Nelliyampathi is situated in the western ghat region followed by the palakkad gap in the palakkad district of Kerala. From the town of Nemmara(32km from the district head quarters), the nearest town before the entrance, came to seen the cloud piercing peaks of of the Nelliyampathy hill ranges .The height of the ranges from 463m to 1570m.To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nemmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam.
view of Nelliyampathy hill ranges from Pothundy dam
Nelliyampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.
Travel to Nelliyampathy through the ranges provide a different experience to all. Pothundy dam was constructed in the 19th century. The dam is unusual in being constructed without a conventional concrete core, which is employed in most earth dams to counteract the force exerted by high water pressure. The core is, instead, an unusual mixture of jaggery and quick lime.It is the second dam in Asia constructed without using cement mixture. The dam is located about 8 km from Nemmara and 42 km from Palakkad.
There are many places worth seeing near Kaikatty. One such place is Kesavanpara, which offers a panoramic view of the land below. The tea producer A.V.Thomas & Company has a large tea garden under its Manalaroo Estate nearby. Manalaroo Estate is the highest yielding Tea estate in India. One can buy fresh tea from their garden outlet in their factory. The Orange and Vegetable Farm, run by the Government of Kerala has its office and farm in Pulayanpara. The Farm sells squashes and jams of fruits like pineapple, orange, passion fruit and guava. Vegetables like brinjal, bean, chilly and spinach are also sold,and now there an anthurium garden for the production of anthurium commercially. Further ahead, there is another tea garden and factory owned by Veekay Tea Company under its Chandramala Estate, Poabs Organic Farm at seetharkund,Palagappandy,etc.
In Seethakundu 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 Manpara;
View of Manpara...
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.All the tea and coffee plantations were originally started by the British. These were later on sold to the natives. The British were very conscious and responsible about the ecology of the area, utilizing the natural resources and only what was absolutely necessary.
The houses built by the British for themselves and their managers were constructed taking into consideration, the cold climate of the region. The walls and floors are wood lined to provide insulation, with fireplace to provide heating. They also maintained good gardens in front of these houses.
Another famous tourist attraction is the Seetharkundu. It is believed that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita of the epic Ramayana had lived in the place and Sita used to offer worship with the water from a small stream. This is the Seetarkundu, which can be viewed from the top of the mountains. At a distance, the Chulliyar dam, the Meenkara dam and the town of Kollengode can be seen.
THE NELLIYAMPATHY HILLS :
Located at the southern tip of the Palakkad gap, the Nelliyampathi hills are known for their exquisite fauna. About 215 species of birds and 90 species of butterflies have been recorded in these hills. Some of the rare species of birds include Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush, Great Pied Hornbill, Jerdon's Baza, Great Black Woodpecker, Oriental Broad-billed Roller, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Broad-tailed Grassbird and Nilgiri Pipit. Primates including Lion-tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque and Nilgiri Langur are seen here. A small population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr is also seen in the grassy peaks.
How to reach there:
Nearest Airports: Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore AirportFrom Cochin Airport: Come to Thrissur - 30 km; take a taxi or bus from Thrissur bus stand to Nemmara - 48 km. From Coimbatore Airport: Come to Palakkad - 50 km; take a taxi or bus to Nemmara - 30 km. From Nemmara you can take a taxi or a four wheeler vehicle (jeep) to Neliiampathi.
Nearest main railway stations: Palakkad, Thrissur and Coimbatore
