HIDDEN PARADISE IN KERALA FOR NATURE LOVERS

Surroundings near Palkkad

Tipu Sultan's Fort

Nalliyampathy mountain ranges

Nalliyampathy mountain ranges from Pothundy Reservoir

We missed a golden Coimbatore, the third largest city of Tamil Nadu, a commercial hub with nice tourist places and a base for fo visiting Nilgiri Hill Stations of Ooty, Coonoor, Pykara, Kotagiri and a great trek to the highest peak of Dodda Betta at the height of 8606 ft! As we by passed Coimbatore I sighed and mentally decided to visit these remote and exotic hill stations (Except Ooty which was over run by tourists).

From Coimbatore airport we took NH47 and raced towards Palakkad, our destination. With me were my friend Tommy Singh and his beautiful daughter, Amrita. The drive was divine and surroundings with a flavor of a mix Tamilian and Keralite culture of an ancient Dravidian background, sweeping villages and a changing landscape. We covered a distance of 60 Kms in about an hour and half reaching Palakkad (Palghat). The hotel was "Fort Palace Hotel" in the city close to a historical fort-"Tipu Sultan's Fort"
The beautiful town of Palakkad (Palghat) was a dazzling jewel in the emerald necklace of western ghats (mountain ranges of western India). We got down from the car and looked around. Mist covered rolling hills at a distance pointing towards wild flowers, a wilderness and roaming wild animals, perhaps!
The Hotel Fort Palace (http://www.fortpalace.com) seemed a nice place to stay. It was when we were relaxing with our drinks in the evening at "Cannon The Lounge Bar" when we decided to visit an unexplored exotic hill destination of "Nelliyampally Mountain Ranges" just 30 Kms from Pallakad. We were excited on what we heard about these mountain ranges. We had an early dinner at "Topalms the roof gardens" and went to sleep dreaming about mountain ranges.
Next day, we visited the historical fort of "Tipu Sultan" built by Hyder Ali in 1766 AD. and proceeded to Nelliyampathy. Our first halt was Nemmara and from there we took another vehicle, a jeep to enter Nelliampathy Ranges.
In between we stopped at scenic "Pothundy Dam" with awesome views. Then we entered into Nelliampathy Ranges.
My goodness! What a beauty! The height ranges from 500 meters to 1570 meters with clouds piercing the peaks. We walked leisurely feasting our eyes with Seethakundu point and views from there- waterfalls, cool breeze, incredible fauna, rare birds and were lucky to see some wild animals and Nilgiri Langurs. It was a sight! I was told by our guide "Nair" about recorded 215 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies and many species of plants not yet recognized by scientists, including few types of Orchids.

The guide told us about 20 Kms "Mampara View Point" Trek, most beautiful point at an incredible height. Wished we had time and planned it.
We were mesmerized!
As dusk was setting, we left with a heavy heart back to Palakkad. This was my 2nd experience after Vizhinjam beach (http://aceguide.blogspot.com/2011/09/magical-and-mysitifying-lighthouse.html) of exotic un mapped tourist places in Kerala. I think these places are for explorers, adventurers and nature lovers rather than tourists.
However, I'm giving below a brief details of other awesome exotic places near Palakkad.

Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park is a treasured biosphere in India. Silent Valley is a pardise for researchers and nature lovers alike since it is the only remaining evergreen forest in the Western Ghats. It is said that there are still numerous species of flora and fauna existing in these parts, unidentified by scientists. Many rare and near-extinct mammals and vegetation find a safe abode in this vast wilderness.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Nestled between the Nelliyampathy and the Nilgiri mountain ranges, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a heaven for many species of flora and fauna. The prime attraction here is the 360 year old teak tree 'Kannimara thek'-the oldest and largest teak in the world. The park is home to Indian Bison, Crocodiles, Tigers,Leopards, Sloth bears, Snakes, Deers and wide variety of birds.

Siruvani Forests

Siruvani boasts of a picturesque waterfall, a dam constructed as a joint venture of the Governents of Kerala and Tamilnadu, and its accompanying reservoir. The water of Siruvani is known for its taste and is considered to be the second sweetest lake water in the world. The gateways on either entrance of the dam are in traditional architectural styles of Kerala and Tamilnadu.

Malampuzha Gardens

Malampuzh dam and nearby garden is a preferred picnic spot for the people in and around Palakkad. Built across Bharathapuzha river, the dam and the landscape around are picture perfect and treat to one's eyes. There is a Fish shaped aqurium, Snake park, Ropeway and Rock garden located in and around the garden. (Courtsy: http://www.fortpalace.com)

How to Reach: Air

The nearest airport is located in Coimbatore at a distance of 55 km towards East and the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is at a distance of 160 km south.
How to Reach: Road
Palakkad, being one of the important gateways to Kerala, is well connected to all important cities in India through a wide network of Highways and roads. KSRTC and private buses ply to different parts of the state and to Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach: Rail

Palakkad is a divisional headquarters in the Southern Railways. Regular train services are available from Palakkad Junction Railway Station to almost all Indian Cities.