Nelliyampathy is a picturesque hill station nested amidst the Western Ghats in the Palakkad, state of Kerala, India. This tiny hill station is often referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Ooty’, equipped with rich tea, coffee and orange plantations, lush forests, stunning viewpoints, cascading waterfalls and numerous varieties of flora and fauna. The altitude of the mountain peaks ranges from 467m to 1,572m above sea level and the curving roads of Nelliyampathy are a rider’s heaven.
Nelliyampathy Tourist Places – Travel Guide, Things to do in Nelliyampathy
The journey to the hill station itself is a thrilling experience, around 10 hairpin bends that must be traversed on the way to the hill station. Both sides of the road are filled with gooseberry trees and as the ride progresses you get to see the Pothundy Dam, which is considered as the first dam in India, offering a scenic view of the valley. As you proceed further there are remarkable changes in the terrain. It is also the home to numerous wildlife reserves, making it an ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
How to Reach Nelliyampathy
Travelers can opt to take a train or a bus to Nelliyampathy but it is highly advised to explore the area by drive and the journey to the hill station itself is a breathtaking experience.
By Air:
The closest airport terminal to Nelliyampathy is Coimbatore International Airport, which is just 55 km away from Palakkad and is well connected with major cities in India. From there take any public transportation to reach the hill station.
By Train:
The closest railway track to Nelliyampathy is Palakkad railway station, 63 km away as it does not have a train station of its own. It is well connected with major cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi. From the station take any public transportation to the required destination.
By Bus or By Road:
Nelliyampathy has a notable public transportation as the town is perfectly linked with abundant state and national highways to major cities in southern India. The town is connected to Nemmara and within the state there are regular KSRTC and private bus services travelling along the route.
One of the best ways to enjoy the actual beauty of the tiny hill station is to travel by booking or self-driving a car, that takes through enchanting beauty of nature and stunning hilly retreat with almost 10 hairpin bends.
The most convenient road route to Nelliampathy and distance:
Coimbatore – Palakkad- Mannarkkad- Nenmara- Nelliyampathy, which is around 100km
| City | Distance |
| Alathur to Nelliyampathy | 35 km |
| Palakkad to Nelliyampathy | 53 km |
| Nallepilly to Nelliyampathy | 55 km |
| Thrissur to Nelliyampathy | 71 km |
| Kochi to Nelliyampathy | 149 km |
| Ponnani to Nelliyampathy | 125 km |
| Thiruvananthapuram to Nelliyampathy | 347 km |
Suggested Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit Nelliyampathy
Being a hill station, all through the year Nelliyampathy enjoys a humid and tropical climate. The best time to visit is during the months of September to March, when the weather is relatively pleasant for sightseeing and adventure activities.
It’s advised not to visit during the summer season (April to May) as the temperature gets very intense and humid. While the Monsoon (June to September) time is also perfect for the trip but filled with heavy rain and might spoil your plans and outdoor activities.
Nelliyampathy Tourist Places / Places to Visit in Nelliyampathy
Pothundi Dam
Pothundi Dam is an architectural marvel built across the river Meenkara in the 19th century with a blend of jaggery and quick lime and it’s Asia’s 2nd dam constructed without using cement mixture. The dam is used for irrigation and agriculture purposes for over 5,470 hectares and as drinking waters for villages nearby, covering an area of 30km. Best spot for picnic, boating, fishing and bird watching. There is a well-maintained adventure park with fun-filled activities.
- Timings: 10am to 5pm each day
- Entry Fees: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for kids
Nenmara
If you are looking for a good and quiet stay in Nelliyampathy, the quaint village of Nenmara is the best option. The village has a rich cultural significance, is divided into two parts, Nemmara and Vallangi and it is very popular for the Nenmara-Vallangi Vela festival celebrated every year at Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple. Best place to explore and interact with villages.
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fees: No fee
Seetharkundu Viewpoint
It is one of the best viewpoints in Palakkad and offers stunning science views of the valley surrounded by dense forest, lush green tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Located just 8km away from Nelliyampathy town and the name Seethargundu’ means ‘Sita’s rock, people believe that Sita, wife of Lord Rama used to visit the rocks. Ideal place for photography and trekking.
- Timings: 6am to 7pm each day
- Entry Fees: No fee (INR 30 for Parking)
Suggested Read: Munnar Tourist Places
Mayiladumpara
It’s a place where you get to see numerous peacocks and the name ‘Mayiladumpura’ in Malayalam refers to ‘the rock in which peacock danced’. Just 30km away there is a Peacock Sanctuary named Choolanoor, spread around 500 hectares and try visiting the nursery early morning as you get to watch Peacock dance and home to over 200 peacocks.
- Timings: Morning to evening
- Entry Fees: No fee
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is one of the most protected natural terrains spread over an area of 391 sq km. You can embark on a wildlife safari and its home to numerous wildlife like elephants, gaur, leopards, peacocks, around 28 tigers etc. This wildlife sanctuary was listed as one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
- Timings: 7am to 6pm each day
- Entry Fees: INR 50 for everyone, INR 70 for Light vehicles, INR 150 for Heavy vehicles and INR 150 for cameras.
Kesavan Para
Kesavan Para is one of the vintage spots for nature lovers, surrounded by steep slopes and scenic views of valleys and lush greenery. To reach the highest viewpoint, one needs to take a small trek through the dense forest and well-known place for bird watching. It has a perennial waterhole for animals and does not even dry up in the summer as well.
- Timings: 9am to 5pm each day
- Entry Fees: INR15 per person
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Silent Valley
Silent Valley National Park is one of the widest ecologically diverse areas surrounded by rare flora and fauna in an area of 89 square km. Kunti River flows through the park and it’s the best spot for wildlife fanatics and nature lovers. It is also well known as Indira Gandhi National Park named after late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
- Timing: 6.45 am to 2.35pm each day but closed on Friday.
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person, INR 1600 for vehicles, INR 200 for video camera, INR 25 for Still camera.
Malampuzha Garden
Don’t miss out visiting Malampuzha Gardens in Nelliyampathy and it is also referred as “rock cut gardens” located near to Malampuzha Dam reservoir. It’s a perfect picnic spot surrounded by lush green lawns, flower plants, fountains, marvelous sculpture, hanging bridges, swimming pool, boating activities etc. The best part of the garden is most of the elements are made from scrap and waste products.
- Timings: 9am to 8pm each day
- Entry Fees: INR 25 for adults, INR 10 for kids, INR 100 for still camera and INR 1000 for Video camera.
Padagiri
The highest peak of the region is Padagiri, nested at an altitude of 1585 m above the sea level. To reach the top peak point one needs to trek for a while and the mountain range is also called Nellikota.The most beautiful aspect of the peak is the elegant teak plantation, smell, greenery and camping.
- Timings: 7am to 7pm each day
- Entry Fees: No fee
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Palagapandi Estates
Palagapandi Estates is the most visited place in Nelliyampathy, surrounded with tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The greenery and tea leaf smell soothe your soul and there is an old Bungalow in the middle of the estate built during the British era.
- Timings: 7am to 7pm each day
- Entry Fees: No fee
There are various other attractions that need to be covered during the trip are Meenam Para ViewPoint, Nelliyampathy Hills, Chulliyar Dam, Raja’s Cliff View, Karappara Hanging Bridge, Chinganchira, Meenvallam Falls and many more.
Accommodation
Nelliyampathy being a quaint town, it is linked with a row of shops and tiled houses. There are various accommodation options available from budget friendly homestays and farm stays to luxury resorts, hotels, lodges and cottages around the town and in the hill station. As per your budget and requirements choose the best option that works for you.
Conclusion
Nelliyampathy, a tiny hill station promises a lifelong cherished experience and an ideal place for romantic getaways and eco-tourism. Apart from just being a picture-friendly destination, one can start their journey by boarding on electrifying wildlife safaris to beholding cascading waterfalls, exploring lush trails, places where peacock dances, local festivals and many more.
It’s a perfect spot which offers a wide range of hiking routes and is known as trekkers paradise. The untouched natural beauty is a perfect getaway for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle of city life.
Suggested Read: Kolukkumalai Peak Travel Guide
