Pookode Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Surrounded by scenic beauty and peaceful ambience, Pookot Lake mesmerises every visitor. The lake is one of the ideal places for children's activities as well.

Panamaram- the rivulet that originates from Pookot Lake

The Panamaram Rivulet, one of the tributaries of the large Kabini River originates from Pookot Lake and tumbles down to the Panamaram Valley below. The lake is at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is one of the smallest, but highest freshwater lakes of Kerala State. The lake is spread over an area of 21 acres and has a maximum depth of 6.5 meters.

Inside the lake premises

One fun fact about the lake is its shape. It is shaped like the map of India. Another uniqueness of the lake is that a species of cyprinid fish known as Pethia Pookodensis is found only in the fresh waters of this lake.

The lake has an abundance of blue lotus and freshwater fishes. The freshwater aquarium containing all the fishes in the lake and a Mahseer Fish hatchery is a major attractions here. There are groups of blue water lily flowers scattered in various parts of the lake. Visitors are not allowed to pluck the flowers out of the water.

The forests surrounding the lakes are home to many wild animals, birds and insects. Even the pathway around the lake is filled with bushes and tall trees. The lake comes under the South Wayanad Forest Division and is operated by the District Tourism Promotion Council.

Activities at Pookot Lake

In addition to the scenic beauty the lake offers, you can find many recreational facilities. There are options for boating, a Children's Park, a freshwater aquarium, and a handicrafts and spices Emporium runs here. Another entertaining adventure is a horse ride along the shores of the lake.

Outside the lake premises, street vendors sell toys, wooden and bamboo handicrafts and local delicacies like Amla fruits in saline and sugar syrup. Natural honey collected by the tribal people in the area is also available.

The best time to visit Pookot Lake is from October to January. Right after the monsoon season that ends in September, the lake will be filled with water and surrounded by lush greenery.

1. Do not pick the lilies out of the water.
2. Visitors dispose of a lot of waste on the lake premises, please dispose them only in the bins provided.
3. Weekends and school vacation season are the busiest times at the lake. There will be a lot of school excursion groups visiting the lake as it is one of the easier and more accessible places to explore in Wayanad.
4. Parking is slightly further away from the lake, you will have to walk for about five minutes from the parking area to reach the lake.

1. One of the tributaries of the Kabini River originates from Pookot Lake and tumbled down to the valley below.
2. The lake is shaped like the map of India.
3. The temple is believed to be the guardian of the nearby Mananthavady town.
4. The lake is home to the fish species Pethia Pookodensis which is found only in Pookot Lake.

1 to 2 hours is plenty of time to explore Pookot Lake and the activities it offers.

Pookot Lake is located by the side of National Highway 212 which connects Wayanad to Kozhikode. The district capital Kalpetta is 13 km away and the nearest town Lakkidi is only 3 km away. The nearest railway station is in Kozhikode, at a distance of 60 km from where one can get straight buses to Lakkidi.

There is a small entrance fee to enter the lake premises. All fees:

• 40 INR per person for Adults
• 10 INR per person for Children (5-12 yrs)
•  20 INR for Still Camera
•  150 INR for Video Camera
•  100 INR for 2 seat Pedal Boat
•  200 INR for 4 seat Pedal Boat
•  350 INR for Row Boat

Pookot Lake is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.