After 23 hair pin bends comes the cloud caressed peaks of majestic Nelliyampathy hill at about 4600 feet above the sea level. Nelliyampathy is a tiny hill station from the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district. Nelliyampathy had its hills rich with coffee, tea and orange plantations.
The journey to Nelliyampathy itself is amazing with gooseberry trees on either side of the road and the cool refreshing air. As the journey continues one can see the flashes of the Pothundy Reservoir. If you look out the dense forest offers you the blissful sight of several animals like elephants, bison, Langur and deer.
One speciality of Nelliyampathy is the orange plantations. Don’t forget to pick up extra sweet squash or other specials like coffee, tea and guava preserve on your way back from Nelliyampathy.
Nelliyampathy Places to Visit & Things to Do
It's the ridges of different heights and the scooping valleys that makes Nelliyampathy Range. As the ghat road winds to Nelliyampathy at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of paddy fields of Palakkad district can be seen. The highest peak is Nellikkotta or Padagiri at about 5200 feet above the sea level.
One can also see Palakkad Gap, a geographical phenomenon in the western Ghats formation in this region. Nelliyampathy offers you some quality time in the lap of nature. You can trek in the hills, watch wildlife and can walk across the hilly roads enjoying the panoramic views around.
1. Pothundy Reservoir
Just before Nelliyampathy and after Nenmara in a picturesque landscape lies the Pothundy reservoir. With unmatched natural beauty and boating facilities this is an ideal picnic spot.
As walks towards the reservoir you can see the cool and serene water of the reservoir surrounded by the misty hills. It's a pleasure to watch water everywhere with the pristine beauty of nature. The Reservoir is fed by the Manchadi, Kalchandy and Challa tributaries of Bharathapuzha.
2. Seetharkundu
A distance of 8 km from Nelliyampathy is Seetharkundu where one can enjoy the view of stunning valleys with a waterfall adding charm to the place. This is believed to be the place where Sita devi rested on her journey back from Sri Lanka. A tall tree marks the spot today.
3. Mampara Peak
Nelliyampathy have few peaks offering amazing views. Raja's Cliff at Mampara is one such breathtaking place. Situated at 5249 feet above Sea level Mampara is accessed by a forest path. This amazingly steep point is the best place to view the reservoir and other attractions around.
This peak offers you not only the view of Chaliyar, Meenkara and Aliyar dams but also a glimpse of Pollachi and Coimbatore in Tamilnadu. Near Mampara is the Victoria Church, located in the solitude atop a rock.
4. Trekking @ Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is a perfect place for adventure lovers. There are so many trekking paths in Nelliyampathy. One can have some thrilling moments in the hillocks of Nelliyampathy. Seethargundu, Palakpandy, Kesavan Para and Kara Para are well connected with trekking paths. Wear proper clothing and footwear for trekking and don't forget to take drinking water.
5. Bird Watching @ Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is the paradise of Bird Watchers. Nelliyampathy hills are known to be the habitat of so many species of birds. One can see Malabar Hornbill, Indian Woodpecker, Red Jungle Fowl, Owls and all the kinds of parrots in here. Apart from birds this place is blessed with other wildlife. You can see Malabar Squirrels.
Around Nelliyampathy
On the way to this beautiful hill station there are so many attractive places which worth a visit. Some of the places spread around Nelliyampathy are Kollengode, this picturesque hamlet is the birthplace of a famous poet. The memorial of the poet and Vishnu temple here are the other attractions.
Where To Stay in Nelliyampathy
Staying in Nelliyampathy is a wonderful experience. Waking up in the calm unpolluted atmosphere of Nelliyampathy freshen your body and soul. There are some good hotels and resorts set up in the beautiful ambiance of this hill station. Some of the staying options in Nelliyampathy are The Whistling Thrush Bungalow, Tropical Hill resort, Greenland resort and ITL Resorts.
