Pookode Lake in Wayanad is a stunning freshwater lake located near Kalpetta. It bears a striking resemblance to the map of India. Nestled amidst lush evergreen forests and surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats, this captivating lake never fails to mesmerize every tourist who visits Wayanad.
Pookode Lake, also known as Pookot Lake, is a natural freshwater lake situated in the Wayanad district at an elevation of 770 meters above sea level. It holds the distinction of being the highest altitude freshwater lake in Kerala, despite its relatively small size of 5 hectares. Pookode Lake is also the point of origin for the Panamaram River, which flows through the valley and joins the Kabini River.
People visit Pookode Lake for a family outing, boating, and to enjoy the serene and peaceful ambiance of the place. You can savor the views and observe the animals and birds that come to the lake from the surrounding forests. The lake is also home to lotuses and water lilies.
The place boasts a freshwater aquarium, a children’s park, and a handicrafts shop as well.
Pookode Lake is a highly sought-after tourist destination in Wayanad, beloved by nature enthusiasts. The delightful weather, combined with the mesmerizing allure of the area, guarantees a truly memorable experience during your visit.
Things to do in Pookode Lake Wayanad
1. Walking around the lake
Walking around Pookode Lake is a delightful experience. The lake features a jogging track that encircles its banks, lined with lush bushes and towering trees. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or capturing picturesque moments on a bench, you can enjoy the serene ambiance and capture the beauty of the lake adorned with floating flowers. You will also encounter a variety of animals, birds, and butterflies around the lake.
2. Enjoying in the park
Children can enjoy themselves in the nearby children’s park, while adults have the option to go horse-riding along the shores or cycling around the lake.
3. Boating in the lake
Boating is the main attraction at Pookot Lake. The pedal boats and rowboats offer a serene tour of the lake, allowing you to get up close to the freshwater flowers, enjoy mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills, and observe the fish swimming in the water. Pookode Lake is home to the Pethia pookodensis fish, which can only be found here.
4. Checking out the aquarium
The premises also feature a freshwater aquarium, which is another attraction. The Pookode Lake aquarium showcases a small yet diverse collection of freshwater fish species.
5. Relaxing in the fish spa
Pookode Lake also offers a fish spa experience where you can rejuvenate. Simply dip your feet in the water, relax, and let the tiny fishes nibble away your dead skin cells.
6. Buying souvenirs
The handicraft store at the entrance of Pookode Lake sells a wide range of handmade items, crafted from bamboo and coconut husk. Additionally, the shop offers herbal medicines, spices, and locally produced honey, among other items.
7. Savouring local delicacies
Pookode Lake also features a small cafeteria where you can purchase a variety of refreshments. Cold drinks, ice creams, sweet corn, and other freshly prepared beverages and snacks are available for your enjoyment.
Pookode Lake Timings and Entry Fee
The opening time of Pookode Lake is 9 AM, and it closes at 5 PM. Boating is available from 9 AM to 5 PM as well, but entry closes at 4:30 PM. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early if you wish to enjoy boating at Pookode Lake. Additionally, please note that the lake is open throughout the year.
The entry charges for Pookode Lake are ₹20 per adult and ₹10 per child (5-12 years old).
In addition, there is a fee of ₹20 for a still camera and ₹150 for a video camera. For boating at Pookode Lake, the charges are ₹100 for a 20-minute ride on a 2-seater pedal boat and ₹200 for a 20-minute ride on a 4-seater pedal boat. Rowboats can be hired for ₹350 for a half-hour ride.
The fish spa at Pookot Lake costs ₹50 for a 10-minute session
Best Time to visit Pookode Lake
The best time to plan a visit to Pookode Lake in Kerala is during the winter season, which typically starts around October-November and lasts until February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with low temperatures and refreshing views due to the recent monsoon.
You can also visit the lake after winter, until April-May. However, as the temperature rises, the activities at Pookode Lake become less enjoyable.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to visit Pookode Lake in Wayanad during the evening hours to witness the breathtaking sunset.
Time to explore Pookode Lake
Allocate approximately an hour for your visit to Pookode Lake in Wayanad. During this time, you can choose to go boating on the lake, take a leisurely stroll around its surroundings, or simply relax at the shore while observing the birds and monkeys. However, if you are an enthusiastic shopper or a food lover, it is advisable to set aside some extra time to fully enjoy these experiences during your visit.. You might like to spend an hour at the cafe or the handicraft store.
How to reach Pookode Lake in Wayanad?
By Road
Wayanad is conveniently connected to nearby towns and cities through a well-developed network of roads. Regular bus services from Bangalore, Kochi, Mysore, and other locations are available to transport you to Wayanad. Additionally, if you prefer a more personalized experience, you can easily book a private cab for your tour.
By Rail
Wayanad does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is located in Kozhikode, which is approximately 100 km away. Kozhikode railway station is well-connected to various parts of the country, including Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Additionally, it offers regular train services from nearby cities such as Kochi and Trivandrum, among others. From the railway station, you have the option to take a bus or a taxi to reach Wayanad.
By Air
The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode Calicut International Airport, which is located approximately 100 km away. This airport serves both domestic and international flights, providing convenient travel options for visitors to Wayanad. You can easily find flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai, as well as international destinations like Kuwait, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and others.
Why is Pookode Lake famous?
Pookode Lake, also known as Pookot Lake, is a natural freshwater lake situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is located at an impressive altitude of 770 meters above sea level, making it the highest altitude freshwater lake in the state. Despite its small size, spanning an area of just 5 hectares, Pookode Lake holds great charm and beauty.
How deep is Pookode Lake?
Pookode Lake is located approximately 15 km away from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It spans across an area of 8.5 hectares and has a depth of 6.5 meters. Pethia pookodensis, a species of fish belonging to the Cyprinid family, is believed to be exclusively found in Pookode Lake, India.
What are the features of Pookode Lake?
The perennial freshwater lake resembles the shape of an Indian map, with blue lotus flowers and a variety of freshwater fish visible. Scattered throughout the water, you can also spot beautiful blue water lilies. Another attraction of this destination is the sight of wild animals and birds in the surrounding forest of the lake.
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