Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad dist, Kerala
Nelliyampathy is a hill station within the Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve, in the southwest Indian state of Kerala.
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.
The road to it, which goes through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1,572 m and it has an extremely calming effect on all who view it. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.
The Pothundy Dam is a beautiful locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet.
Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy.
Palagapandi Estate is a major tourist attraction in the charming hill station of Nelliyampathy. The Palagapandi Estate has a beautiful old-fashioned Bungalow which was built during the period of the British rule in India. And this Bungalow has now been converted into a privately-owned resort. The Palagapandi Estate is enveloped with never-ending plantations of tea, coffee and cardamom.
Another View Point: Seetharkundu where one can have a fantastic view of the valley and a 100-m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara — another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy.
Major attractions near Nelliyampathy:
1) Pothundi Dam
2) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
3) Meenkara Dam
4) Seethargundu Viewpoint
5) Chulliyar Dam
6) Raja’s Cliff View
7) Nelliyampathy Beauty View Point
8) Nelliyampathy Falls
9) Kesavan Para
10) Karapara Waterfalls
