A TRIP TO NELLIYAMPATHY HILL STATION

     
           NELLIYAMPATHY HILL STATION

Location: About 52 km from Palakkad town and about 9 km from Nenmara.
Altitude: 467 m to 1572 m above sea level.
Attractions: Aerial view of the mountain pass, waterfalls, dense forests and tea gardens, trekking etc.

A geographic paradise, Nelliyampathy on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, offers a stunning view of the Sholayar Pass lying deep down in a 20 mile stretch of velvet green. Certain hills especially Seethakundu of Nelliyampathy cease abrubtly to form cliffs overlooking the panoramic valley below. These ranges of the Ghats at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level and the pass have a dominant influence on the climate of the region.

It is through this mountain pass that the monsoon clouds formed over the Arabian Sea after shedding rain in Kerala, move to the neighbouring State of Tamilnadu.

To reach Nelliyampathy one has to negotiate at least 10 hair-pin curves on the Ghat road, through the breath-taking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges (Western Ghats). From these hills can be seen the calm, tranquil Pothundi Reservoir in the valley down below. Pothundi is built across Meenchadyppuzha and Padippuzha the tributaries of the Ayalar river (a sub tributary of Bharathappuzha).

The rich greenery of the forests hugging these hills is frequently punctuated by small and big waterfalls. Among these, the one at Seethakundu, the 1000 metre waterfall is a major attraction.

Nelliyampathy, spread over 82 sq km, has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations.

The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers. The Community Hall at Kaikatty serves as an ideal camping place for trekkers. The temperature at these ranges vary from 15 degree celsius in December to 30 degree celsius in April. The lovely climate and green magic of the hills provide an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 5 km from Palakkad town.
Nearest airports:Coimbatore (in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu) about 55 km from Palakkad; Cochin International Airport, about 120 km