Nelliyampathy - a scenic locaton in kerala

 

It's been a while since we went out for a trip..but this time trip to Nelliyampathy was all of a sudden. We (myself, Durai and Visakh) started early morning by 4.30 a.m. It was my third visit to Nelliyampathy and other two were going for the first time there.

 

Nelliyampathy is one of the beautifull place to visit in Kerala. Its a hill station about 60 km from Palakkad, Kerala. It is surrounded by tea plantations and has a good weather condition.

 

 

To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

 

There is no Petrol Pumps in top, but  few are there at Nenmara which open by 7 a.m. only. So if you want to save time, its better your vehicle fully equipped with enough fuel.

 

Paddy Field @ Nenmara
 

The first view point is Pothundy Dam. The morning view of Pothundy Dam is very fascinating. You can spend some time there. There is a small garden too there but it opens by 9 a.m. only.

 
 

 

 

We continued the journey, as Visakh's Friend was waiting us on the way. Biju is working as Wellfare Officer in AVT. He was the inspiration behind this trip. 

Pothundy Dam, view from top...
 
all the way you can stop in few places, where you can catch the beauty of the nature.
 

 

view of sky...
 

when view of the hill reflected....



a bus stop on the way...



"the way "....we came in....
 

 

Biju's Bungalow ...
 

After having breakfast from his Bungalow, we started towards Seethargund

 

Seethargund is another view point in Nelliyampathy, where you can have a fantastic valley view and a 100 m high waterfall (during rainy season only) providing an added attraction.

 

 

 

 

There is POAB's Retails Shop, where you can get factory fresh tea, fruit pulp etc. There is Paid Toilet facitlity too for the visitors.

 

 

There is one Animal Husbendary Farm. On the way you can visit that too.

 

 

 

The main attraction here is , three monkeys shepherds nearly 100 goats. He makes the goats turn right or left by tugging gently at their ear. And he attacks anyone who ventures near the goats.

 

You can watch Emu and Ostrich also there in farm.

 

On the way, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation

 

 

On the way we get down at Vegitable and Orange Farm there. There too you can get fresh orange, Fruit Pulp etc.

 

 



a photo shoot during luch break...
 

After having a delicious lunch from the Bungalow we started towards Kesavan Para. Its another view point in Nelliyampathy.

 

 

 
Then we proceed towards Karapara Estate. A small water fall is there, which may be more beautiful during monsoon. 
 

 

 
 
 
  

In our return we came across a Sambar Deer. Biju was telling they are splendid here and there is chance of elephant, tiger, bison on the way.

 

 

This time we were not able to go to Mampara, another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The Jeep Journey to the top is a mindblowing experience. But unfortunately they have prohibited the travel towards there due to the recent accidents happened.

 

We returned from there by 5.30 pm since it will be difficult to drive in night.

 

if you are plan to visit nelliyampathy, start early morning (ideally by 6-6.30) from nenmara so that you can have the view of the rising sun too...

 

 

Nearest railway station: Palakkad.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore.

 

 





"Marottichal” The rain trekking

Marottichal - we came to know about this place from one of the travel blog. Heard there is a waterfall called Ilanjipara in thrissur district. So We were planning to go there for few days. Finally we got a chance in august 15. We started the trip bit late by 9 a.m. 

For the first time readers, Marotichal is an unexploited cynic village which is situated in Thrissur District. A beautiful place which is still unexplored by eco tourism. It is about 20 k.m. away from Thrissur. There is a big and small water falls in the middle of a reserved forest which is under Peechi Wild Life Sanctuary. A place for a soft trekking through the forest and two water falls are the main attractions ; Olakayam and Elanjipara.

The waterfall is best to view during the months of monsoon and after,ie; Jun – Oct. But it is difficult to go all the way to the top as it may be either raining or too slippery, walking 4km to the top while it is raining and route not clear, will be bit difficult.

Its very hard to find hotels or some good shops there, so its better you are equipped with everything which is required (including food) for a small trekking. 

There is not even a sign board other than a small board fixed by forest department. So identifying the entrance of Marottichal Waterfall is bit hard. Two wheelers and other vehicles have to park on road side. (so just look for that too)

After reaching there, take left through the sides of canal, it is a narrow path. After 10 mnts walk, you will reach the first water fall, Olakkayam.
There you could have space for swim and have an open bath.

There is a 4Km trek towards the top of  Ilanjippara and will require one hour time to reach . Leeches are rare in this area, compared to other forest ranges.

 The locals had informed that there is chance to see Elephants in top. So we were bit tensed. But unluckily we couldn't find anyone.

 when we reached here, it started to rain...there was a cave (actually its not a cave, its a space between two big rocks, but good enough to stay there for 6-7 people)

  

Ants are busy in rain too.....

  from here there are two ways to top...either you can go through the above way or you can take the path besides the cave...

End of the way...here you need to cross the stream..

Its about 4 km walking distance to the top...but you will not get borred on the way...

After an hour walk, we reached the mainwater fall, and the first scene itself was really mind-boggling. Now as we start walking further towards the top of the waterfall continuing to reach the origin of the stream. we spend some time there looking around and we had a bath also there

On top you can spend time in top most, where you can have bath also (with atmost care), you can go to the opposite side of the Waterfall. There you can have full length view of the waterfall and finally you can have your bath just below the water fall. Its really amazing and i think in very few waterfall you can have the bath beneath the waterfall itself.

 

 

SInce the place is not developed to an eco-tourism project, we can see lot more plastics there. Nature has kept a wonderfull place for us to enjoy. SO PLS DO NOT RUIN THE BEAUTY WITH YOUR PLASTICS.

 

How to reach?

If you are coming from Ernakulam through Ernakulam Palakkad Highway, after reaching Kuttanellur, you have to take Right Turn (have to take the way below the bridge). Marottichal is about 12 km through the Mandamangalam-Marottichal Road. If you are coming from Palakkad Side, you can come through Mannuthi-Nadathara-Kuttanellur and if you are from Thrissur come through Mission Hosptial-Ancheri-Kuttanellur.

Paniyeli Poru

Paniyeli Poru is a little known picnic spot on the out skirts of Kochi, near Vengoor, Perumbavoor. The place has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna, where the visitors can rest. Its an amazing sight of Periyar river flowing thorugh rocks and between dense rain forests. The vast view of distant green hillocks and the tranquility around the place is really great

The name ‘Poru’ ( means fight in Malayalam) was derived from the old custom of raftsmen fighting with the unruly waves, deep vortex, to sail out from the area. The raft forms after bamboo cut from the ‘Edamalayar’ forest, tied as logs. It was the old practice of bamboo cutters, to carry logs to destination like ‘Kalady’ & ‘Malayattoor’, through river ‘Periyar’. Only an experienced raftsman could sail the log through the unruly water here. The area, where the rafts man fights fiercely against these adversities, was later called by ‘Poru’. Now a days logs of bamboo cut from the forest are carried away through the road in Vehicles.

On the way ....

Resting, by sitting on the offshore surrounded by dense trees, is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The  bathe in fresh, crystal clear water of ‘periyar’ makes your body and mind warm and fresh. 

  The strong water currents and deep vortex formed between the strata of rocks and mangroves can be dangerous. Nearly 150 youths have died here during the last one decade. But still its a safe place if we are going as per the instructions of the guides there. 

Mid November to End of May is the good time to visit as the water flow will be reduced during this time thus exposing the rocks and whirlpools. 

 

 

 

watch out The Signs !!! the water level will be varying every time especially during evening. It can be dangerous to cross the river at that time. Some times the water flow increases when the shutter of 'Edamalayar' and 'Idukki' dams are opened. Normally, the concerned department announce the same in advance.

 

 

Paniyeli Poru is 55 kilometres from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva that is 35 km from this place. Poru is 20 km away from Perumbavoor, the nearest town. From here take a left deviation from the MGM School Junction, Kuruppumpady, on the busy Aluva-Munnar (AM Road) road. There are bus services from Perumbavoor to Paniyeli on half-hour duration. One has to walk at least a kilometre to Poru after alighting the bus at Paniyeli. Own vehicles  can take you up to Poru.
 

Sundays and holidays witness heavy rush of tourists here. Be prepared with food, bathing clothes etc.  Don’t prowl in the area after 6 pm as there are no light here. Advisable time to spend here is from 10am -5pm.