Nelliyampathy Hills

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy Hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from approximately 467 m to 1572 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. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamil Nadu.

On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.

Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi Estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.

Not far away from Palagapandy is 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. 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. 

Malampuzha Garden

Malampuzha gardens, the only rock-cut gardens in South India made by Nek Chand, winner of the Padmashree award, India's fourth highest civilian award is situated in Palakkad district of Kerala. The entire garden is made from broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. His rock garden in Chandigarh attracts people from all over the world. Also situated in the gardens is the massive Malampuzha Yakshi (female vampire) built in 1969 by Kanayi Kunhiraman, famous sculptor from Kerala. It is a spectacular relic of art that we are lucky to still have with us. The flowering beds, fountains and rose gardens along with an aerial ropeway make it a place that instantly soothes your soul.

In the lower hills of the Western Ghats lies the beautiful Malampuzha township whose lush greenery and plethora of picnic spots make it a must visit spot in these areas. It has really good trekking trails that are available to all with a penchant for the same. Malampuzha gardens and the irrigation dam tend to be the areas that attract the highest number of visitors. Apart from being perfect picnic spots, there is a host of interesting trivia surrounding the place that adds to its appeal.

Visiting Hours: 09:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs

Separate entrance fee for Ropeway, Snake Park (Monday Holiday)  

Contact Details:

Malampuzha Garden, Ph: +91 491 2815295

Website: www.malampuzhagarden.org

Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala, located near Palakkad in south India with the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background. It is a combination of a masonry dam with a length of 1,849 metres and an earthen dam with a length of 220 metres.[2] The dam is 355 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha, Kerala's second longest river. There is a network of two canal systems that serve the dam's reservoir of 42,090 hectares.

The dam project was begun in 1949 and completed in 1955. It was only after India's independence on 27 March 1949, that the then Public Works Minister, Sri. M. Bhaktavatsalam laid the foundation stone for the project. Palakkad was a part of the Madras Presidency during those times. The dam was constructed in record time, and on October 9, 1955, the then Chief Minister of Madras, Sri. K Kamaraj, inaugurated the dam.The total catchments area is 145 square kilometres, while the reservoir has a capacity of 8000 square meters of water. The canal systems serve to irrigate farm land while the reservoir provides drinking water to Palakkad and surrounding villages.

Kalpathy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kalpathy Temple is a famous temple situated just 3 km away from Palakkad. The temple is mainly renowned for its 7-day Rath Yatra held in the month of November which draws devotees from across the country.

Tipu Sultan Fort

The Palakkad Fort is said to have existed from very ancient times, but believed to be constructed in present form in 1766 A.D, but little is known of its early history. The local ruler, Paliyath Achchan, was originally a tributary of the Zamorin, but had become independent before the beginning of the eighteenth century.[1] In 1757 he sent a deputation to Hyder Ali seeking help against an invasion threatened by the Zamorin. Hyder Ali seized upon the opportunity to gain possession of a strategically important location such as Palghat and from that time until 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British. It was first taken by the latter in 1768 when Colonel Wood captured it during his raid on Hyder Ali's fortresses, but it was retaken by Haider a few months later. It was recaptured by Colonel Fullarton in 1783, after a siege that lasted eleven days but was abandoned the following year. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops. In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart. It was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatnam. The fort continued to be garrisoned until the middle of 19th century. In the early 1900s it was converted into a taluk office.

The fort is also known as Tipu's Fort (after Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali).

Seethargundu Viewpoint

Seethargundu is located in palakkad district few kilometers away from the nelliyampathy hills. It's one of the beautiful natural attraction in kerala. We can reach there by car after paying the entry fee at a check post few kilometers before the destination. Parking space, refreshment and restrooms are available at the entry. It's one of the rushy places in nelliyampathy especially on weekends and holidays. It's a very deep cliff and the tree which is located in the side of the cliff is an attraction. Beware of the mischievous monkeys which will grab all the food packets you are holding on reaching there. If lucky you can see some wild animals which come near to the cliff. Lots of awesome photo locations are available here and it's a must watch place for all the nature lovers here.

Dhoni Waterfalls

Dhoni Hills in Palakkad is slowly turning into a famous picnic spot. The trek from the base area is a three hour trip to the reserve forest area where the view is extremely beautiful. One can encounter some rare species of flora and fauna on the trek here. The trails are slowly gaining traction with travellers and trekking enthusiasts.

Yakshi Statue

The Yakshi statue is one of the major things to see at the Malampuzha Gardens. This life size statue around 10 to 12 feet high is a master piece from the artist Kanayi. I understood from the local person that there is a dispute going on about placing the statue in the garden as permission of the artist had not been sought. That apart this is a master piece chiseled in stone. Yaksha refers to a celestial being and she seems to be sitting naked in a yogic postures. The face conveys a lot of expressions. The only sad part is that such a great piece of work should be maintained much more than that is being done today. Also a information board will be very useful for visitors.

Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a well protected ecological portion in the Nelliampathy - Anamalai landscape of the Southern Western Ghats in India. It is located in the Palakkad District of Kerala. It is one of the biodiversity hot spot in the world supports diverse habitat types and endemism. Considering its biological richness, abundance of wildlife and landcape beauty makes Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is one of the most attractive places in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. It was declared as Tiger Reserve during 2009 with total area of 643.66 SqKm, which includes core area of 390.89 and 252.77 Sq Km Buffer area.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife. It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature.

Kava

Kava is the gateway for the rain clouds to Malampuzha. The tourists come here to see the black clouds spread over the peaks. Through the waiting moments for the rain to come in the Kava.

In ancient time, a huge dragon came to destroy the Earth hiding its full strength in his tail. And a prince, strong as Hercules and courageous as Odysseus, attacked the dragon and slashed its tail in which it hide a huge sword. Observing one of the peaks of the western Ghats, it seems like the piece of the tail had fallen in the Kava of Malampuzha. 

Attapadi Reserve Forest

Attappadi is an extensive mountain valley at the headwaters of the Bhavani River nestled below the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It is bordered to the east by Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, on the north by the Nilgiris, south by the Palghat taluk and on the west by Karimba-I and II, Pottassery-I and II, and Mannarghat revenue villages of Mannarghat taluk of the Palghat District and Ernad taluk of the Malappuram district.

The 249 km² Attappadi Reserve Forest is an informal buffer zone bordering the Silent Valley National Park to the West.[3] 81 km² of this forest was separated to become most of the new 94 km² Bhavani Forest Range which is part of the 147.22 km² Silent Valley Buffer Zone formally approved by the Kerala Cabinet on 6 June 2007. The Cabinet also sanctioned 35 staff to protect the area and two new forest stations in Bhavani range at Anavai and Thudukki. The zone is aimed at checking the illicit cultivation of ganja, poaching and illicit brewing in areas adjacent to Silent Valley and help long-term sustainability of the protected area.

The elevation of Attappati valley ranges from 750 meters (2,460 ft) to the Malleswaran peak at 11°6′32″N 76°33′8″E which rises to 1,664 meters (5,459 ft) from the center of the valley. The Bhavani River flows from the Northwest around the mountain in a tight bend past Attappadi village and continues to the Southeast.

Kannimara Teak

Fondly known as Kannimara Teak, this tree is the biggest living tree at a height of 47.5 m. Sited at the Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary in Palghat District, it lies about 80 km from Nilambur.

Palakkad

Palakkad, or Palghat, is a city in Kerala, a state in southwestern India. The 18th-century Palakkad Fort has sturdy battlements, a moat and a Hanuman temple on its grounds. North, on the Kalpathy River, the 15th-century Viswanatha Swamy Temple is the main venue of the famous Ratholsavam chariot festival. Northeast, near Malampuzha Dam, the town of Malampuzha has a rock garden created from recycled materials.

Nellikulangara Vela

The temple of Nellikulangara Bhagavathi attracts many visitors who seek to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. Their annual festival is conducted in the 20th Meenam (March-April) every year. During the festival, an image of the deity is placed on a richly attired elephant and taken on a procession. To accompany the procession, there is a live band, fireworks and a lot of pageantry.

Kalapathy Ratholsavam

The Sree Viswanathaswamy Temple at Kalpathy holds an annual 7 day chariot festival, and the last three days are called the Kalpathy Ratholsavam. The 700 year old temple celebrates this festival with Vedic recitals and a massive procession of decorated temple chariots drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees.

Chittoor Konganpada

Konganpada is celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur in the month of Kumbhom (February-March). It is meant to commemorate the victory of the Nairs of Chittur over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) which the Goddess Bhagavathy is believed to have orchestrated.