Often known as “Poor Man’s Ooty”, Nelliyampathy is one of Kerala’s most attractive tourist areas. At a distance of 52 km from the city of Palakkad, Nelliyampathy gives you an essence of the Western Ghats with its breathtaking views, evergreen forests, and several plantations, including coffee, orange, tea, or cardamom. Surrounded by exotic views and lush forests, Nelliyampathy truly lives up to the name of a great getaway from life.
See also: Your guide to top Hampi resorts
How to reach Nelliyampathy?
To reach Nelliyampathy, one can choose between various options, including trains, buses, cars, or flights. Here is a detailed description of how one can reach by each of the means:
By flight
Coimbatore airport is the nearest to Nelliyampathy. It takes roughly 2 – 2.5 hours to reach the destination from the airport.
By railways and bus
The nearest railway station to Nelliyampathy is the Palakkad Station, situated 60km away. After reaching the Palakkad Station, you can take a taxi or bus to your destination in Nelliyampathy.
By road
Owing to Nelliyampathy’s beautiful views, it is said that the best way to explore the hill station is by driving on your own. To reach this place, one can opt for the road that starts from Nenmara, which further leads to Pothunda Dam. After around 10 hairpin bends, you will reach Nelliyampathy.
The best must-visit Nelliyampathy resorts
01. The Mango Village Resort
Source: Pinterest
Check-in: 02:00 PM
Check-Out: 10:00 AM
Price: Rs 3960 onwards
A family-owned ranch and farmhouse, the Mango Village resort is in Palakkad, Kerala. It is located in the valley of the Nelliyampathy ranges, where visitors can enjoy the canopy of evergreen forest and beautiful views of paddy fields. Due to its amazing view, it has also been described as the garden of Eden by a few customers who have visited. It is also notable to mention that the Mango Village has remained a prominent filming location.
Activities to look forward to at Mango Valley Resort
- Ayurveda and Yoga: Visitors staying at this resort can look forward to ayurvedic and yoga courses hosted by the resort in the relaxed and ambient nature of the forest.
- Jeep Safari: Due to its location being set inside an evergreen forest, the resort provides its customers with the luxury of a jeep safari that they can opt for to explore the forest and neighbouring locations.
- Kalavari Bullock Carts: Another attraction of this resort is the Kalavari bullock carts, which are the traditional Bullock carts in Kerala. Visitors can take rides in these carts at the Mango Valley Resort.
- Farm-to-table cuisine system: The resort provides traditional dishes of Kerala made out of organic ingredients that are grown on the farmland itself and prepared under the watchful eye of the owner.
Things not to miss at Mango Valley Resort
- The Meenkulathi Bhagavati Temple is a location that is quite near to the resort, and visitors can enjoy a day at the temple.
- The Meenampura estate, located at a distance of barely one and half hours, can be a great location to visit.
- The Vellarimedu Waterfalls is a great tourist attraction and is located at a distance of only 26 minutes from the resort.
How to reach Mango Valley Resort?
- The nearest airports to this Resort are the Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport. Visitors can opt for one of these airports and then take a taxi or cab to the resort, which takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Visitors can also board trains to the nearest station of Palakkad, and then avail of a taxi or car to the resort.
02. Coffee Valley Resort
Source: Pinterest
Check-in: 02:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Price: Rs 3000 onwards
Situated in the Nelliyampathy Valley, the Coffee Valley Resort has been built inside the coffee plantation and within the evergreen forest. The resort provides two types of accommodations to its customers: two-bedroom cottages that can accommodate up to six people, three in each room, and dormitory-type rooms that can accommodate up to 12 people in each cottage. The two-bedroom cottages have a range of Rs 3000 to 8000. On the other hand, the dormitory-type rooms can accommodate 6 persons in each room and have a range starting from Rs 6000.
Activities at the coffee Valley Resort
- Jeep Safari: The Safari is a facility provided by almost all resorts situated in the valley owing to the location of the evergreen forest and many other tourist day attractions nearby. Customers can contact the resort to arrange a safari according to their preference.
- Campfire: In addition to Jeep Safari, the Coffee Valley Resort also provides its customers with the facility of a campfire to enjoy amidst the forest, giving them the whole experience.
- Sightseeing Tours: With numerous travel locations situated near this Valley, visitors can indulge themselves in tours of their choice, which are provided by the resort.
Things not to miss at coffee Valley resorts
- Situated among coffee plantations, visitors can opt for plantation views or mountain view rooms to enjoy the valley’s beauty.
- Sightseeing locations such as Poabs Organic Estate can be visited by jeeps or cars due to the proximity.
How to reach Coffee Valley resorts?
Due to its location, one can only reach the resort with the help of cars, taxis, or jeeps. The nearest airport to this resort is the Cochin International Airport which is situated at a distance of 3 hours and 7 minutes, and the Coimbatore International Airport, which is situated at a distance of 3 hours and 5 minutes.
03. Nelliyampathy Hill Valley Resort
Check-in Time: 12:00 PM
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
Price: Rs 3000-6000 (approximately)
Located in Kaikatty in Nelliyampathy, Kerala, the Nelliyampathy Hill Valley Resort promises a fantastic holiday with breathtaking views and exciting activities, including safaris, photography tours, and bicycle tours. To add to the delight, the resort also hosts Palakkad Eco tours for its guests.
The Hill Valley Resort provides customers with two accommodation options: premium cottages and dormitory rooms. The premium cottages are available starting at a range of 3000 rupees, and the dormitory-style rooms are available starting at rupees 4000 to 6000. The premium cottages can accommodate up to 6 people in two rooms, while the dormitory-type rooms can hold the capacity of 12 people divided into two rooms.
Activities at Hill Valley Resort
- Trekking and jeep Safari: Like all other Resorts situated in this area, Hill Valley Resort also provides customers with the option of a jeep Safari which also includes an off-road Safari. Other than that, those interested in trekking can also take part in the trekking trips organised by the resort.
- Fishing: Visitors who want to indulge themselves in fishing can do so by asking the resort to arrange for the requirements.
What to look forward to at Hill Valley Resort?
- The Seetharkund Waterfalls are located at a short distance of only 11 minutes from the resort and can be visited within a day, along with several other locations.
- The Meenampara estate is situated 26 minutes from the resort and can be visited after the waterfalls on the same date. The resort arranges these tours, and customers can contact the same for information.
How to reach Hill Valley Resort?
- Visitors can take a flight from their city to the nearest airports located approximately 3 hours away, namely Cochin International Airport and the Coimbatore Airport. On reaching the airport, visitors can take a cab or taxi to the resort.
- The hill Valley Resort provides its customers with the option of jeeps that can pick them up from the airport.
04. Misty Valley Resorts
Check-in Time: 02:00 PM
Check-out Time: 12:00 PM
Price: Rs 2300-4000 for a night
The Misty Valley Hill resort was a heritage ground that the Britishers constructed in the reserved forests of an integral part of the Western Ghats, the Nelliyampathy Hills. Located in the Anamada estate, this resort is situated within 914 acres of coffee, cardamom, and orange plantations.
Built-in the end of the 18th century, this resort falls within the Reserve forest and The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. The resort offers its customers four kinds of accommodations: a double room, a full cottage, independent houses known as Karadi bungalows, and heritage bungalows.
Activities at the Misty Hill Valley resorts
- Orange Farm Visits: Previously a property of the maharaja of Kollengode, it was leased out to the British for them to cultivate oranges, cardamom, and coffee in the 18th century. Today, this estate is opened as a tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy authentic and organic Nelliyampathy oranges, fresh from the farm itself.
- Campfire: This activity is a great attraction to visitors who love to enjoy a cup of coffee while sitting around a campfire within the orange plantations and dense forests.
- Jeep Safari: The resort also provides Jeep Safari for visitors to tour the tourist locations and the orange and tea plantations where the resort has been set up.
- Bird Watching: Exotic birds can be seen from a bird-watching spot early in the morning. The Misty Valley Resorts have provided this amenity for the customers to conveniently watch the birds, including pigeons, Raptors, Falcon, and Bulbul.
Things to look forward to at the Misty Valley resorts
- Situated at a prime location, there are several tourist locations and viewpoints that visitors can take a day’s visit to, including Seetharkund waterfalls and Meenampara estates.
- Several dams that are located near this resort include the Pothundi dam, Parambikulam Dam and Thunakkadavu Dam.
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located at a distance of 3 hours by drive.
How to reach Misty Valley Resorts?
Visitors can take the road to Nenmara in Palakkadu, then towards Pulayanpara. The Misty Valley can then be reached with the help of a four-wheeler only.
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Special attractions arranged by Nelliyampathy resorts
Palakkad Eco Tour
Number of days in package: 03 nights and 4 days
Pick-Up & Drop Locations: Palakkad-Shoranur-Coimbatore-Cochin-Calicut
The resort organises a special tour in the neighbouring Palakkad, tropical evergreen forests. Customers can enjoy this tour package upon booking.
- Day 01: Arrival in Palakkad to Kava to Malampuzha
After arriving in Palakkad, customers will be moved to the hotel by morning. They will then be taken for a sightseeing Tour, followed by a visit to the Palakkad Fort, Kava Western Ghat View Point, Aquarium, Snake Park, Rock Garden, Malampuzha Garden & Lake. Customers may also opt for the boating facility, Ropeway Ride, and more. Guests will spend the night at Palakkad.
- Day 02: Palakkad to Siruvani Forest
On this day, guests visit Siruvani Forest, which is located approximately 50 Km far from Palakkad, followed by a guided Jeep Safari amid Siruvani Forest. Guests will then visit the Eco Shop, Siruvani Dam, and, in the end, Keralamedu Trekking. Guests return to Palakkad for a night stay.
- Day 03: Palakkad to Pothundi Dam to Nelliyampathy Hills
On day 3, guests take a trip to Nelliyampathy Hills, known as the ‘Second Ooty’, approximately 65 KM away from Palakkad Town. Following this will be a visit to Pothundi Dam, Western Ghat View Points & Garden, Orange & Passion Fruit Processing Center, the Seethargundu ViewPoint, the Kesavanpara ViewPoint, and Poabs Tea Estate View.
- Day 04: Palakkad to Dhoni Forest Trekking to departure
Guests will be checked out from Palakkad and taken to Dhoni Forest, approximately 15 KM from Palakkad Town. On arrival at Dhoni Forest Check Post, visitors can opt for Trekking at timing options at 09.30 AM or 01.30 PM for 2 hours, followed by departure.
FAQs
What are some special attractions in or near Nelliyampathy?
Identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelliyampathy is surrounded by various breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls. Besides that, several plantations and tiger reserves are located close enough to be visited in a day.
What kind of activities can one expect in these resorts?
Almost all resorts situated in Nelliyampathy provide the facility of Jeep Safari as well as bird watching and campfire to its customers. Other than these facilities, some resorts plan special tours for their customers that can be purchased along with the rooms.
What plantations are available for visits in Nelliyampathy?
Nelliyampathy is home to several tea, orange, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Resorts like the Misty Valley Resort provide tours of these plantations to their visitors.
What is the average range of cost for room availability in Nelliyampathy resorts?
There are various options of resorts available to choose from. Rooms are usually available at a starting price of approximately Rs 3000 and can range higher according to the number of people or the quality of the room.