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.jpg) Located at a distance of 52 kms from Palakkad in Kerala, the cool hills of Nelliampathy, an ideal eco tourism destination nestling atop the Western Ghats , offer a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations. The bracing climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an added attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad area. A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the eco tourism destination of Nelliyampathy comprises a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 metres. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking and eco tourism potential. The community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for trekkers.
Fascinating hill country
Accessing Nelliyampathy eco tourism destination from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges . En route, 17 kms from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for the ideal stop over. Nelliampathy is the ideal place for developing farm tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism. It has immense potential for trekking and other sports activities like hand gliding and ropeway. Important view points are Seethar gundu, Mampara & Kesavan Para. Nelliampathy, the queen of Palakkad hills is named the” poor man’s Ooty”. The tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations here are exhilarating attractions.
According to historians, a great and rich civilization was in existence in this part of Palakkad during Tamil Sanghom period. The highest peak in the range is Nellikotta, also called Padagiri. It is 1585.08 meters above the sea level. The beautiful cool hills of Nelliampathy are in the midst of the majestic Western Ghats. The eco tourism centre of Nelliyampathy is a fascinating hill country that is a favourite of trekkers.To reach the hill station, at least 10 hairpin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges . Nelliyampathy is an ideal eco tourism retreat for the nature enthusiasts with avenues open for trekking and wildlife observation.
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