Tip to Nelliyampathy - Poor Man's Ooty....

           Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. 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.


For more Details please visit wiki page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelliyampathi


Route Map from Palakkad, Kerala:

Route Map

Such a lovely tree On the way near view point

Pothundi Dam- view from the hill

Pothundi Dam- another scenic view from the hill

Pothundi Dam- in the evening

Calm and traffic free Road to Nelliyampathy

As usual KTDC sign boards

You can see nelliyampathy hills

usual village pond at Nemmara

Forest check post starts here- nelliyampathy is a eco tourism sport

Another view of Pothundy irrigation dam

On top of Kesavan para or Kesavan Rock(Aparichithan movie location)

Poabs estate-they produce organic tea

Poabs estate outlet and tea shop near Seetharkundu

AVT manalroo estate on the side of Poabs

Early morning snap.


Misty nelliyampathy hills(Aparichithan movie location)

Long view of pothundy dam from Kesavan para(Aparichithan movie location)

This tree is famous in nelliyampathy

Such a lovely palakkadan valley view from Seetharkundu view point

Seetharkundu view point

A small pond at Kesavan Para(Aparichithan movie location)

Videos from KTDC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AqDYJL9gaU&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-wu8matUXM&feature=player_embedded

Kodanad elephant camp near periyar river

             This Kodanadu village is in the banks of Periyar makes it more beautiful and attractive. Kodanad is the head quarters of Malayattoor forest division. The elephant Kraal here has a history of more than 50 years. This tourist spot is an elephant rescue centre and it is listed in the eco tourism destinations of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the restless baby elephants, there luxurious bath in the near Periyar and have an elephant ride through the walkways of the village. A mini Zoo with a lot of rare species is also an attraction of this picnic spot. Kapprikkad a village near to Kodanad is transformed in an eco friendly way is a main shooting location in Kerala.


Kodanadu very well famous through malayalam mohanlal movie "Ividam Swargamanu".

Find more details about Kodanad in the below URL's

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodanad

http://wikitravel.org/en/Kodanad


Route Map from Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, Kerala:

Kodanad elephant camp Entrance

A newcomer

Elephant krall

History of Kodanadu


Kodanadu Zoo

Way to Periyar River



Sreekanth talking to elephant

New comer

Elephant ride @ Kodanadu

Banks of periyar

Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple

Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple

Mekkappala junction is situated 15 Kms. from Perumabvoor. Kulakkunnel Dharma Sastha Temple is very near to it just about 1 Kms. This temple situates in the midst of forest on the top of a hill called Kulakkunnel Mala. Ayyapan is the diety there. Ulsavam being celebrated on Makaravilakku. Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple. About 4 Kms from Payyal Junction and 17 Kms. from Perumbavoor in Ernakulam District.

We have to climb a hill all the way through eucalyptus forest

Sree with his king Bullet




Sign board showing way to temple

Evening valley view from the hill


The one behind is the new temple under construction

Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple

New one under construction

panoramic view in my cell

Way to hill

Meenvallam Waterfalls

Meenvallam Waterfalls

         Meenvallam Waterfalls are located at the originating point of Thuppanadu River from 'Kalladikodan Mala' (Kalladikode Mountain), a part western ghats. These 10-Step waterfalls are of great scenic beauty. Each fall ranging between 20 to 25 feet, water is finally collected in a pond with a depth of approximately 20 feet. Of the 10 steps of the waterfalls, eight are located in the upper hills within dense forest. The lowest two steps can be reached by Jeep from Thuppanadu Bus Stop on NH 213 (about 8 km). The place is visited most in the months of April and May. Out of these 10 water falls, it is being said that, one can reach on 5 of them. It is not possible to climb further on the Mountain without an expert in mountaineering.

See more details in below URL:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karimba,_India

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/tourist_spots/waterfalls/meenvallam_/42/

Route Map from Palakkad

Second Fall

Rocks near second fall

Second Fall Another view

A beautiful tree on the way to uphill


First small Fall

The way we walk is really thrilling

All they up....need good balance

Lot of big trees in the forest

Thuppanad river,this river forming from the waterfall


Lot of adventure to reach the destination.

You have to cross many water streams on the way.

A very big pineapple farm on the valley.

KTDC Sign board 4 more Km

A typical canal from Malampuzha dam