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Nelliyampathy:
A geographic paradise
Situated about 52 km from Palakkad town and about 9km from Nenmara,
Nelliyampathy
on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, offers a stunning view of the
Sholayar Pass lying deep down in a 20 mile stretch of velvet green.
Certain hills especially Seethakundu of Nelliyampathy cease abrubtly
to form cliffs overlooking the panoramic valley below. These ranges
of the Ghats at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level and the
pass have a dominant influence on the climate of the region. It is through
this mountain pass that the monsoon clouds formed over the Arabian Sea
after shedding rain in Kerala, move to the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu.
To reach Nelliyampathy one has to negotiate at least 10 hair-pin curves
on the Ghat road, through the breath-taking evergreen forests of the
Sahya Ranges (Western Ghats).
From these hills can be seen the calm, tranquil Pothundi Reservoir
in the valley down below. Pothundi is built across Meenchadyppuzha and
Padippuzha the tributaries of the Ayalar river (a sub tributary of Bharathappuzha).
The rich greenery of the forests hugging these hills is frequently
punctuated by small and big waterfalls. Among these, the one at Seethakundu,
the 1000 metre waterfall is a major attraction.
Nelliyampathy, spread over 82 sq km, has the highest peak at Nellikotta
which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty
of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable
and orange plantations.
The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers.
The Community Hall at Kaikatty serves as an ideal camping place for
trekkers. The temperatures at these ranges vary from 15 degree celsius
in December to 30 degree celsius in April. The lovely climate and green
magic of the hills provide an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
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