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Published: January 23rd 2016
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We often visit Coimbatore. The trip would be for two or more days. We always spare a day for visiting places every time. But, from Coimbatore we visit places like Kovai kuttralam or Isha Yoga or of course Ooty. Getting very much familiar with these places we wanted to see some different place this time. So, when we reached Coimbatore recently and asked our driver to suggest some different place, the suggestion from driver was Nelliampathy, which was in Kerala.
Nelliyampathy- a rarely known paradise near Palakkad. Located at 106 km from Coimbatore and 52 km from Palakkad, this place is very much famous among locals and is crowded during holidays. It’s a hill station where tea and coffee plantations are done in wide range.
We went to Nelliyampathy and were pleased visiting this place. It was one day tour. This place is ideal for one day trip or else can plan for two days staying a day. It’s a beautiful hill station with limited habitants.
We took Chittur- Koduvayur- Nemmara route from Coimbatore to Nelliyampathy. We started early from Coimbatore. We reached Velanthavalam which is the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala states. The people of two states
look so same that it is different to identify between them, especially if you’re other parts of India or from a foreign country. We reached Nemmara, where we had lunch at Host International Hotel. The food was Kerala meals and was really good.
Then, we took Nemmara-Nelliyampathy road. On way we stopped at Pothundi Dam, which also holds as an entrance to Nelliyampathy. This dam is one of the oldest dams in India and constructed in 19
th century. It is a major water reservoir and provides irrigation to the neighbouring villages. It is a local tourist spot and visited by tourists who are on way to Nelliyampathy.
After the dam, we had to stop at the Kerala Forest Department check post, where we were asked to come back before 5 pm. From here, the road begins with a dense forest and many many sharp U turns. We spotted some Lion-tailed macaques in group. Some other rare species birds on the trees.
Be careful while you drive through the hills, as, after some 10-15 km from check post we found a very narrow way with waterfalls at one side. The route gives very picturesque view that we just
got ourselves down from the vehicle to capture the nature. There were two view points on the way to Nelliyampathy, where the views were just amazing.
We reached Kaikatty junction. This junction arrives before Nelliampathy. From here the roads are very confusing to the sightseeing places. So, it is recommended that ask for the route from the locals, before you get lost here. Every turn seemed similar and I particularly was got confused about the way. In around 5 minutes we reached Nelliyampathy. It could be reached by taking the left road from Kaikatty Junction.
The first place we visited was Seetharkundu viewpoint. We had to drive through POABS coffee estates and organic farms. We saw coffee plantations on both sides of the road. It is one way towards the point. We parked our vehicle and started walking towards the point. It was surprising that few minutes before there was coffee plantation, now at this place there was tea plantation and some women where plucking the leaves. After some 6-7 minutes’ walk we reached the point. It was a paradise. A hill top with a perfect location and chill breeze. We walked to the corner of the hill.
It was head spinning. There were some dry trees at the tip of the hill, making it even more perfect for photos.
We walked on the muddy and rocky path for some time in order to reach the other side, but after some walking, it seemed unreached and tiring, so we came our way back.
We were at the parking once again. Now we drove back the other way, again a one way road and coffee plantations at both sides.
We reached Kaikatty Junction. This time we took road on right side and reached AVT Tea Factory. We got down from the vehicle. The whole place was filled with tea aroma. We didn’t go inside but just took a glance at it. There was a road opposite to the factory that goes to Kesavan Para (another popular sightseeing). To reach the place, we had to hike for some while. We felt the chillness in the air. It was a hill top and the place gave the panoramic view of the town at the base and the huge mountains that surrounded. The place was partially covered with mist so the town at the base was barely in sight.
We reached the main town of Nelliyampathy, again to ask route to Manpara, another famous sightseeing. We were told, that only Jeeps are allowed to the place. It could take 2 hours for the whole trip. But, as it was already half past three, we decided not to trip further, as we were already asked to come down by 5 by the forest officers.
So, we started driving back. We stopped at the company outlet of oranges and orange juice, where we bought some kilos of oranges, which were in cheaper rate and tasted good too.
It was 5 already when we had reached Nemmara. Then, we stopped at Chittur to have evening snacks and drove back to Coimbatore.
At whole, it was a great trip. A worth one for the ones who are looking for a day out.. outstation, away from human density.
For details about the travel contact: Mr. Nirmal: 9443347494
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Sakshi012
Sakshi
Hello Mary
Nice Blog Mary. Indeed nature has enclosed all beauty in it. We will shortly be arriving Palakkad for a marriage. So, per your blog it can accessed by Palakkad too right. So, what is the way to reach the place from Palakkad.. ??