Anamudi- mindblowing hill station in Munnar

Anamudi

Anamudi, a heaven to natural lovers, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India, having an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft). Also it is the highest point in South India, and is also the highest point in India outside the Himalaya-Karakoram system. The nearest town is Munnar, 13km away.

It towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The hill is abundant in all kinds of rare flora and fauna, but the most well known among them is Neelakurinji. This is an ideal spot for trekking and camping, and the Eravikulam National Park, at a trekking distance north of Anamudi, is a nearby attraction.

It is best known for the endangered Nilgiri tahr (hemitragus hylocrious) although it does harbour a number of other equally interesting denizens— such as Atlas moth (the largest of its kind in the world), Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, leopards and tigers.

Eravikulam National Park : (15 km from Munnar) The 97 sq. kms park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 m) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District.

It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests).

Tea plantations

The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.

Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Trekking facilities are available here. Tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi. This is also a place for adventure tourism.

Nilgiri tahr

Anamudi and the Eravikulam National Park surrounding is home to the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eniocaulon.

Climate: Temperature:

- Summer: Max: 25.8°C, Min: 15.2°C

- Winter: Max: 10°C, Min: 0°C

How to Get There:

Air : Near by airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms).

Rail : Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.

Road : The place is well connected by a well developed network of road transport.

Nelliyampathy-An amazing Hill Station in Kerala

Nelliyampathy

     Nelliyampathy is an amazing hill station on the western ghats mountain ranges in Palakkad district of Kerala, 60km from Palakkad town, is one of the best places for ecotourism in Kerala. The green lush forests covering the whole hill area, coffee, tea, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations, water falls and the misty and cool climate of Nelliyampathi offering a delightful vacation for the tourists.

Thus Nelliyampathy is the paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Several species of birds and animals including some rare species are found here.

Nelliyampathy is situated at a height of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level. Journey to Nelliyampathy itself is thrilling. There are about ten hairpin curves on the way. The road is narrow and it is recommended that one who drives the vehicle should be experienced to drive in such roads.

Pothundi dam

Pothundi Dam is one important picnic spot near, in a distance of 21 km away from Nelliyampathy. Pothundi Dam is an irrigation Dam. The speciality of this Dam is that, it is built without cement or concrete. A mixture of jaggery and quick lime is used in place of cement to construct this dam. This Dam, built in late 1800 AD is a real wonder for the new technology. Boat services are there in the reservoir of Pothundy Dam. The sight of Nelliyampathi mountains from here is quite spectacular.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and 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.

Pothundi dam

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 Seethakundu, one important spot of attraction in Nelliyampathy. There is a waterfall about 100m in height. It offers a fantastic sight of the valley below. We can see one-third of the entire Palakkad area from here.

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

Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. One will get rooms with rent ranging from 450-900 at KTDC's Garden House. Other high class hotels are Whistling Thrush Bungalow (Rs.3800/per room), Tripenta Hotel (rent 650-1250 rupees) etc. Cheap rate hotels are also available with a rent ranging from 175-600, like Hotel Dam Palace.

Tourists information centers, Shopping centers, Banks and Car rental facilities are also available here.

How to reach there...?

Nearest railway station is Palakkadu Railway Station, About 52 kms away from Nelliyampathy. Nearest Airport is at Coimbatore, about 55 kms away from Palakkad.

Nelliyampathy is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. The region is also well- linked to several districts of Tamil Nadu by well- maintained motor-able roads. A number of bus services also provide service to the region, connecting Nelliyampathy with a number of other cities like Trichur, Guruvayoor, Cochin, Calicut, Kottayam and Trivandrum. Palakkad, located around 75 kms away from Nelliyampathy takes around two and a half hours to reach this quaint hill station.

To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. Nearest town Nenmara is about 30km away from here. Thrissur town is 48 km away from Nenmara.

Agasthyarkoodam | Agasthyamala- heaven for trekkers-hill station-Bird watchers paradise

Agasthyarkoodam, located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), capital of KERALA, is the second highest peak in the state after Anamudi. With a great altitude of 1,868 m (6,129 ft) from the sea level, it rests in the Sahyadris, western Ghats with pride in the form of a sharp cone.

Agasthyarkoodam is one of the best trekking places in Kerala, or South India is accessible only by foot and is not only a scenic place but also a pilgrim center. ie trekkers have to take 24 km trekking from Bonacaud, which is the base camp of Agasthyarkoodam/Agastya Mala.

This hills is also known as Ashambu Hills and is the source/starting of many rivers like Kallada River, Achankoil River, Vamanapuram River, Karamana River, and Neyyar River in the Kerala side and the Thamirabarani River, Ramanadhi River, and Manimuthar River in Tamil Nadu side.

The name Agasthaymala, came from the great Hindu Sage Agasthya muni, whose statue is situated at the top of the peak and the sage,among Hindu Religion,is considered to be an perfect bachelor (brahmachari), and thus women are not allowed to the peak.

The hill is heaven for bird watchersand is blessed with rare species of herbs and medicinal plants.A very rare and special herb/plant named 'Arogyapacha', famously known as 'Plant of Eternal Health', is a speciality of Agasthyamala, and it attracts many researchers to this area. The sides and slopes of Agasthyakoodam is natuarally gardened with a special type green herbs, 'Neelakkurinjui' which usually blooms once in a 12 year. when it blooms, the whole area will be carpetted with the violet Neelakkuirinjis...! and it is an eyecatching sight for the nature lovers.

Also, this place is home to many endangered species of wild animals too, like Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbills, Gaur, and Sloth Bear. 

Places of attraction nearby:

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Lion Safari Park, and Peppara Dam, Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (6 km from Ambasamudram) and Papanasam Waterfalls (also known as Agastya Falls) in Tirunelveli district are the main attractions nearby.

Also, as already said, the 28 km trek to reach the top of Agasthyakoodam is the main attrction here, and the trekkers must take prior permission for trekking from The Wildlife Warden, Agasthyavanam Biological Park.

Trekking is mainly allowed in the months of January and February.