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.