Nelliyampathy

The hill station of Nelliyampathy is considered the ‘Gateway to Kerala’. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in Kerala. Fertile valleys, gurgling mountain streams, exotic flora and sweet scented blossoms together make Nelliyampathy an amazing holiday destination in Kerala. Located near Palakkad town in Kerala, Nelliyampathy is close to the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border. Nelliyampathy hills and mountains are an undivided element of the Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats. The irregularities in the heights of the peaks give the region a distinct rustic look. Nelliyampathy is covered with valleys and green forests. The mountain range has many tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.

Narrow paths through the tea estates and spice plantations leads to Nelliyampathy, making it ideal for a drive or a leisure walk. The hill station is blessed with evergreen forests, which are an abode for a number of wild animals like wild elephants, hill squirrels and bisons. The sprawling tea gardens, coffee, cardamom and orange plantation add beauty to this wonderful summer destination. There are number of unique picnic spots like Pothundy Dam, which offers boating as a recreation. Apart from this, there is a rare geographical formation called ‘Palakkad Gap’, which also attracts people to this hill station. Raising to an altitude of 1572 m, the Nellikota mountain ranges are highest mountains in the region.

The resort at the highest point of Nelliyampathy, the Palagapandi Estate, holds relics of a dazzling past. A bungalow of British origin and an estate covered with vast plantations are located in this hill station, which make it a perfect hang out. The surrounding places also provide great outback to spot exotic animals. Giant squirrels, Indian gaur, leopards and elephants along with many varieties of birds are abundant in nearby areas. Mampara is the main trekking destination of this hill station. It is accessible by roads through sports utility vehicles. Trekkers usually visit Kaikatty, which has a community hall that serves as a base camp to the trekkers. From the hills of Nelliyampathy, you get a great spot from where you can get a nice and vivid view of the Sholayar pass.

One famous holiday spot located near Nelliyampathy is Seethakundu, which has a 100 m high waterfall. Parambikulam, Malampuzha Gardens, Raja's Cliff and the wildlife sanctuary are a few places which attract tourists to this hill station. The native weavers’ community and the local handloom at Koothampully also help in increasing the number of footfalls in this region. The beautifully woven handlooms were famous among the royalties of Mysore. Nelliyampathy is well connected by bus to several cities nearby. The nearest rail station is at Palakkad and the nearest airport is at Coimbatore which is well connected to the rest of the country.