There is a special kind of magic in fulfilling a loved one’s wish. For a long time, my wife had a specific destination pinned on her bucket list: the misty heights and verdant valleys of Kariyathumpara and Kakkayam . As part of Team Ishabil —a lively group consisting of myself, my wife, our children Isha and Ishwa, Shabil, and my mother—we decided it was time to turn that dream into a reality.
ISHABIL TRIP AT A GLANCE
Since we didn’t have a personal car, we reached out to family. My uncle kindly offered his vehicle, and my sister’s son stepped up to be our captain behind the wheel. With the bags packed and spirits high, our one-day adventure into the heart of Kozhikode district began.
The Journey Begins
The clock struck 8:00 AM when we pulled out of our driveway. The morning air was crisp, and the excitement within the small car was palpable. To make the best time, we headed toward Kooriad to join the newly constructed 6-lane National Highway .
What a difference infrastructure makes! The drive up to Kozhikode was exceptionally smooth, allowing us to chat, laugh, and watch the landscape transform from suburban hustle to the coastal outskirts of the city. Once we bypassed the main city traffic, we turned our trust over to Google Maps to guide us toward the rugged interior of the district.
As we moved further away from the coast, the terrain began to shift. The air grew cooler, and the scenery turned a deep, vibrant green. Huge mountains began to loom in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mystery. We knew we were entering the "Malabar version of Switzerland."
First Stop: The Serenity of Kariyathumpara
After a long, winding run through scenic village roads, we finally reached Kariyathumpara . After securing our entry tickets, we stepped into what felt like a living painting.
Kariyathumpara is often called the "Gavi of Malabar," and it’s easy to see why. The area is characterized by:
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Expansive Green Meadows: Rolling fields that seem to touch the base of the distant mountains.
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The Crystal Stream: A gentle, cool water flow that meanders through the rocks.
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Grazing Cattle: Adding a rustic, peaceful charm to the landscape.
💡 ishabil fact
Kariyathumpara is often called the "Mini Switzerland of Malabar" because of its vast green rolling meadows, towering pine trees, and flat stream beds where water buffaloes peacefully graze against the backdrop of the Western Ghats.
Despite the crowd of tourists, there was a sense of profound peace. Isha and Ishwa didn't waste a second; they jumped into the shallow stream, splashing around while the rest of us took in the panoramic views. We spent about an hour here, capturing photos that we knew would eventually grace the pages of ishabil.com . It was the perfect "soft" start to our mountain expedition.
Climbing into the Clouds: The Ascent to Kakkayam Dam
Leaving the meadows behind, the real adventure began. The road to Kakkayam Dam is not for the faint of heart. Our driver navigated a series of steep, narrow hairpin curves that spiraled upward into the Western Ghats.
As we gained altitude, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The bright morning sun disappeared, replaced by a sudden, refreshing mist . By the time we reached the top, a light drizzle had started. The temperature dropped, and we found ourselves wrapped in a cool, damp embrace.
The Kakkayam Dam reservoir is a sight to behold. Surrounded by dense forest and steep hills, the vast expanse of water looked dark and majestic under the rainy sky. We spent time taking photos, though the mist was so thick at times it felt like we were standing inside a cloud.
The Jungle Trek to Urakkuzhi Waterfalls
The next item on our itinerary was the famous Urakkuzhi Waterfalls , located about 2 kilometers from the dam site. However, the rain began to intensify. We sat in the car for a while, debating whether to go.
Eventually, the rain eased into a light spray, and we decided to make the trek. Unfortunately, the path is a bit rugged. My mother and little Ishwa decided to stay back in the safety of the car, as the hiking and the slippery stones would have been too much for them.
The rest of us set off on the stone-paved road that cuts directly through the jungle. It was an immersive experience:
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The Sights: Towering trees, wild ferns, and glimpses of the dam reservoir through the foliage.
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The Sounds: The rhythmic chirping of forest insects and the distant roar of falling water.
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The Experience: Urakkuzhi is unique because, unlike most waterfalls where you look up from the bottom, here you stand on bridges built directly over the falls , looking down into the deep, swirling "pot-holes" carved into the rock by centuries of water flow.
Standing over that roaring chasm with the rain falling on our faces was perhaps the most exhilarating moment of the trip.
A Late Lunch and a Golden Sunset
By the time we hiked back to the car and started our descent, it was nearly 3:00 PM . Everyone was hungry, but we decided to drive down the mountain to find a proper meal. We reached the town of Koorachundu around 4:00 PM and found a local restaurant. After a long day of walking and cold mountain air, the warm food felt like a blessing.
With our stomachs full, we set our sights on the Kozhikode Beach . However, the city traffic had other plans. We battled through the evening rush, finally reaching the shoreline just as the sun began its final dip below the horizon.
Luck was on our side, though. We arrived exactly during an opening ceremony for new sales kiosks on the beach. The atmosphere was electric:
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Live Music: Local artists were performing songs that echoed across the sand.
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Festive Mood: The beach was decorated, and the crowd was full of energy.
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The Sea Breeze: We walked along the shore, letting the salt air wash away the fatigue of the mountain hike.
📌 ishabil tips
If you are traveling on a budget without a private vehicle, you can catch the direct KSRTC/private buses heading to Kakkayam from the Kozhikode New Bus Stand. The most convenient morning buses leave at 05:50 AM and 08:40 AM. Make sure to pack your own snacks and water, as changing facilities and shops right near the water springs are very limited!
Closing the Day: HiLite Mall and the Journey Home
No family trip to Kozhikode is complete without a visit to HiLite Mall . It was our final destination for the evening. We spent an hour roaming the brightly lit corridors, doing some light shopping. Shabil and I even tried out the electronic massage chairs —a much-needed treat for our tired muscles!
As the night grew late, we began the final leg of our journey. We stopped for dinner at a restaurant in Kulappuram , sharing one last meal together and reminiscing about the day's highlights—from the green meadows of Kariyathumpara to the misty heights of Urakkuzhi.
We finally reached home at midnight . We were exhausted, yes, but our hearts were full. We had checked off a bucket list item, bonded as a family, and captured memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel Tips for Your Trip to Kakkayam:
| Category | Advice |
| Best Time to Visit | Monsoon or Post-Monsoon (June to January) for the best waterfalls. |
| Vehicle | Ensure your brakes and tires are in good condition for the hairpin curves. |
| Preparation | Carry umbrellas and an extra set of clothes, especially if you have kids. |
| Food | Koorachundu is the best spot for a proper meal after coming down from the dam. |
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