Vythiri

Getting there

Vythiri is 66 km (2 hours) from Kozhikode. It can be reached from Kerala, as well as from Karnataka (from Mysore and Bangalore) or from Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore or Ooty).

By rail Nearest railway station is Kozhikkode (formerly Calicut) (Railway code: CLT) which is 68 km away from here. Kozhikkode is well connected to the important cities of India. From Kozhikkode frequent bus services (both Government owned (KSRTC) and Private bus services) are available.All the buses going to Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavadi, Bangalore, Mysore, Gudalur and Ooty will stop at Vythiri. Approximate charge (as of Jan 2013) is ₹45-₹55 depending on the category of service. Private Taxi services are also available from Kozhikkode to Vythiri.

By plane The nearest airport is Kozhikkode International Airport, which is 85-90 km from Vythiri. Private taxi services are available from the airport to Vythiri. If travelling by bus, from the airport get a bus to Kozhikkode and then to Vythiri.

By bus Connected to Kozhikkode, Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty by government buses. Online reservation can be done from the websites of Kerala RTC or Karnataka RTC sites. The final lap of journey from Kozhikkode is through a ghat road with nine hair-pin bends. If you have motion sickness or related problems, take appropriate medications.

Getting around

Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel around attractions, especially while travelling in a group. Most airports and railway stations have tourist taxi services that would take you anywhere you would want to go.

See

1 Banasura Dam (15 km northwest of Kalpetta). Considered to be the second largest earth dam in Asia, the Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. Speed boating facility is available in this place.

Chain Tree. Has a mysterious story behind it. The road up was built by an English engineer as per the information given to him by a local tribal youth. Once the route was made the tribe was killed by the English Army . Afterwards there were many accidents in this ghat road which was supposedly due to the activity of the "ghost or spirit" of the tribal. It is believed that his "spirit" is being chained to the tree. Most of the driver pray and do offerings as they pass by the tree to make their trip accident free. Another story goes, that when the British first came to Wayanad the locals helped them and it was the Adivasi Mahouts who took them to the top the mountains. As the Portuguese were close behind them, they did not want the Mahouts to go back and get the Portuguese. Hence they killed the Mahout and soon after that, there were many accidents in the area and the Mahout's spirit was believed to be the reason. A local priest contained the spirit to a tree and hung a chain over it so that the spirit would not escape. Hence the name. 2 Coffee Research Station, Chundale. (updated May 2015) 3 Lakkidi (on the border of Wayanad district). Hill station 700 m above sea level, at Thamarasseri Ghat pass. The view of the valley is superb. It can get a bit busy (and littered!) during peak season, though. Mettupathy falls. 4 Padinjarathara. Famous for Bansura mini hydro project with the largest earth dam in India, and with a sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees. 5 Pookote Lake (Pookot Lake, Pookode Lake) (3 km south of Vythiri). It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather he

Do

Learn horseriding. The Veterinary University at Pookode teaches horse riding to the public. Fee ₹5,000. Course duration 24 days (one hour every day). (updated May 2015)

Buy

Walnut Cakes, Lakkidi. (updated May 2015)

Eat

Arya Bhavan Ladies Restaurant, Old Vythiri. (updated May 2015)

Sleep

Annapara Home Stay, Vythiri, ☏ +91 94430 23320, [email protected]. Doubles ₹4,500. 1 Grace Residency, Vythiri, ☏ +91 4936256771. (updated May 2015) Green View Hotel, Lakkidi. (updated May 2015) Haritham Dormitory, Chundale. (updated Oct 2015) Harriss Lodge (Vythiri). 400. (updated Apr 2016) Jungle Park Resorts, Lake Road, ☏ +91 495-6521163, [email protected]. ₹3,500-₹8,000. Little Castle Dormitory, Near Police Station, Vythiri. (updated Oct 2015) Mehan Heights, Chundale. (updated Oct 2015) Petals Resort, Thariyode, Pozhuthana (23 km), ☏ +91 4936250319, [email protected]. ₹5,000. (updated Jul 2015) Sahara Inn, Old Vythiri. (updated May 2015) Windflower Resorts & Spa (3 km), ☏ +91 8129823661. On a beautiful hill with very quiet surroundings. ₹18,000. (updated May 2015) Winter Valley Hotel, Chundale, ☏ +91 9747421055. good rooms with view, owner lives in the premises. ₹1,300. (updated May 2015) PWD Rest House Government Lodge, ☏ +91 7594970534. (updated Nov 2025)