Nelliampathy is among the famous hill stations in Kerala that you would never want to miss out Nelliyampathy Tourist Places when you visit Kerala . It is located at a distance of 52 kilometers away from Palakkad. Evergreen forests, orange, tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations enriched with spectacular valleys and misty mountains make Nelliampathy an exotic location. Nelliampathy often called ‘Poor man’s Ooty’ is also famous for the trekking trails and the amazing climate, and nature’s magic which enhance the whole experience. Nelliyampathy is the perfect destination for visitors who enjoy low crowd levels. Bikers consider the destination as a biker’s paradise.
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Nelliyampathy is in the Palakkad district and is surrounded by unexplored evergreen forests and high peaks. The elevation of the Nelliyampathy range varies from 467 m to 1572 m. The terrain provides the perfect setting for some scenic trekking trails.
The name of the hill station is interesting Nelli refers to a goddess worshiped in the region, and pathy means place. There are other paths in the Palakkad district.
List of Nelliyampathy Tourist Places
Nelliyampathy is an ideal spot for eco-tourism and romantic getaways. The hill station is blessed with lush green trees and plantations. This makes Nelliyampathy attractions a picture-friendly tourist destination.
There are many places to see in Nelliyampathy. Tourist Places in Nelliyampathi include attractions from historical to natural to cultural like waterfalls, places that evoke the memories of Seetha in Ramayana to wildlife sanctuaries, and places where peacock dances.
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Nelliyampathy attractions also include the festival that takes place in April people from around the world come to attend this festival with great enthusiasm. Read on about the top 10 tourist Nelliyampathy tourist places to know more about these wonders:
There are several tourist places in Nelliyampathy, that are worth exploring. You will fall in love with the scenery of lush green trees and plantations.
1. Mayiladumpara
Peacock will be seen abundantly in Mayiladumpura, making its name almost perfect that translated into meaning ” the rock in which peacock danced” in local language Malayalam. The Choolanoor Peacock Sanctuary situated at this place is the natural habitat of beautiful majestic peacocks that are facing extinction. Peacocks in South India have the most colourful and radiant quills among all the peacocks in the world. Choolanoor Peacock Sanctuary in Mayiladumpara is located at about 30 km from Palakkad town, and plan your visit early in the morning as you have a higher chance of observing the Peacock dance.
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2. Pothundi Dam
Pothundi Dam is a non-concrete core dam constructed with an unusual mixture of jaggery and quick lime core. Pothundi dam was actually built across two tributary rivers of Ayalar rivers, namely Meenchadyppuzha and Padippuzha. This is only the second dam in Asia constructed without using cement mixture and the dam is the main source of irrigation and agricultural work in the Palakkad district. When you reach the top of the dam through the walkway, you can see the breathtaking view of Nelliyampathy Valley on the left side of the Dam and the greenery of paddy fields on the right side of the Dam. This place is definitely one of the best places to visit for Nelliyampathy Sightseeing.
The British constructed the Pothundi dam in the 19 century, 17 km from Nelliyampathy. It is the second dam built with an unusual mixture of jaggery and limestone.
Several movies have picturized scenes at the Pothundi dam for its breathtaking view.
The scenery from the top of the dam is spectacular. You get to see the valley and green irrigated fields together looking like a picture postcard.
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The water from the dam irrigates paddy fields. A teak wood forest surrounds the Pothundi dam. The forest is a protected area, but some parts are accessible to trekkers and climbers.
3. Seetharkundu View Point
A viewpoint called Seethargund is situated 8kms away from Nelliampathy. Seethargund, according to beliefs is the place where Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Seetha rested during their exile and is among the cultural and historic Nelliyampathy Tourist Places.
Seetharkundu’s viewpoint is 8 km from Nelliyampathy hills. According to legends, Lord Ram, Laxmana, and Goddess Sita rested here during their exile. It is believed she took a dip in the pool. Seetharkundu has cultural and historical significance.
The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Kollengode, hills, valleys, and waterfalls.
The spellbinding view of the Seetharkundu waterfall is sure to amaze you. The Seetharkundu waterfall originated from 100 m high. The waterfall joins River Gaythripuzha. If you enjoy trekking and hiking, you will love the view of the falls from the Seetharkundu viewpoint.
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4. Kesavanpara
Kesavanpara is another stunning viewpoint in Nelliyampathy. You will enjoy the view of the steep hills and valleys from the spot. Kesavnpara has a perennial waterhole, which does not dry up even in the summer. The watering hole is an important source of water for wild animals in the area.
5. Karadipara
The drive to Karidipara is beautiful, with tea plantations on both sides of the road. The hanging bridge is the main attraction at Karidipara. Bird lovers may get a glimpse of a great hornbill.
6. Parambikulam
Parambikulam has one of those wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala which restores your faith in preserving the rarest wild animals. Lion Tailed macaque, Leopard, Bear, Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Civet, Wild boar, and Spotted Deer are some of the inhabitants of this area. Parambikulam which is spread over 272 kilometres is aligned with reservoirs and dams, and also serves as an area for Teak plantations.
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Parambikulam is one of the most famous Nelliyampathy tourist Places. Visit this place if you want to get a sight of the oldest teak tree ‘Kannimari’ and also to know how it feels while lodging in a treehouse. Parambikulam sanctuary has been considered for selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was started in 1973.
Parambikulam is a tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. There are some rare wild animals in the forests like the tiger, lion-tailed macaque, leopards, bears, elephants, Nilgiri Langur, and spotted deer. Parambikulum is a popular tourist destination. The sanctuary is famous for the oldest teak tree Kannimari.
7. Meenvallam Falls
To experience the view of a natural waterfall and take a dip in it, you can consider visiting Meenvallam falls which falls step by step from a height of 5 to 45 meters. The place has the most fascinating view of nature and can be considered as a relief from your busy schedules. More than 10 waterfalls are there in Meenvallam out of which only 2 are open to the public for sightseeing and you need to take a jeep from Kalladicode to which buses are available from Palakkad and Coimbatore. The best time to visit Meenvallam is just after the rainy season when the waterfalls will be full and entry is not allowed after 4’O clock.
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To experience natural waterfalls be sure to visit the Meenvallam falls. The waterfalls have step-by-step falls from 45 ft to 5 ft. There are more than 10 waterfalls in the region, though 2 waterfalls are open to the public. Visitors need to take buses from Kallikode.
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8. Chinganchira
Karuppa Swami is the form of Lord Shiva. Devotees worship him in the eastern part of Palakkad. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day. A huge banyan tree with roots spreading over a large area and a pond provide an ethereal experience.
9. Silent Valley
Silent Valley can be considered as the treasure house of much rare flora and fauna and is among the most ecologically diverse areas on this planet. There is a river called Kunti that flows through this national park This tropical rain forest is a perfect Nelliyampathy sightseeing place famous for sighting almost extinct Lion Tailed macaque. Silent Valley is preserved well by the authorities and it remains one of the magical gifts of nature.
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The visit to the Valley and Kunti river will take only a day via Mannarkad from where Jeeps are available, and you can return back to Palakkad the same evening after visiting the park between 8 AM to 2 PM. Park is also called Indira Gandhi National Park after the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared this area as a national park that prevented the efforts of the Kerala State Electricity Board which wanted to build a dam across the Kunti river.
Silent Valley has a unique ecosystem. Visitors will love the large variety of rare flora and fauna in the region. The river Kunti flows through the region. The tropical rainforest is home to the rare Lion Tailed macaque.
10. Raja Cliff
Raja Cliff is an elevation of 5250 ft above sea level. You will be awestruck at the magnificent view of mountain ranges, reservoirs, waterfalls, and forests. The variety of flora and fauna adds to the beauty of the cliff.
Things to do
Trekking
Nelliyampathy Hills is on the western ghats and has several peaks, cliffs, and trekking trails. There are several spectacular viewpoints in the hill station.
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Shopping
- Nelliyampathy has plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom, oranges, and other spices.
- Tourists can buy these products at the various shops in the city.
- You can drink a variety of coffee and tea at the various cafes.
- Oranges are a popular fruit available in the region.
- Besides purchasing fresh fruit, visitors can purchase different products derived from oranges.
- The region is well known for wine and virgin organic products.
Boating
Tourists can enjoy boating at the several reservoirs and lakes in Nelliyampathy
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How to reach Nelliyampathy Hills
Tourists wanting to visit Nelliyampathy can fly in from Coimbatore international airport. The airport is 67 km from Nelliyampathy hills. Coimbatore has excellent domestic and international connectivity. Several taxis available outside the airport will take you to the final destination.
Nelliyampathy has excellent road connectivity to most major cities in South India. Interstate private and government bus services operate from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore. Tourists get mesmerized by the scenic route from Nenmara to Nelliyampahty.
The nearest railway station is at Pakkad 60 km from the hill station.
Palakkad is a major railway junction. It is well-connected to several cities in the country. Taxis are available outside the railway station to take you to Nelliyampathy Hills.
Taxis and cabs are available for local sightseeing. We recommend you hire an SUV given the rocky terrain. Some tourists prefer to hire a jeep for the day. You can always explore the hill station on foot.
Best time to visit Nelliyampathy
Tourists flock to Nelliyampathy throughout the year. The temperature is moderate throughout the year.
Temperatures in summer hover from 20 to 30 C, making it the perfect escape from the summer heat.
The hill station receives heavy rain during the monsoon. The monsoon lasts from June to September. The hills look magnificent in the monsoon and trekking enthusiasts enjoy exploring the terrain in the rains.
Nelliyampathy has a short winter from December to February. Winters are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 C. Tourists love flocking to the hill station in winters.
Tourists can visit Nelliypathy hills during festivals.
The festivals are celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. Some major festivals celebrated here are:-
- Ekadashi Festival is celebrated on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight.
- Easter celebrated in March or April
- Utsavam or the Annual Festival is celebrated on the day of Pushya in the month of February-March.
- Vallangi Vela Festival in Nenmara at the Nellikulangara Bhagawathy Temple
- Saraswathy Puja is celebrated on the last three days of Navaratri.
Where to stay
Nelliyampathy is a quaint town with shops and tiled houses. There are homestay and farm stay options available. Visitors can stay at various resorts and hotels in the town or lodges in the hill station. They can rent cottages if they are traveling with a large family.
