Nelliambathy – A Place where people find nature's beauty
Nelliampathy is a small tourist destination in Kerala. Situated in Palghat district, this place is blessed with pleasant climate and fauna. The place also has a number of tea and coffee plantations that spread the aroma in the air.
Nelliampathy is a small hill station in Palghat district of Kerala. Situated about 60 km from Nenmara, a small-time town in Palghat, it has an excellent weather condition conducive for both tea and coffee plantations. The height of the hill ranges from 467 m to 1572 m above the sea level. Though the place is known as a hill station, it is not contaminated and polluted by too much of exploitation. Hence, a nature-loving visitor can thoroughly enjoy the picturesque environment it provides and takes home an experience for a lifetime. To reach Nelliampathy, one has to take a route that connects Nenmara to Kaikatty junction, which is a small town near Nelliampathy. The road to Nelliampathy is narrow, and one can come across small waterfalls along the road during rainy season.Pothundy Dam
When one travels to Nelliampathy from Nenmara town, the first landmark that comes en route is Pothundy dam. The Pothundy dam is a beautiful location situated at the foot of Nelliampathy hills. It is a nice picnic option and has facilities for boating and other water-front activities. This is an irrigation dam that provides water for irrigation purposes in the nearby areas. The view of Pothundy dam from heights of Nelliampathy is breathtaking and it is sure to make an everlasting impression in the minds of tourists. Immediately after the irrigation dam is the forest area, which is under the control of Government of Kerala. Kaikatty Junction
Kaikatty junction is about 26 km away from Nenmara town. There are many places one can visit near this place. This place is located at a height of 1000 meters from the sea level. One such place is Kesavanpara. This place offers panoramic view of the land below. Another important place worth visiting in this area is Seetharkundu. It is believed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana of epic Ramayana had lived in this place. Seetharkundu can also be viewed from the top of Nelliampathy hills. At some distance from Kaikatty junction are Chulliyar and Meenkara dams. From these places, one can see the town of Kollengode in Palghat district.
In this area, there is another important landmark. It is Manalooru Estate, which is owned by the tea producer A, V. Thomas & Company. This tea estate is the highest yielding tea estate in India. One can buy fresh tea from the mid-garden outlet in the estate. Another place to visit in this locality is the Orange and Vegetable farm owned by Government of Kerala. This farm sells the squashes and jams of pineapple, orange, passion fruit and guava. The government-owned farm also sells vegetables such as brinjal, bean, chilly and spinach. Further ahead in the route towards Nelliampathy is Chandramala estate owned by Veekay Tea Company. Many of the tea estates in the locality have come during the British rule. Many of the houses in this locality are made of wooden planks to enable the habitants to escape the cold climate outside. Many of the houses in this area are provided with fireplaces for room heating purposes. Fauna of Nelliampathy Hills
At an elevation of about 1000 m at the southern tip of Palghat gap, Nelliampathi hills is known for the abundance of flora and fauna. This stretch of hills has 215 bird species and 90 butterfly species. Some of the rare birds seen in this area include Grey-breasted Laughingthrush, Great Indian Hornbill, Jerdon's Baza, Great Black Woodpecker, Cinnamon Roller, Nilgiri Flycatcher, broad-tailed Grassbird and Nilgiri Pipit. The region also has primate population. It includes Lion-tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, and Nilgiri Langur. In the grassy peaks of Nelliampathi hills, one can see small population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr.Boarding, Lodging and Transportation
At Kaikatty junction, there is a government-run guest house with boarding and lodging facility. Here the reservations can be made in advance. The facility provides both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food for the benefit of its customers.
For commutation purpose, the people have to depend upon the state-run Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services. KSRTC plies bus service between Palghat and Nelliampathy. Within Nelliampathi, the tourists have to depend upon local taxi jeeps. The essential items for this locality such as groceries and vegetables are also transported with the help of these jeeps only.
Nelliampathy is a small hill station in Palghat district of Kerala. The place is known for scenic beauty and the abundance of fauna. The place has a number of tea and coffee plantations and the visitors can buy fresh tea or coffee from the outlets nearby. Along the route, there are a number of points from where the natural beauty can be enjoyed and photographed. The hill station has a very conducive and air conditioned.
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