The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. 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. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.

HILL STATIONS OF KERALA – NELLIAMPATHI

Fauna of Nelliampathi Hills

Located at the southern tip of the Palakkad gap, the Nelliampathi hills are known for their exquisite fauna. About 215 species of birds and 90 species of butterflies have been recorded in these hills. Some of the rare species of birds include Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush, Great Pied Hornbill, Jerdon’s Baza, Great Black Woodpecker, Oriental Broad-billed Roller, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Broad-tailed Grassbird and Nilgiri Pipit. Primates including Lion-tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque and Nilgiri Langur are seen here. A small population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr is also seen in the grassy peaks.

HILL STATIONS OF KERALA – NELLIAMPATHI

Places near Kaikatty

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. One can buy fresh tea from their garden outlet in their factory. The Orange and Vegetable Farm, run by the Government of Kerala has its office and farm near Kaikatty. The Farm sells squashes and jams of fruits like pineapple, orange, passion fruit and guava. Vegetables like brinjal, bean, chilly and spinach are also sold. Further ahead, there is another tea garden and factory owned by Veekay Tea Company under its Chandramala Estate. All the tea and coffee plantations were originally started by the British. These were later on sold to the natives. The British were very conscious and responsible about the ecology of the area, utilizing the natural resources and only what was absolutely necessary.

HILL STATIONS OF KERALA – NELLIAMPATHI

The houses built by the British for themselves and their managers were constructed taking into consideration, the cold climate of the region. The walls and floors are wood lined to provide insulation, with fireplace to provide heating. They also maintained good gardens in front of these houses.

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 Seetarkundu, 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.

HILL STATIONS OF KERALA – NELLIAMPATHI

Even though the place is far away from the town, there is excellent communication facility provided by the Telephone exchange of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The telephone exchange is of the latest digital technology, connected to the outside world by optical fiber cable. A mobile network tower has been installed with phone network coverage throughout the ghat sections. The ghat road which was very narrow and scary is being widened. The workers in the plantations are mostly of Tamil origin. They are provided with labor quarters comprising of four to five units in one line, ‘padi’ in local language. Manalaroo Estate runs a school and a hospital for the workers and their children.

Boarding and Lodging

At Kaikatty, there is a government run guest house with boarding and lodging facility. Reservation for lodging can be made in advance. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian foods are available.

The only public transport to the outside world is the bus service run by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). These buses ply between Palakkad and Nelliampathi. There is also a KSRTC bus service from Nemmara. Within the hill areas, one has to depend on the taxi jeeps for transport. Essential items like grocery and vegetables are transported from Nemmara by jeeps.

How to reach there

Nearest Airports: Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport

From Cochin Airport: Come to Thrissur – 30 km; take a taxi or bus from Thrissur bus stand to Nemmara – 48 km.
From Coimbatore Airport: Come to Palakkad – 50 km; take a taxi or bus to Nemmara – 30 km.
From Nemmara you can take a taxi or a four wheeler vehicle (jeep) to Neliiampathi.

Not much is known about Palakkad’s ancient history. It dates back to the Paleolithic period, and several megalithic relics have been found in the region. At the turn of the first millenium AD, for several hundred years the Perumals ruled the land. Later their governors called Utayavars took possession of this land and divided it among themselves. William Logan, the Scottish author of the celebrated Malabar Manual, suggests that one of the hubs of the Pallavas of Kanchi who invaded Malabar in the second and third centuries was Palakkad.

One of the earliest records about Palakkad has a chronicle of a war victory in A.D 988 when the king of Palakkad, Nedumpurayur Nadudayavar, stopped an invasion by the forces of the King of Kongunadu at Chittur. Even today, a festival is celebrated in memory of this victory at Chittur. The Nedumpurayur royal family was later known as Tarur Swaroopam and finally as Palakkad Raja Swaroopam.

In 1757, to check the invasion of the Zamorin of Calicut, the Raja of Palakkad sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore, who freed all parts of Palakkad invaded by the Zamorin. Eventually, Haider helped himself to Palakkad and later his son Tipu Sultan was the unquestioned ruler of this region. But after his defeat to the British, Tipu ceded all his Malabar territories to the British following the treaty with the English East India Company in 1872. Palakkad formed part of the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency thereafter.

Palakkad, branded as the rice-bowl of Kerala, has fertile plains where substantial quantities of rice are produced by scientific cultivation methods. Groundnut, black gram, coconut, cotton, ragi, pepper, banana, cashew, sugarcane and pea add in to the roll of other major crops. Sugar Cane is grown extensively in the Chittur taluk. Around 284 lakh hectares of the district (64 % of geographical area) is used for farming and some key agricultural institutions of Kerala including Regional Agricultural Research Station, Soil Testing Laboratory, Fertilizer Quality Control Laboratory, Mushroom Laboratory and Agricultural Engineering Workshop are located at Palakkad.

Places to Visit

Palakkad Fort : One of the best preserved Forts in Kerala, was built by Mysore’s Haider Ali in 1766 AD. In 1790, the Fort was taken over and renovated by the British.This old granite Fort is situated in the very heart of Palakkad town.

Palakkad Fort

Also known as Tipu’s Fort, Palakkad Fort was supposedly built to hasten communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. In 1784 AD, after a siege lasting eleven days, the British Colonel, Fullerton stormed the Fort. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops but was recaptured by the British in 1790 AD. Martyr’s Column, Open Air Auditorium called “Rappadi” are located in the spacious grounds of the Fort, now preserved by the Archaeological Survey Of India. There is also a Children’s park on one of the sides of the Fort.

Chittur Gurumadam : Located on the banks of the River Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. Chittur Gurumadam is situated in Thekkegramam near Arikkode.
A Srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Attapaddy : Situated 40 kilometers from Palakkad, on the northeastern side of the district of Palakkad and spread over an area of 827 sq. kms and has the largest tribal settlement. The place consists of mostly hilly highland terrain, fed by the tributaries of the River Cauvery.

Attappady View

An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River, Attapady is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil Nadu. A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of many tribes like the ‘irolas’ and ‘mudugars’.The Malleshwaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic ‘Shivalinga’, by the tribals who also celebrate the festival of Shivratri with great gusto. The tribals celebrate the festival by lighting the top of this peak.Silent Valley National Park, Siruvani Drinking Water Reservoir are the tourist centres of the valley. The highest peak in the district is situated here. A PWD rest house and a few private hotels offer accommodation at Agali.

Dhoni Falls

Dhoni : A fairly long climb of a 3 hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. This reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall has many tourist all thrrough the year. It is a splendid and captivating waterfall.. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Kalapathy Temple : The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual ‘Ratholsavam’ or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.

On the last three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air. The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the Lord.Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.

Mangalam Dam : The Mangalam Dam is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, The Mangalam Dam is located south of Palakkad town. The construction of the scenic dam was completed in the year 1956. Located on the Alathur – Vadakkanchery Highway, the reservoir fringes on the forest area teeming with wildlife like deer, elephants and a variety of birds. The entire area is quite fascinating with beautiful parks, lawns and statues.

Nelliampathy : The ranges here consist of a chain of ridges cut offf from one another by valleys. The highest peak is Nellikota. The forest contains teak of extraordinary height and girth. Estates of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom dot the ranges. Located at a distance of 52 kms from Palakkad, the cool hills of Nelliampathy, nestling atop the Western Ghats, offer a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations.

Nelliyampathy

The bracing climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an added attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the valley below a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad area. A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations.

The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 metres. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for the trekkers.

Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for the ideal stop over.

Silent Valley National Park : Located 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district, echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include Rare Birds, Deer and Tiger. Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals as in this park, which was declared a National Park in 1980.

The Wild Population : The park has a huge variety of wildlife, with over a 100 species of Butterflies and 400 species of Moths and other animals like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-Tailed Macaque.The park has around 26 species of mammals and 120 species of avifauna, many of them considered endangered. Apart from these, there are 11 species of snakes, 19 species of amphibians, and nine species of Lizards in the park. The Silent Valley has over 110 plant species of medicinal value, and seven new plant species have been discovered here.

Jain Temple : The 2,000-years-old Jain temple at Jainmedu is the remnant of what was once a thriving community of diamond traders. Four hundred Jain families lived here, with 24 wells, each dedicated to a tirtanker, till Tipu’s invasion drove them to Wayanad. Descendants of one family are the keepers of its fascinating history. It is an impressive, silent monument overhung with trees and heavy with the weight of centuries.

Malampuzha Dam : At the Malampuzha dam, visit the snake park, and the beautiful nursery near the bus parking lot.

Kanjirapuzha : 24 kms from Palakkad , this catchment lake of the dam lies in a single stretch. An evergreen forest, the ‘Vettilachola’, provides the backdrop to a lake surrounded by hillocks. During the rains, the mist-draped mountains create a picturesque landscape.

Kottayi : 15 kms from Palakkad, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre : Mailadumpara, in Chulannur is situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Seetharkundu : Seetharkundu at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below. The 1000 meters high water falls is one of the major attractions. Legend has it that during the ‘vanavasa’, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had lived here. Seetharkundu got its name from the legend that Sita devi during the vanavasa period with Rama, took a bath here.

Parambikulam : 97 kms from Palakkad, The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.

JP Smirthivanam and Deer Park : JP Smirthivanam and Deer Park are located at Walayar reserve forest which has an area of 100 acres. One can see here deer and other animals roaming about in their natural habitat. This is situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town in Palakkad-Coimbatore road. Here facilities for elephant riding are also available.

You can choose either romantic beaches, or family beaches or water sports beaches or exotic beaches or entertainment beaches or tropical beaches or honeymoon special beaches or Ayurveda special beaches or yoga special beaches. Cooling off on the beaches of Kerala is an enthralling experience indeed. Offering the best of accommodation facilities, Karala Beaches are also a suitable place to savor lip-smacking food. The water sports facilities here tempt everyone to be child-like. Some of the most preferred beaches in Kerala are mentioned here.

Most of india’s finest beaches are in kerala. For virtually its entire 900 km length, the kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and azure blue waters. To this add a delectable seafood cuisine, a smiling sun and frendly people to make an unforgetable holiday. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches.

Kovalam Beach : This small village is located on Malabar Coast along Kerala shoreline. It caught the attention of international and domestic tourists from all over the world when it’s pristine beaches came into limelight. As it is often divided into three parts, the most popular among them is the southern most one known as Lighthouse Beach. Hawah Beach acts as a base for the local fisherman every morning. Samudra, the northern most beach, is least affected by changing times and tourist inflow.

Marari Beach : The word ‘Marari’ originates from ‘Mararikulam’, which is one of the local fishing villages. Life still follows the same routine as before, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living and bringing in the daily catch. This is totally new to the vacationers. Offering endless miles of superb sand beaches fringed by swaying palms, Marari is a virgin territory where you can experience the local charm and traditional Kerala.

Kumarakom Beach : A bunch of tiny islands on the Vembanad Lake combine as the village of Kumarakom. This small water world is a part of the Kuttanad region. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an bird watcher’s paradise. Waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks are a attraction for the visitors. A boat trip round the islands is the best way to go for bird watching here.

Alappuzha Beach : Very popular hangout and relaxation spot in Alappuzha district, Alappuzha Beach is another popular beach of the state. The pier extending into the sea here, is approximately 140 years old. A natural wonderland of Kerala state, Alappuzha is blessed with nature’s green beauties including lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers.

Beypore Beach : A premier port and fishing harbour of ancient Kerala, Beypore Beach is an exotic beach and a preferred destination among the tourists. As Kerala considered to be an important trade and maritime centre, this ancient port of Kerala was a favourite among the West Asia merchants for its ship building industry.

Varkala Beach : Included among the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, Varkala beach is famous mainly for mineral water springs with medicinal properties that gush out of the high cliffs encircling the beach. It is also a noted Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Fort Kochi Beach : Main attraction on this beach site is a historic fort, which is regarded a must for every visitor. You also can walk leisurely through the lanes of Kochi city. You may get familiar with its eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled the region centuries ago.

KATHAKALI

The culture of Kerala is one of its kinds in India. Traditional yet modern, the fascinating aspects of Kerala culture have been covered in our related sections. You will be amused to read about the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, which till date is intact in almost all natives of Kerala. The traditional rituals and sacred practices are very much alive even today. People over there are fiercely protective of their cultural heritage and are very proud of it.

Performing Arts A slice of Culture!

MOHINIYAATTAM

Kerala’s performing arts are feast to the eyes of tourists. A sheer variety of art forms, when performed by consummate artistes with the requisite paraphernalia make watching them worth. Legends and legendary characters resurrect from the dog-eared pages of history books and make their apparitions on the stages leaving the audience in ecstasy. The attire, roves and facial expressions of the artistes are a sumptuous treat for eyes. Centuries down, Kerala’s performing arts had enjoyed the patronage and pats from successive rulers. Besides, the now defunct feudal system had also contributed for the nourishment of art and culture.

The Northern region of the state is a repertoire of arts and culture. Many of these performing arts are enmeshed with the cultural history of religious communities. While classical art forms such as Kathalkali and Bharathayatyam were the stronghold of upper class, those from lower strata of the society performed dance forms such as theyyam and padayani. If the former class performed in the temple premises and specially erected stages, the later had to venture on streets to show their artistic prowess.

The traditional dance forms of Kerala that we have covered in our related sections are Kathakali, Krishnattam and Mohiniattam. Apart from the dance forms, Kerala also has an ancient form of martial art known as “kalaripayattu”. The music of Kerala is very melodious. There are many forms of music in Kerala, be it vocal or instrumental. People have sets of songs for every occasion. The devotional songs are sung so beautifully that it is no less than a divine experience listening to them attentively.

THEYYAM

There are many folk dances and performance styles in Kerala which include Theyyam – known for its fearsome masks and the trance like state of the performer, Thiruvathirakali – a graceful dance by women during Onam and Kaikotikalli a dance performed by women to celebrate a wedding.

Spectacular visual effects and stunning music are hallmarks of Kerala’s performing arts. In a land which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other State in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala’s performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed a rich patronage, from the former kings who ruled the state to the latter day democratic governments.

Besides, the aborigines of the state have their own art forms. Cherumarkali, a harvest dance is one among them. Dancers, men and women, with hands entwined, waltz rhythmically to the drumbeats. They will send you into trance. Rapturous moments for audience. Dainty world of performing arts. Engrossing ensemble of dance and folk arts.

FULL MEALS [SADYA]

While music and dance provide food for the soul, the actual “food” of Kerala is a sumptuous treat to anyone who is visiting Kerala. The cuisine has a wide range to choose from. The staple diet of Kerala is rice. There is much in store for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetarians can choose from a variety of steamed and fried treats, while the non-vegetarians can feast on sea food. Kerala is famous for its handicrafts and art work. Make sure that you buy a work of art as a souvenir for yourself to remind you of Kerala, which is aptly named God’s Own Country.

Kerala’s unique selling point is its rich culture which was mellowed by centuries-old rich heritage. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state’s performing arts.

THRISSUR POORAM

Flamboyant cultural procession is an integral part of any festival here. In temple fests, deities adorned with glittering jewels and colorful garlands are shouldered in the procession to the accompaniment of chanting of hymns, blowing of conches and playing of nadswaram.

To Be Continued……

The evergreen rain forests of Kerala are home to a large number of large and small sports. Internationally popular among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers much of the forest lands in Kerala have been turned into reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries for the conservation of the wildlife in these areas. These sanctuaries and national parks are thronged by elephants, tigers, leopards, jaguars, deer, monkeys, Malabar squirrels, hornbills, kingfishers and many more which make them excellent wildlife vacation sites.

Wildlife Destinations in Kerala

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary : Located at the Devikulam taluk of the Idukki district, Chinnar received the status of a sanctuary in 1984. Stretching over an area of 90 sq. km Chinnar is home to the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Owing to its position on the rain shadow slopes of the Western Ghats, Chinnar just about 48 days of rain during the Northeast monsoon in October November.

Eravikulam National Park : Close to Chinnar in the Idukki district, Eravikulam became a national park in 1978. Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr , a mountain goat, Eravikulam is spread over 97 sq. km area. Heavy rains fall here during monsoon making the surrounding misty hills a feast for the eyes.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : Located around the Vembanad Lake near the Backwaters, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and also the Himalayas flock here. The Siberian stork, teal, egret, heron and darter are commonly seen.

Periyar National Park : Situated at Thekkady along the Periyar Lake and river, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Boat cruises on the lake provide exciting game watching opportunity making Periyar a must see on the wildlife map of Kerala.

Silent Valley National Park : In the Palakkad district of Kerala, Silent Valley is perhaps the last stretch on genuinely unspoiled rain forest. A prized site for environmental research and conservation, it forms the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Silent valley made its way to the headlines over the construction of a dam on Kunti River, threatening to disturb the biodiversity of the region. It was declared a national park in 1980.

Kerala, one of the smallest states in the Republic of India, was formed in 1956. It has an area of 15,005 sq. miles. [38,863 sq. km. ] about one percent of the total land area of India.

The state stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula; its width varies from 20 to 75 miles. It is bordered by the states of karnataka on the north, Tamil Nadu to the east and the arabian sea to the west. The state has 14 districts and the capital is in Trivandrum [now Thiruvananthapuram].

CULTURE

Isolated from the deccan plateau by the mountanious belt of the Western Ghats, but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture. It is a highly politicized region, but has a long tradition of religious amity. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language, Malayalam, and has the highest rate of literacy (100%) among Indian states.

Women in Kerala enjoy a high social status, thanks perhaps to its historic matrilineal system. Art forms of Kerala range from Kalaripayattu, the martial art believed to be the origin of various other oriental ones, to Kathakali, one of the dance forms of Kerala considered to be amongst the oldest indian dance styles. The elegant SNAKE BOAT RACES have always been the favorite of tourists visiting Kerala.

NATURE

Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. From the majestic heights of the Western Ghats the country undulates westward presenting a vista of silent valleys clothed in the richest green. Among the many rivers that glide across the plains to merge their waters with the Arabian sea, the more important are the Periyar, the Pamba and the Bharatha puzha. The elegant waterfalls at Athirampally near Trichur is a popular tourist spot.

Along the coast, sand dunes shelter a linked chain of lagoons and backwaters the still waters of which are studded with sea-gulls and country canoes plying at a snails pace. The silence of the clear skies is broken only by the coos of koels, a type of cuckoo, and the frequent flutter of cranes perched on the embankments.

The highest peak of peninsular India Annai Mudi is located in this state. The scenic Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary is a popular vacation destination for nature lovers.

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges from 80 to 90 F in the plains but drops to about 70 F in the highlands. The state gets its due share of both the southwest as well as the northeast monsoons, and the rainfull is heavy, averaging around 118 inches annually.