Scenic Kakkadampoyil, a mini Gavi, is drawing tourists

Yearning to give your city-sore eyes a green treat? Head to Kakkadampoyil, an idyllic village set in Koodaranhi panchayat in Kozhikode. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Kakkadampoyil is dotted with scenic spots, green-clad rolling hills, and sparkling streams. Topped with a cool climate, the pristine settings of Kakkadampoyil is drawing the attention of tourists and nature lovers.

The village is spread across Chaliyar panchayat of Malabar district and Koodaranhi panchayat of Kozhikkode district. The misty mountain tops and the lush greenery often urge visitors to draw parallels between Kakkadampoyil and the Gavi forests of Pathanamthitta, earning it the sobriquet, 'Mini Gavi.'

Located at an altitude of 2200 km above sea level, the village has a cool climate round the year. Kozhippara waterfalls and Pazhassi cave are among the major tourist attractions here. Wildlife enthusiasts will find it a treasure trove with elephants, tigers, birds, bees, and butterflies roaming the innards of the wilderness that surrounds Kakkadampoyil. Of late, several NGOs are conducting nature awareness camps in the forests here.

Kakkadampoyil is at a distance of about 24 km from Nilambur and 50 km from Kozhikkode. The Akampadam route is the shortest way from Nilambur; the Thiruvambadi-Koodaranhi route is the shortest one from Kozhikkode. KSRTC buses ply in these routes from morning to evening on all days of the week.

Agriculture is the main source of income for most sections of the population here. Banana, rubber, coffee, cardamom, coca, pepper, coconut and areca nut are among the major cash crops grown in the region. Quite a newbie on the tourism map of Kerala, Kakkadampoyil is seen as an emerging hotspot.

Kozhippara Waterfalls

Located about three kilometers away from Kakkadampoyil, the Kozhippara falls lie on the Kuruvan river. The Forest Department has set up an entry point for visitors to the falls. Tickets can be purchased at Rs 20 per head. Tourist guides are available on all days except Mondays. A favourite haunts of tourists, visitors can be seen having a whale of a time splashing about in the cold waters of the falls.

Pazhassi Cave

The famous Pazhassi Cave is located at a place called Nayadam Poyil which is at a distance of about four kilometres from Kakkadampoyil. A two-kilometre trek through the forests will take you to the cave. It is believed that the cave was used as a resting point during journeys from Wayanad to Nilambur. Lore says that Pazhassi Raja used the cave as a hideout during his fight against the British. The tribal population in this region celebrates an annual festival in honour of the Raja to this day. The hillock is an excellent view point with several meadows and offers a spectacular view of the Panthirayiram forest frilled with a gushing river.

How to reach

KSRTC buses are the only bus service available in the region. Buses starting from Nilambur, Kozhikkode, and Thiruvambadi have services to Kakkadampoyil. The nearest railway station is at Nilambur which is about 3 km away from Kakkadampoyil.