Pookode Lake, Wayanad 2026: ₹40 Entry, Boat Charges from ₹300 & Timings
Here’s the thing most people get wrong about Pookode Lake: it isn’t a big adventure stop. It’s a calm, freshwater forest lake sitting at 770 metres near Vythiri, about a 15-minute drive off the Kozhikode–Kalpetta highway. You come for a boat ride, a slow lap of the walking path, and one of the greenest views in Wayanad — not a full day out. That makes it the easiest, safest thing to slot into a monsoon trip, and if you’re basing your Wayanad stay near Vythiri, it’s practically on your doorstep.
The problem? Every website quotes a different entry fee and different boat charges, and almost none of them answer the question people actually ask in July: is boating even running in the rain? This guide fixes that — with numbers verified against Wayanad’s official district tourism body.
TL;DR: Pookode Lake is open daily, 9 AM–6 PM (boating 9 AM–5 PM). Entry is ₹40 for adults and ₹30 for children, and boating runs ₹300 (2-seater), ₹450 (4-seater) and ₹700 (7-seater rowboat) — figures confirmed via DTPC Wayanad. It’s a safe, low-effort monsoon stop, but boating can pause on heavy-rain days, so call ahead. Budget 1–1.5 hours.
In this Blog
What is the entry fee for Pookode Lake?
Entry to Pookode Lake costs ₹40 for adults and ₹30 for children, as listed by DTPC Wayanad, the district tourism authority. There’s a separate ₹1,000 charge for professional photo shoots (pre-wedding, commercial), but casual phone and camera photography is free. Tickets are sold at the counter by the main gate; carry a little cash even though UPI is usually accepted.
Why does the fee look different everywhere online? Older pages still quote ₹10–₹20 from years ago, and a few travel blogs bundle in boating or aquarium costs. We’re anchoring to the current DTPC-listed rate. A quick tip: kids under about five usually walk in free, and larger groups sometimes get a marginally lower per-head rate — worth confirming at the counter.
Quick facts — Pookode Lake, at a glance
| Detail | Information (verified 2026) |
| Adult entry | ₹40 |
| Child entry | ₹30 |
| Photo-shoot fee | ₹1,000 (professional only) |
| Timings | 9 AM – 6 PM daily |
| Boating hours | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Elevation | 770 m, near Vythiri |
| Nearest airport | Kozhikode (Calicut), ~65 km |
| Best time | October–February (peak); monsoon for greenery |
| Ideal for | Families, couples, easy day stops |
What are Pookode Lake’s boating charges?
Boating is the main reason people stop here, and the rates are refreshingly simple: ₹300 for a 2-seater pedal boat, ₹450 for a 4-seater, and ₹700 for a 7-seater rowboat (DTPC Wayanad). Boating runs from 9 AM to 5 PM — an hour less than the gate, so don’t leave it for last. The lake is small and shaped like a map of India, so a single ride covers most of it.
A pedal boat is the fun, do-it-yourself option for couples and small families; the 7-seater rowboat comes with an oarsman and suits larger groups or anyone who’d rather just sit back. Rides typically last 20–30 minutes. Go early — by mid-morning on weekends and holidays, the queue at the boating counter is the longest wait of the whole visit.
From our team: On weekend and holiday mornings, the boating counter queue is comfortably the longest wait of the whole visit — we’ve seen it stretch past 20–30 minutes by late morning. Arrive right at the 9 AM opening, or come on a weekday, and you’ll usually step almost straight onto a boat.
What are Pookode Lake’s timings and how much time do you need?
The lake is open 9 AM to 6 PM every day, with boating closing at 5 PM (DTPC Wayanad). Most visitors need only 1 to 1.5 hours — enough for a boat ride, a slow walk around the water, and a quick look at the freshwater aquarium and the handicraft and spice stalls near the exit. It’s a stop, not a destination in itself.
When should you actually go? For clear skies and comfortable 18–25°C days, October to February is the sweet spot. But monsoon has its own case — fewer crowds, mist over the water, and forest so green it looks unreal. The chart below shows how the seasons stack up.
Is Pookode Lake open in the monsoon? Is it worth visiting in July?
Yes — Pookode Lake stays open through the monsoon and is one of the safest spots in Wayanad to visit in the rain. It’s a gentle, ground-level lake with a paved walking path, not a hillside trek, so it doesn’t carry the risks that force treks like Chembra Peak to shut on heavy-rain days. The one caveat: boating can be paused when the water gets choppy or rain is heavy, so it’s worth a quick call to the lake (+91 75938 92951) before you drive out.
Is it worth it in July? If you go in with the right expectation — a calm, misty, deeply green hour by the water — absolutely. This is exactly why it works as the anchor of a monsoon day: pair it with an indoor or short-walk plan and you’ve got a relaxed, weather-proof itinerary while the more demanding stuff waits for clearer skies.
Our take: Here’s the reframe most guides miss — in monsoon, Pookode isn’t the highlight of Wayanad, it’s the reliable one. Treks and off-road viewpoints are gambles when it’s pouring; a forest lake with a boat and a walking loop isn’t. Build your rainy-day plan around the sure thing.
A quick, important clarification: the tragic 2024 Wayanad landslide struck the Mundakkai–Chooralmala area on the Meppadi side, which is a different part of the district from Pookode Lake near Vythiri. The lake itself is open and running normally. As always in the hills, follow local advisories and current road updates on heavy-rain days. For the full rainy-season picture, see our Wayanad in Monsoon 2026 guide.
How to reach Pookode Lake (and where it fits in your Wayanad trip)
Pookode Lake sits just off NH766 near Vythiri, which makes it one of the easiest attractions in Wayanad to slot into a day you’re already spending elsewhere. Almost nobody drives to Wayanad only for the lake — you’re on a trip, and Pookode is the low-effort stop that fits between the bigger ones. Coming up the Thamarassery ghat from Kozhikode, it’s practically your first proper halt inside Wayanad. You can pin the exact spot on Google Maps before you set off.
If you’re already in Wayanad, here’s how far the lake is from the usual base points:
| Coming from | Distance | Drive time | Why it works |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) airport / city | ~65 km | ~2 hrs | Your first big stop entering Wayanad, right after the ghat |
| Lakkidi View Point | ~8 km | ~15 min | Downhill on the same road — do both together |
| Vythiri | ~5 km | ~10 min | Closest town; many stays are here |
| Kalpetta (district HQ) | ~13 km | ~25 min | Straight run down NH766 |
| Meppadi / Chembra Peak base | ~15 km | ~35 min | Pair a Chembra morning with a calm lake afternoon |
| Sultan Bathery | ~35 km | ~1 hr | Combine with the Edakkal Caves side of the district |
- Nearest airport: Kozhikode (Calicut) International, ~65 km (about 2 hours via the Thamarassery ghat road). Kannur airport is a similar distance from the northern side.
- Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, ~65–70 km.
- By road: Well connected from Kozhikode, Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery; taxis and autos are easy to arrange from Kalpetta or Vythiri.
- Monsoon note: The ghat road into Wayanad has tight hairpin bends that get slippery in heavy rain — drive slowly and avoid the ghat after dark in a downpour.
Pro tip: The smartest way to use Pookode is as a “glue” stop — visit it on your way up the ghat with Lakkidi View Point and the Chain Tree (all within a few kilometres), or on your way back from Chembra or the waterfalls when you want something gentle to end the day.
What is there to do at Pookode Lake?
Beyond boating, DTPC Wayanad lists a freshwater aquarium, a children’s play area and nature walks around the water. There’s a paved walking trail (great for a slow, misty lap) and a cluster of stalls selling Wayanad spices, chocolates and handicrafts near the exit. Birdwatchers will spot plenty around the water’s edge in the early morning. Give it an hour, tick off a boat ride and a lap, and you’re set to move on.
Where should you go next from Pookode Lake?
So where next? Pookode’s location near Vythiri puts it within easy reach of Wayanad’s headline sights, and the road splits neatly two ways: uphill toward Lakkidi (viewpoints, the ghat), and toward Meppadi and Kalpetta (waterfalls, peaks, the dam and caves). From Pookode, those sights sit within an easy drive — Lakkidi View Point (~8 km), Chembra Peak base at Meppadi (~15 km), Soochipara Falls (~20 km), and both Banasura Sagar Dam and Edakkal Caves (~28 km) — which is what makes the lake a natural central stop (distances via Google Maps). Here’s how to plan each onward stop.
Lakkidi View Point & Chain Tree — ~8 km (uphill, toward the ghat)
The gateway to Wayanad, perched at the top of the ghat with clouds pouring through the valley, plus the legend-wrapped Chain Tree right beside it. Entry: free. Timings: daylight, best 8–9 AM before the clouds thicken. Time required: 30–40 minutes for both. Ideal for: photos, quick stops. Pro tip: do these on the way up the ghat and Pookode on the way down — same road, no backtracking.
Chembra Peak — ~15 km (toward Meppadi)
Wayanad’s highest peak, famous for its heart-shaped lake on the trail. Entry: ticketed; a Kerala Forest Department permit and a compulsory guide are arranged at the Meppadi base. Timings: morning slots only. Time required: half a day. Ideal for: fit trekkers. Monsoon caution: the full trek is often restricted in heavy rain — check at the base before planning it, and keep Pookode as your calm backup.
Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Falls — ~20 km (via Meppadi)
A powerful three-tiered waterfall that roars at full force in the monsoon. Entry: ticketed (confirm the current rate on arrival). Timings: roughly 9 AM–5 PM. Time required: 1.5–2 hours including the walk down. Ideal for: waterfall lovers, families with older kids. Pro tip: the descent gets very slippery in rain — wear anti-slip shoes and stay well back from the high-flow pools.
Banasura Sagar Dam — ~28 km (toward Padinjarathara)
India’s largest earthen dam, set against green hills with island-dotted reservoir views. Entry: ticketed. Timings: roughly 9 AM–5 PM. Time required: ~2 hours. Ideal for: scenic views, speedboat rides (weather permitting). Pro tip: the reservoir looks best right after a fresh spell of rain when it’s brimming.
Edakkal Caves — ~28 km (toward Sultan Bathery)
Ancient rock shelters with prehistoric petroglyphs, reached by a short uphill climb. Entry: ticketed. Timings: around 9 AM–4 PM, closed Mondays. Time required: 2–2.5 hours with the climb. Ideal for: history buffs, active travellers. Pro tip: the climb is exposed and slippery in rain — go early and skip it in a heavy downpour.
A perfect half-day around Pookode Lake
If you’re building a route, this loop works beautifully on a monsoon morning:
- 8:00 AM — Start at Lakkidi View Point and the Chain Tree while the clouds are still pouring through the valley (~8 km up the ghat).
- 9:15 AM — Drive down to Pookode Lake for the first boat of the day, before the queues build (~8 km).
- 10:45 AM — Lap the walking trail, browse the spice stalls, grab a chai.
- 11:30 AM — Head toward Meppadi for Soochipara Falls at full monsoon flow (~20 km).
- Afternoon — Return to your Vythiri-area homestay before the ghat roads get busy in the evening rain.
Notice the pattern: the treks and climbs (Chembra, Edakkal) are the weather gambles, while Pookode and the viewpoints are the sure things. In monsoon, build the day so the lake anchors it. For the complete rainy-season list — every waterfall and misty viewpoint worth the detour — read our 12 misty spots in Wayanad this monsoon. Deciding between Kerala’s hill destinations? Our Kerala monsoon comparison weighs Wayanad against Munnar and Thekkady.
Monsoon visit tips: packing, safety and leeches
Monsoon Wayanad is gorgeous, but it rewards a little preparation — Kerala Tourism flags heavy June–September rain and slippery ghat roads as the main things to plan around. Rain here is frequent rather than constant — you’ll get bright green gaps between showers — so plan flexible timings and keep the lake as your rain-proof anchor. A few practical calls we’d make every time:
- Footwear: anti-slip, quick-dry shoes or trekking sandals. Paths and steps get slick.
- Rain gear: a poncho or compact umbrella beats a bulky raincoat around the lake.
- Leeches: common on damp forest trails (less so on the paved lake path). Carry a small pouch of salt or wear leech socks if you plan any forest walking.
- Cash: keep small notes for tickets, boats and stalls; connectivity can drop in the ghats.
- Driving: avoid the ghat road in heavy downpours and after dark; check road conditions before setting out.
Follow official updates from Kerala Tourism and local authorities during spells of very heavy rain.
Homestays in Wayanad near Pookode Lake
Since Pookode sits near Vythiri, the smart move is to base yourself in this belt — you’re then within 10–15 minutes of the lake and well placed for the ghat-side viewpoints. Private homestays suit Wayanad far better than a standard hotel: you get plantation views, a caretaker who cooks, and space to slow down between sights. These four StayVista homestays in Wayanad each fit a different kind of trip.
The Sattva Grove — best for couples & small families
A quiet two-cottage retreat with a private pool, backed by Chembra Peak.It sleeps six and sits close to Vythiri Park and Lakkidi View Point — a calm base for an easy Pookode day.
Mountain Rain — best for a “watch the rain” group trip
A three-bedroom hillside home (sleeps nine, 4.88★ over 84 reviews) with a valley-view deck built for exactly this weather. It’s pet-friendly with a barbecue setup — ideal for a group or larger family.
La Grove — best for a plantation-homestay feel
Set on a 19-acre working plantation of coffee, pepper, cocoa and cashew, this two-bedroom home (sleeps six, 4.73★ over 93 reviews) comes with a gazebo, bonfire and misty valley views. Perfect for couples or friends who want the real Wayanad plantation experience.
Comfort Rooms @ Princess of Wayanad — best for large groups
A four-bedroom stay sleeping up to twelve (4.78★ across 33 reviews), with a shared pool, bonfire, barbecue and gazebo. It’s pet-friendly and wheelchair-friendly — strong value for a multi-family trip or a bigger group.
Planning a monsoon Wayanad trip? Every one of these homes puts Pookode Lake, Lakkidi and the waterfalls within an easy morning’s reach — a relaxed base for the greenest season of the year. Browse all StayVista homestays in Wayanad →
Frequently asked questions
Entry costs ₹40 for adults and ₹30 for children, per DTPC Wayanad (2026). Professional photo shoots carry a separate ₹1,000 fee, but casual phone and camera photography is free. Tickets are bought at the gate counter; boating is charged separately.
Boating is ₹300 for a 2-seater pedal boat, ₹450 for a 4-seater pedal boat, and ₹700 for a 7-seater rowboat (DTPC Wayanad, 2026). Rides last around 20–30 minutes. Pedal boats suit couples and small families; the rowboat comes with an oarsman for larger groups.
The lake is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and boating runs from 9 AM to 5 PM (DTPC Wayanad, 2026). Since boating closes an hour before the gate, don’t leave your ride until the end. Mornings are quietest and best for photos.
Usually yes — the lake stays open through the monsoon. However, boating can be paused on days with heavy rain or choppy water for safety. It’s best to call the lake (+91 75938 92951) before visiting in July or August to confirm boating is running.
Yes, if you want mist, greenery and fewer crowds. Pookode is a calm, ground-level lake, making it one of Wayanad’s safest monsoon stops when treks may close. Set the expectation of a relaxed 1–1.5 hour visit rather than a big adventure and it delivers.
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours here — enough for a boat ride, a walk around the water, and a look at the aquarium and craft stalls. It’s designed as a stop within a wider Wayanad itinerary, not a full-day destination on its own.
Pookode Lake is about 13–15 km from Kalpetta and 5 km from Vythiri, just off NH766. The nearest airport and railway station are both in Kozhikode, around 65 km away. Taxis and autos from Kalpetta or Vythiri reach it easily.
No. The 2024 landslide affected the Mundakkai–Chooralmala area on the Meppadi side, a different part of the district. Pookode Lake, near Vythiri, is open and operating normally. Always follow local advisories during periods of very heavy rain.
The bottom line
Pookode Lake is the easy win of a Wayanad trip — especially in the monsoon. Keep these numbers handy:
- Entry: ₹40 adults, ₹30 children
- Boating: ₹300 (2-seater), ₹450 (4-seater), ₹700 (7-seater rowboat)
- Open: 9 AM–6 PM daily; boating till 5 PM
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Monsoon verdict: safe and worth it — just call ahead to confirm boating on heavy-rain days
Slot it into a rainy-season morning, pair it with Lakkidi and a waterfall, and base yourself near Vythiri so it’s all within reach. For the full monsoon plan, start with our Wayanad monsoon guide — then pick a home and go.
