Nelliyampathy...ever heard the name? If you already have, what are you waiting for...just be there? Being there is not that easy although. From Mysore, it took us a five hour long bumpy bus ride to Coimabtore, then a train ride to Palakkad, a local bus ride to Nenmara and finally a jeep ride up in the hills to reach Nelliyampathy. Nelliyampathy, once famous for its goose-berries is probably the most secluded hill station I've ever been too. Hidden inside; acres of tea plantations, orchards and unspolit jungles of the Palghat Hills, Nelliyampathy makes for an ideal hideaway from the clamours of urban sprawls.
Reach Nelliyampathay....the blue hills and the Green Acres!
The Hermitage cottage at Greenland Farm House beyond Nelliyampathy. The resort is located 7 kms out of Nelliyampathy village on the way to Mempara peak.
The Cicada Trail through POABS Organic Farm...before you reach the Greenland Farm House.
In Bloom at GreenLand Farm House...
On the way to the Mempara Peak next morning. A 4-wheel drive is a must! Although you will feel that a walk through the leech infested jungle for 14 kms is a far better and safer option! You call it a Road!!! atleast the hills disagree.
The best of Shola forests I've seen in the Western Ghats.
Clouds literally rolling over the hills. The strong and shivering gale from the Palghat Gap always keep the low clouds busy.
The blues and jungles of the Palghat Hills...en route Mempara Peak!
Living on the Edge..beyond Mempara Peak. The awesome view with Churliyar, Mingera and the distant Malampuzha lakes dotting the plains.
At Seethargundu Estate. The Organic farm for tea and cofee plantations on the way back to Nelliyampathy from Mempara. The nearby hills of Kesavpara, Padagiri and the Pothundy reservoir also worths a visit.
The best of mocha - Arabica coffee berries at Seethargundu.
View of the Palghat Plains from the suicide point at Seethargundu.
Where the wind blows gently.....
Quickfacts: Nelliyampathy is 75 kms/ 3 hrs from Palakkad town. Accessible only by couple of local buses and personal vehicles. Other option is reaching Nenmara from Palakkad and hiring local jeep (Rs 100) to Nelliyampathy (20 km/ 1hr). For reaching places like Mempara, Padagiri, Kesavpara a 4 WD is a must. Hotel options are limited so enquire before heading for the hills.
The jounery back to the plains was very refreshing, with friendly people, sun soaked paddy field, banana plantations, cool breeze on the face and fading blue lines of the Nelliyampathy hills on the horizon!
