NELLIYAMPATHY HILLS- KERALA

                   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 467 m to 1572 m. 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 place 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 Tamilnadu. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions.

            Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheel. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. There we can also see some special types of birds.

            There are many places worth seeing near Kaikatty. One such place is Kesavanpara, which offers a panoramic view of the land below. The tea producer A.V.Thomas & Company has a large tea garden under its Manalaroo Estate nearby. Manalaroo Estate is the highest yielding Tea estate in India.  All the tea and coffee plantations were originally started by the British. These were later on sold to the natives. Another famous tourist attraction is the Seetharkundu. It is believed that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita of the epic Ramayana had lived in the place and Sita used to offer worship with the water from a small stream. This is the Seetharkundu, which can be viewed from the top of the mountains. At a distance, the Chulliyar dam, the Meenkara dam and the town of Kollengode can be seen.

            According to some historians, a rich civilization existed in Nelliyampathy during Tamil Sangam era. 

            At Kaikatty, there is a government run guest house with boarding and lodging facility. The best season to go is September to May.

                

        

tea plantations

                                            

a waterfall on the way

                                                                                                                                                                   

the paddy fields