Nelliampathi
Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala. It is a small state in south India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction. It is at a distance of 26 km. In the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam, which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area.
Pothundi dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season. Nearest Airports are Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport. Nearest main railway stations are Palakkad, Thrissur and Coimbatore.
Fauna Of Nelliampathi Hills:
At an elevation of 1000 metres at the southern tip of the Palakkad Gap, the Nelliampathi hills are known for their exquisite fauna. About 215 species of birds and 90 species of butterflies have been recorded in these hills. Some of the rare species of birds include Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush, Great Pied Hornbill, Jerdon\'s Baza, Great Black Woodpecker, Oriental Broad-billed Roller, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Broad-tailed Grassbird and Nilgiri Pipit. Primates including Lion-tailed Macaque, Bonnet Macaque and Nilgiri Langur are seen here. A small population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr is also seen in the grassy peaks.
