Nelliyampathy Hills
The Misty Highlands: Nelliyampathy is a stunning hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, often compared to Ooty for its cool climate and scenic beauty. The journey to the top involves navigating 23 hairpin bends, each offering a more breathtaking view of the Pothundy reservoir and the plains of P alakkad than the last. The hills are famous for their extensive tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations that drape the slopes in various shades of green. At an altitude ranging from 467 meters to 1572 meters, it offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the plains. The region is also known for its orange orchards, which were once the pride of the hills. Nelliyampathy is a part of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary circuit, meaning wildlife sightings like bison, elephants, and giant squirrels are quite common along the forest roads. The area is dotted with colonial-era bungalows and tribal settlements, adding a layer of history and culture to its natural charm. Viewpoints like Seetharkundu provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and distant waterfalls. It is a favorite destination for trekkers and off-road enthusiasts who come to explore the rugged terrain in four-wheel-drive jeeps.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
Hill Station & TrekkingEntry Fees:
Entry Charges: No fee to enter the hill station, but Pothundy Dam entry is 20 INR.
Safari Costs: Jeep safaris to peaks like Mampara can cost between 1500 INR to 2500 INR per vehicle. ...Entry Charges: No fee to enter the hill station, but Pothundy Dam entry is 20 INR.
Safari Costs: Jeep safaris to peaks like Mampara can cost between 1500 INR to 2500 INR per vehicle.Timing:
Visit Hours: The hills are accessible throughout the day, but forest check posts may close at 6:00 PM.
Best Visit Time: Reach the viewpoints by 9:00 AM before the mist gets too thick or the sun gets too bright. ...Visit Hours: The hills are accessible throughout the day, but forest check posts may close at 6:00 PM.
Best Visit Time: Reach the viewpoints by 9:00 AM before the mist gets too thick or the sun gets too bright.Special Events:
Nenmara Valluvanad Festival: Held in April, this nearby grand festival features elephants and traditional percussion.
Christmas in the Hills: The cool December weather and colonial bungalows make for a beautiful festive atmosphere. ...Nenmara Valluvanad Festival: Held in April, this nearby grand festival features elephants and traditional percussion.
Christmas in the Hills: The cool December weather and colonial bungalows make for a beautiful festive atmosphere.Best Photo Spots:
Hairpin Bend Views: Stop at the 10th or 15th bend to capture the Pothundy Dam in the background.
Tea Garden Background: The symmetrical rows of tea bushes provide a perfect backdrop for portrait photography. ...Hairpin Bend Views: Stop at the 10th or 15th bend to capture the Pothundy Dam in the background.
Tea Garden Background: The symmetrical rows of tea bushes provide a perfect backdrop for portrait photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Off-Road Jeep Safari: Hire a 4x4 to reach the higher peaks like Mampara for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Plantation Tours: Walk through the tea and coffee estates to learn about the processing of these crops.
Visit Seetharkundu Viewpoint: Stand at the edge of the cliff to see the 100m high waterfall and the valley below.
Shopping for Preserves: Buy fresh orange squash, guava cheese, and organic honey from the local estate shops.
Trekking to Padagiri: Challenge yourself with a trek to the highest peak in the Nelliyampathy range.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for the Malabar Giant Squirrel and Nilgiri Langurs along the roadside.
Photography: Capture the m...
Information
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Why Famous:
Panoramic Viewpoints: Famous for Seetharkundu, where legend says Goddess Sita rested during her exile.
Orange Orchards: Renowned for producing high-quality oranges and fresh fruit preserves like squash and jam. ...Panoramic Viewpoints: Famous for Seetharkundu, where legend says Goddess Sita rested during her exile.
Orange Orchards: Renowned for producing high-quality oranges and fresh fruit preserves like squash and jam. -
Architecture:
Colonial Plantation Style: The architecture here is dominated by old British-style bungalows with sloping roofs and wide verandas.
The Pothundy Dam Gateway: The approach features a unique dam built using a mixture of jaggery and quicklime in...Colonial Plantation Style: The architecture here is dominated by old British-style bungalows with sloping roofs and wide verandas.
The Pothundy Dam Gateway: The approach features a unique dam built using a mixture of jaggery and quicklime instead of concrete.
Village Layout: Small clusters of estate worker housing and colonial structures are spread across the ridges. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore Airport is the closest at 110 KMS.
By Train: Palakkad Junction is 60 KMS away; Kollengode is closer at 35 KMS.
By Road: From Palakkad, drive to Nenmara and then take the uphill road to Ne... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Pothundy Dam (15 KM), 2. Seetharkundu (8 KM), 3. Kesavan Para (5 KM), 4. Kollengode Palace (30 KM), 5. Palakkad Fort (60 KM), 6. Malampuzha (70 KM), 7. Parambikulam (90 KM), 8. Mangalam Dam (40 KM), 9. Meenvallam Falls (75 KM), 10. Dhoni Hills (65 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The roads have sharp curves; drive carefully and avoid night travel due to wildlife.
Packing: Carry light woolens even in summer, as it gets cool in the evenings; bring sturdy shoes.
Cash & Co...
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