Pookode Lake, Wayanad

At a distance of 13 km from Kalpetta and 3 km from Vythiri, Pookote Lake, also known as Pookode Lake is a natural fresh water lake situated close to the Kalpetta - Kozhikode main road (1 km) in Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the must visit Wayanad tourist places and among the top places to visit in Kalpetta.

At an altitude of about 2500 feet, this fascinating natural fresh water lake is surrounded with evergreen forests and rolling hills. The lake has the shape of India's map. The lake is spread across an area of 13 acres with a maximum depth of 6.5 m. The Panamaram stream, one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River, originates from the Pookote Lake.

The lake has abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fishes. Pethia pookodensis is a species of cyprinid fish known to occur only in Pookode Lake. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds and flies. The view of this vast expanse of water in the picturesque backdrop is breathtakingly beautiful. There is a path built around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The route between Kozhikode highway and Pookote Lake is lined with tall and thick vegetation which offers beautiful driving experience.

The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here. The lake premises also offer fish spa which is quite famous here.

The lake offers boating facility with pedal and row boats. The pedal boats offer 2-seater and 4-seater boating facility while row boats are of 7-seater.