Nelliyampathy is a hill station within the Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve, in Kerala. The road towards Nelliyampathy goes through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. The cloud kissed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to view. The height of the hills ranges from about 467 m to 1572 m and has an exceptionally calming effect. To the west of Nelliyampathy is Kesavan Para, a vantage point with views of nearby tea plantations. Further west is the 19th-century Pothundi Dam. Northeast is the Seetharkundu Viewpoint, with waterfalls nearby.
Take a relaxed walk through stretches of tea and coffee plantations. Trek to the peak and catch a breathtaking view. Feel the cool breeze infused with the scent of fresh tea leaves. Nelliyampathy in Palakkad awaits to enthral you with its pristine beauty.
To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are around ten hairpin curves that must be a carefully drive on the way to Nelliyampathy.
The Pothundy Dam is a beautiful area with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road zigzags its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints. You can have a view of the vast stretches of Palakkad and widespread paddy fields making a green carpet. The Viewpoints also offers an excellent view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamil Nadu.
On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.
Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms situated here is a landmark before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi Estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the British rule in India, and has now converted into a privately owned resort.
Not far away from Palagapandy is Seetharkundu where you can have a fantastic view of the valley. A 100 m high waterfall nearby provides an added attraction.
At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is generally used by trekkers as a base camp. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy Estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations. The Adjoining hills gives a glimpse of the wildlife of Indian Gaur, elephants, leopards, Giant Squirrel etc. The place is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 56 km; Thrissur and Shoranur, about 77 km
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport (Tamilnadu), about 55 km from Palakkad