Hold your breath for one of the most awe-aspiring destination of India. Spell binding, wallpaper-perfect beauty is how one can personify the virgin valleys of “Kakkayam” located at 2500 feet, in the district of Kozhikode within the lap of God’s own country – Kerala.
This beautiful destination is luckily yet unexplored by most with some authentically preserved nature, by virtue of not being on the Kerela tourist map. The International Union of Conversations of Nature (IUCN) has voted Kakkayam as one of the best of bio zones in the country.
Streams, waterfalls, hills, valleys, jungles, grasslands, animals, birds and insects, Kakkayam has it all, making it a one-stop picture-perfect paradise of God’s creations.
Not only is it a hypnotizing destination for movies makers but those in love with nature and adventure like rock climbing or trekking may decide to make a journey, they can never forget for times to come. For adventure freaks, help of the local guides and clubs are available on prior demand. A road journey amidst the misty forest for about 15 km from the Kakkayam bus stop and the local market, brings you to the Kakkayam Dam site and waterfalls. Here you might be surprised by a group of elephants just strolling by for some food or greeted by a gang of monkeys or deer, not to forget the varied variety of our feathered friends and bewitching butterflies. The waterfall “Orakkuzhi” and the hanging bridge accentuates the beauty of this divine destination.
Put on your walking shoes and stroll your way for about 10 minutes to reach the Dam site, as the rules will not allow you to drive after a check post, reason being preservation of nature and pollution control measures. Before this you need to take permission of the forest office and take a ticket for about Rs 20. Photography is strictly forbidden but one is free to captivate the glimpses of this astoundingly heaven-on-earth with your eyes and store it in your memory forever.
Best Time to Visit
November to April happens to be the right time to visit here. In December is held the famous Malabar shopping festival, for you to decide on the dates of your travel. Summers might be a bit hot and humid.How to Reach Kakkayam Dam
By road
Best way to travel to Kakkayam is by road. Situated about 50 km from Kozhikode you can get there via these 3 different road routes Thalayard, Bal usseri, or the Peranbra route which goes from Kurachundu – Kallunode road.
It takes about 1.5 hours by car or bus from Kozhikode city to Kakkayam. Taxi fare will be around anywhere between 400-700 Rs. There are cheap and reliable luxury and public transport bus services operating between the two cities frequently during the day. The Dam site is another 15 kms from Kakkayam bus station. One can hire a private cab which is available easily at the bus stand or market place. The road is narrow and curvy.
From the railway station:
Nearest railway station is Kozhikode station at a distance of 66 km from Kakkayam town .One can take a cab to the Dam site directly.
From the airport
The Karipur International Airport or Calicut International airport, is the closest airport. From the airport the distance to Kakkayam Dam is close to 80 km and the travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours by cab or bus.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation on or near the Dam site but close to the town of Kakkayam you have some 5 star hotels and also many comfortable budget hotels.Kadavu Resorts & Ayurveda Center
If you are aiming to live in the midst of Mother nature and also rejuvenate yourself this is the place you have got to check out. Kadavu Resorts & Ayurveda Center facing river Chaliyar is located about 6.2 km from Kakkayam town.
Address: NH17 Calicut Bypass Road, Azhinjilam, Malappuram District, Kerala 673632 Kozhikode.
Tariff -Starts from Rs.5000 /- goes up to Rs.15000/- per day per room
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road
6.5 km away from Kakkayam this is a beautiful abode with stylish stay and a welcoming beach that is just a stone’s throw from the hotel.
Address: P.T.Usha Road, 673032 Kozhikode
Tariff – Rs.6000/- per day per room
Vythiri Village Hotel Kedavur
Nearly 22 kms. away from Kakkayam town is located this sprawling five star property, is a 20 acre lush piece of green lands in the heart of Vythiri Village, 2600 feet above sea level.
Address: NH-212, Near Vythiri Town, Vythiri, 673576 Wayanad
Tariff – Rs.7000 /-per day per room.
