Karlad Lake - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting
Lake/ River/ Ponds
1 Day Treks
Zipline Spots
Things to know
Karlad Lake, located 16 km from Kalpetta town of Wayanad district of Kerala State in Southern India is formed two centuries ago after a landslide in the area. Spread across 11 acres, the lake sets against a very green landscape, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure activities.
The lake, situated in Thariyod Panchayath was once devoid of any tourism activities. After a masterplan in 1998, basic facilities and gardens were built and now it has become a hub for adventure activities. The place is a relatively new destination in Wayanad and it is quite small compared to its nearby larger cousin, Pookode Lake.
Adventure activities at the lake
In addition to the usual natural beauty and charm of Wayanad which surrounds the lake, there are more adventure activities to look forward to. You can use a Zip Line, kayak in inflated boats, you can go boating, and trekking. There is also a small rock climbing facility. The Zip Line and kayaking are much recommend as this is one of the few spots in Kerala where both these activities are present.
The Zip Line gives a thrilling experience taking you from one side of the lake to the other. The overall length of the line is 250 meters at a drop of 20 meters. The whole 250 meter stretch will be covered in 7 to 10 seconds making you wanting more.
The boat rides are for 5-6 members. The ride takes you through the calm waters enjoying the greenery around. Kayaking is done in inflated rafts and one can move around the lake to their liking. In the rock climbing facility, you can try your hand climbing a 30 meter wall while suspended with ropes and harnesses.
Trekking options from Karlad Lake
The surroundings of the lake provides opportunities for trekking as well, one of the popular trails from here is to the Palikkunnu Church. The largest Earthen Dam in India, Banasura Sagar Dam is situated three kilometres from Karlad Lake. The Wayanad Adventure Camp, located near to the lake are helpful in conducting these treks. In the coming years, the administration is planning to start a lot more activities like fishing, swimming etc here.
Getting to the lake
Karlad lake is 5 km away from Padinjarethara town and 15 km away from the district capital, Kalpetta from where there are buses to Padinjarethara. Nearest Railway Station is in Kozhikode which is connected by buses from Kalpetta.
Activities Around
Attractions Near Karlad Lake
Banasura Sagar Dam
3.61km from Karlad Lake
Banasura Sagar dam which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabani river is a part of the Indian Banasura Sagar project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979.
Meenmutty waterfalls-Wayanad
5.59km from Karlad Lake
The tallest falls in Wayanad district, cascading through three stages at a height of 300 meters.
Pookode Lake
13.02km from Karlad Lake
Pookot Lake (also Pookode Lake) is a freshwater lake. It is the most frequented and crowded tourist spot in the entire Wayanad District of Kerala State in Southern India. Located 13 km from the district capital Kalpetta, the lake situates amidst evergreen forests and wooden slopes.
Pazhassi Raja Museum
16.86km from Karlad Lake
The memorial of Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala.
Panamaram Jain Temple
16.88km from Karlad Lake
Amidst coffee plantations and right on a the sides of a highway remains the ruins of a Jain Temple, one of the oldest in India.
Wayanad Churam
17km from Karlad Lake
Wayanad Churam (Wayanad Ghat Pass), popularly known as Thamarassery Churam connects Kozhikode and Wayanad districts of Kerala State in Southern India through national highway 212. The pass begins from Adivaram at the bottom of Kozhikode District and ends at Lakkidi at the top of Wayanad District. Wayanad Churam is located 800 meters above sea level and has a length of 18 kilometres.