8 Best Places in Nelliyampathy which are a Sight to Behold

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Palakkad Hills’, Nelliyampathy is a small tourist place in Kerala, which is enveloped with thick forests along with a vast expanse of tea, coffee and orange plantations cradled in the wilderness of the Western Ghats. Situated in God’s Own Country, Kerala, Nelliyampthy is a popular tourism option in South India that attracts an impressive number of tourists from all over the world. The town’s diverse attractions include serene beaches, scenic backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, lush greeneries, cultural heritage sites and Ayurvedic wellness centres. Nelliyampathy has some of the best tourist places that are known for breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, wide forest cover and extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. From the quaint town of Nenmara in the Palakkad district, the mountain peak of the majestic Nelliampathy is an absolute sight to behold.

From trekking through the winding trails and roads to exploring the wide expanse of tea and coffee estates, Nelliyampathy has something to offer every traveller. If you have plans to visit some of the best places to visit near Munnar and are not sure whether Nelliyampathy should be in your travel itinerary, then read the blog post further. We have put together some of the best places to visit in Nelliyampathy that allow you to make the most out of your travel to Kerala.

Ponthudi Dam

Situated at the foothills of Nelliyampathy, Ponthudi Dam is an irrigation project which also happens to be a sightseeing place for tourism in Nelliyampathy. The dam is hailed as one of the oldest dams in Nelliyampthy, which was constructed way back in the 19th century. Ponthudi Dam also holds significant value in the Nelliyampathy region, as it serves as a crucial source of irrigation for over 5,000 hectares in the Palakkad region. One interesting fact is that the construction of this dam did not use a cement mixture. Instead, the dam was constructed using a mixture of jaggery and quick lime. The Ponthudi Dam in Nelliyampathy is the second dam in Asia to have such a construction method.

How to reach Ponthudi Dam?

The dam is situated approximately 42 km from the main Palakkad city and can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or a bus. The nearest railway station and airport to Ponthudi Dam are Palakkad and Cochin International Airport, respectively, from where you can hire a bus or a taxi to reach the dam.

Seethargundu View Point

Another beautiful sightseeing place in Nelliyampathy, steeped in Indian mythology is Seethargundu, which is believed by many as Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita’s resting place during their exile. From the highest point of Seethargundu, you will be mesmerised by the stunning views of the valley and a beautiful waterfall in all its glory. You can enjoy panoramic views of the paddy fields and coffee and tea plantation that resemble a lush green blanket. While at Seethargundu, you can even indulge in adventure activities, such as trekking and leisurely walking amidst the scenic surroundings. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a  nature lover, visiting Seethargundu View Point is an absolute must-visit place in Nelliyampathy.

How to reach Seethargundu View Point?

Seethargundu View Point is approximately 30 km away from Palakkad that can be reached easily via any mode of transportation. The nearest railway station to Seethargundu is Palakkad railway station, which is about 35 km from the place. For those visiting Seethargundu via air, Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport from where you can book a taxi or a bus to reach your destination.

Mayiladumpara

Home to numerous beautiful peacocks, Mayiladumpara is another place to visit in Nelliyampathy, which serves as the only remaining natural home in Nelliyampathy for stunning, regal peacocks. The name of this place in Nelliyampathy translates to ‘the rock in which peacock danced’ in the Malayalam language. Among all the peacocks found worldwide, the peacocks found in Mayiladumpara boast the most vibrant and brightest feathers. Upon visiting Mayiladumpara, you can also pay a visit to Choolanoor Peacock Nursery, where you can see peacock dance as well if you’re at the right time. The Choolanoor Peacock Nursery is situated approximately 30 km from Palakkad, which can be easily accessed via any mode of transport.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Spread across a sprawling area of about 285 square km, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is another fascinating place for tourism in Nelliyampathy, which was built back in the 19th century. The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a significant place for tourism in Nelliyampathy, which is known for protecting and preserving tigers. The place in Nelliyampathy is a perfect location for a hike or a jungle safari, where you will be able to spot Indian Tiger, Nilgiri Langurs and Asian Elephants. The tiger reserve is also home to over 1,000 species of insects, 124 species of butterflies, 268 species of birds and 61 species of reptiles. Pollachi is the nearest town to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, which is approximately 70 km away from Nelliyampathy. To reach the tourist place in Nelliyampathy, you can either hire a taxi or get on a local bus, which is found most commonly around the place.

Kesavanpara

Kesavanpara is another tourist place to visit in Nelliyampathy in one day if you’re short on time. Situated just 11 km away from Nelliyampathy, you can relax and recharge yourself amidst the spectacular scenery in Kesavanpara. The breathtaking views from the vantage point of Kesavanpara, coupled with its scenic surroundings, make it an ideal place for those seeking a relaxed vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The best time to visit Kesavanpara in Nelliyampathy is from September to November, when the temperature is neither very hot nor very cold. Kesavanpara serves as one of the best places to explore, yet other scenic locations around the place, which include Palakapandy, Kara Para, Seetharkundu and many other places. The viewpoint is often covered by misty clouds, which creates a stunning and surreal experience for those seeking a peaceful escape. Kesavanpara is also home to Malabar Hornbill, which makes it a perfect spot for bird watching.

Silent Valley

Among the best places to visit in Nelliyampathy, Silent Valley is one of the best places situated in the Northeastern corner of Palakkad district in Kerala. It is believed that Silent Valley once served as the shelter to Draupadi and her five husbands (in Hindu mythology) while escaping from the cruel clutches of Kauravas in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The place in Nelliyampathy is named after the river Kunti, which flows through the valley. This tropical paradise is also home to long-tailed macaques, which can be found in abundance here. It is recommended to refer to the route map of the tourist places in Nelliyampathy before visiting Silent Valley and be there between 6 AM to 3 PM. The time between 6 AM to 3 PM will be the best time for you to catch the mesmerising view of the valley and spot various animals roaming around in their natural habitat.

Mampara Peak

Mampara Peak, also commonly known as Raja’s Cliff, is a tourist place in Nelliyampathy, which should not be missed on your trip to South India. This stunning destination offers a panoramic view of the surrounding flora and fauna at an elevation of about 5,250 meters above sea level. Mampara Peak is renowned for its rich wildlife, which includes sambar, leopards and elephants. Apart from rich wildlife, the place is also an ideal spot destination for nature lovers as well due to its surrounding vistas. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can trek from Nelliyampathy to Mampara Peak, which will make your trip even more joyous and memorable. Visitors can even take a jeep from Nelliyampathy to Mampara Peak, which is available in abundance. If you are visiting Mampara Peak, the months between September and May are the best time to plan a visit to Nelliyampathy.

Malampuzha Garden

Situated very close to the Malampuzha Dam reservoir, Malampuzha Garden is another place in Nelliyampathy hill station, which is embellished with ancient sculptures and constructions in various forms. Malampuzha Garden is also home to the Yakshi statue, which was carved by a well-known artist Kanai Kanhiraman. In addition, Malampuzha Garden is also home to a beautiful rock garden, a snake park, and a fish-shaped aquarium where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. You can even choose to go boating in the backwaters of the Malampuzha Garden, which are quite popular here.

Nenmara

Approximately 25 km away from Nelliyampathy lies another town called Nenmara, which is divided into two parts, namely Nemmara and Vallangi. The main attraction of the place is a festival known as Vela festival or Nemmara-Vallangi Vela festival happens every year on the 2nd or 3rd of April. Another popular festival which is celebrated with full zeal is Thrissur Pooram, which is celebrated in the area after rice harvesting. Hence, the best time to visit Nelliyampathy to experience the beautiful festivals of the region during April to March. To reach Nenmara, Palakkad and Trichur railway stations are both feasible options from where you can book a taxi or get on a bus at your own convenience.

Nelliyampathy is an all-season hill station which is a perfect family vacation destination. From fulfilling wildlife trails, waterfalls, and dense forests to enchanting backwaters, booking a Nelliyampathy vacation package offers a diverse experience to tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. So, in case you are looking for a South India tour package, this little town in Kerala that fits all budget travellers could be your choice. Explore the various Kerala vacation packages listed on Veena World and choose the one that suits you the best. Booking a package with Veena World also comes with convenience at your fingertips, as you can customise your own tour package through Veena World’s Customised Holidays.