trip to Kerala and soak in the beauty of Pookode Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pookode Lake
What are the entry fees for Pookode Lake?
Indeed, ordinary charges are found at Pookode Lake in terms of entry fees. The fees untowards the maintenance and preservations of the lake and the area surrounding it.
Are there any hotels or restaurants close to this place or Pookode Lake?
Yes, there are many hotels, resorts and homestays around Pookode, there are economical as well as luxury hotels available. Housing in Kalpetta, the nearest town, is rather diverse.
Is it possible to swim in Pookode Lake?
Tourism is popular at Pookode Lake but swimming is prohibited in order to avoid the risk of accidents and to protect the lake and its resources.
How can one best discover Pookode Lake?
The boat ride is the best way to explore Pookode Lake as well as the nearby attractions. You can also take a walk to enjoy nature; especially when the beautiful lake is around.
Is there any place around this lake where I can purchase food, such as a restaurant, or a stall?
Indeed, there are a few small kiosks and restaurants around Pookode Lake that are typically selling local foods and drinks. In case you want to go to a restaurant with diversified services, you can go to the neighbouring town of Kalpetta.
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