Nelliyampathy

Nelliyampathy palaghat

Nelliyampathy is 75 km from city of Palakkad in Kerala and shares its border between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The highest point of Nelliyampathy is the Palagapandi Estate which contains a bungalow of British period, that has now been converted to a resort. Even the estate is covered with plantations of tea, cardamon, coffee and one can also be fortunate to sight a lot of wildlife here. The hills of Nelliyampathy also ofer a good view of Sholayar Pass. 

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid 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 Tamilnadu.

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 located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the period of the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.

Not far away from Palagapandy is Seetharkundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. 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 with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

Nelliyampathy is a beautiful hill station in the state of Kerala, located near the town of Palakkad. This tourist hill station is located close to the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.  The region comprises of Nelliyampathy hills and mountains, which form a part of the majestic Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats, with gorgeous valleys interrupting its flow. Historians believe that a rich civilization was present in Nelliyampathy during the Tamil Sangam period.

The way up the Nelliyampathy is a steep climb with a series of hair pin bends and passes through a number of privately managed farms and tea estates. Nelliyampathy is thus a good destination for eco tourism and farm tourism, where one may be enlightened to farm management activity. On the way to Nelliyampath one also passes the popular picnic locale of this region, Porthundy Dam, where one can also enjoy boating. One can also catch a glimpse of the Palakkad Gap, a unique geographical formation.

The Nellikota mountain ranges are the highest in this region and rise up to an altitude of 1572 m. Padagiri is the highest peak situated in the Nellikota ranges. Vellachimudi, Mayanmudi, Valiyavana and Vela Vanchan are some of the other important peaks of the Nelliyampathy mountain range.  The Nelliyampathy range is a chain of ridge covered with green forests and valleys. Sprawling over the ranges are also plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom and mainly orange. The misty mountains, the breath-taking valleys and intense greenery offer a feast for the eyes. 

Seethakundu is a famous tourist spot which gives a fantastic view of the valley and where one can enjoy under a 100 meters high waterfall. Other places to visit near Nelliyampathy are Malampuzha Gardens, Raja's Cliff, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Koothampully. It is worth visiting Koothampully for its tectiles of the local handloom and woven weavers community of this village. Their textiles were very famous with the royalty of Mysore.  

 

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 52 km from Nelliyampathy.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, about 55 km from Palakkad.