Nelliyampathy ( Nelliampathi )
Nelliyampathy Or Nelliampathi is a hill station within the Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve, in the southwest Indian state of Kerala.
Going to Nelliyampathy ? Take a skilled driver along!” is the oft heard advice to any travel enthusiast making a trip to the renowned hill station in Palakkad.
From Pothundi dam, nine kilometers from Nemmara in the district, a narrow road winds up 17 KM, around hairpin turns towards the renowned Nelliyampathy Hills. Savoring the sights of massive trees, monkeys, porcupines and numerous other interesting fauna, travelers can reach this paradise surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, some of which are the highest yielding estates in the country itself, from where you can also buy fresh tea. Theses estates have existed from the British times.
The monsoon traveler is welcomed by numerous newborn waterfalls on the way to Nelliyampathy. Umpteen species of butterfies and birds such as Great Pied Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Pipit, Launghing Thrush, great Black Woodpecker and oriental Broad-billed Roller add colour to the verdant green locale. Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species found in Munnar, can be spotted here too, along with Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaue. Interested in feasting on fresh fruits and vegetables and products made from them? Farms run by Kerala government in Nelliampathi sell these like hot cakes.
Enjoy fresh squashes and jams, as you check out the numerous peaks here. Padgiri peak, standing tall on the Nellikotta mountain range, is the highest in Nelliyampathy. Vellachimudi, Mayanmudi, Valiyavana and Vela Vanchan are some of the other important ones. Seetharkundu, a small stream with a mythological connection, is a popular among religiously-inclined travelers. According to folklore, Lore Rama`s consort Sita used to worship with the water in Seetharkundu, which is how it acquired the name. The hill station, located about 60 Kilometers from Pallakad central, has numerous state and private run lodging facilities that are budget friendly.
