Best Tourist Places in Nelliyampathy, Palakkad, Kerala, India
Nelliyampathy also spelled as Nelliampathi is a popular hill station situated in Palakkad District in Kerala State, India, positioned at 10.529627° N latitude and 76.684012° E longitude. Nelliyampathy is bound by waterfalls, tea and coffee plantations. Nelliyampathy is positioned about 51 km south of Palakkad Town and about 345 km north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Nelliyampathy is placed at an elevation of 1000 meters with rich fauna. Nelliyampathy is home to more than 210 species of birds and 92 species of butterflies.
Nelliyampathy houses special species of birds like Pied Hornbill, Black Woodpecker, Jerdon’s Baza, Broad-tailed Grassbird , Broad-billed Roller, Nilgiri Pipit and Nilgiri Flycatcher. Lion-tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr and Nilgiri Langur are also found in Nelliyampathy Hill Station.
History of Nelliyampathy:
There are plenty of tea and coffee plantations surrounding the Nelliyampathy Hill Station. The British Government in India introduced coffee and tea plantations to the local citizens. Also British Kings were very responsible about taking advantage of the environmental sources in the vicinity.
Food, Culture and Shopping in Nelliyampathy:
Nelliyampathy is hill station with less population and great cultural background. People residing in and around Nelliyampathy have mixed culture of Kerala and neighboring states.
The locals of Nelliyampathy are very much interested in Thoran, pulisherry, olan, erisherry, puliinji and Kaalan vegetarian dishes and also equally fond of non vegetarian foods of sea fishes, prawns and meats of chicken and mutton. The resorts present in Nelliyampathy provide mouthwatering Kabab, Biryani, fish fry and prawn masala.
Nelliyampathy houses few shops and food corners presently. Due to the developments happening in tourism sector, shopping sector is also taking some momentum gradually. One can purchase products made by naturally available resources in Nelliyampathy at affordable costs.
Connectivity to Nelliyampathy:
Nelliyampathy is connected by only road transport. There are few Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses plying between Palakkad and Nelliyampathy. Other than the government buses, tourists can also use private vehicles like Car, Jeep, Taxi and Autos to reach nearby areas or tourist destinations.
Palakkad Railway Station (53 km), Thrissur Railway Station (74 km) and Coimbatore Railway Station (97 km) are the major railway stations placed near Nelliyampathy. Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport to Nelliyampathy placed about 109 km and also board flights at Cochin International Airport (116 km).
Places to see in and around Nelliyampathy:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a prime attraction stretched in an area of 285 sq. km. It is located between the Anaimalai Hills of Tamil Nadu and Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala. It is home to more than 125 species of butterflies, about 1050 species of insects, 270 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 15 species of amphibians and 60 species of reptiles.
Elephant, Indian tiger, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri wood pigeon, hornbills and sambar and sloth bear found in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Modern Nature Interpretation Centre, Kannimara Teak, Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre and Salim Ali Gallery are the must see attractions at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Parambikulam Dam, Shola Forests and Thunakadavu Dam located in the vicinity of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Pothundi Reservoir:
Pothundi Reservoir is situated between Nelliyampathy and Nenmara. It has an area of 10,930 hectares. It is a best viewpoint and tourists can see very tall trees from here and also has near proximity with temples and food corners.
Palagapandi Estate:
Palagapandi Estate is well known for ancient bungalow constructed by British during British Government rule in India. It is surrounded by full of stunning tea plantations.
Pothundi Reservoir:
Pothundi Reservoir is located about 18 km from Nelliyampathy Town and was built during 19th century. Today, it is one of the best tourist destination and there is boating facility also available for the tourists.
The list of other tourist attractions in and around Nelliyampathy:
- Nemmara
- Seetharkundu Viewpoint
- Padagiri
- Malampuzha Gardens
- Raja’s Cliff
- Nelliyampathy Guha
- Fantasy Park
- Jain Temple
- Kollengode Palace
- Silent Valley National Park
Best time to visit Nelliyampathy:
Between September and May is the ideal time to visit Nelliyampathy because of its healthy weather.
Accommodation Options in Nelliyampathy:
Top well facilitated hotels and resorts in Nelliyampathy and Palakkad are as follows:
- ITL Holidays & Resort
- Green Land Farm House
- Ciscilia Heritage
- Indraprastha Hotel
- Fort Palace Hotel
- Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort
- Gazala Inn
- Green Park Hotel
- Kapilavasthu Hotel
- P.M. International Hotel
- Tripenta Hotel
- Soorya Continental
- Tamarind KTDC Easy Hotel – Palakkad