"My Wild Trekk at Nelliampathy Rainforest" - Kerala blogs contd.

I went for a wild trekk in Nelliyampathy rainforests about 54 kms south of Palakkad City in the south western state of Kerala, India. It took me almost one hour and a half to get there from Hotel Indraprasta (an excellent hotel) in Palakkad, where I stayed overnight. After 23 hair-pin bends and really exciting uphill climb I reached my base at Nelliampathy where I had lunch and a change of vehicles as the terrain was really rough for the next phase of my journey to the top of Maampara peak at 5.249 feet above sea level. A mountain jeep with an experienced driver of the name ´Ravi´ was my companions for the final leg of this extraordinary trip to the top.´Raja´s Cliff at Maampara is absolutely breathtaking, both figuratively and literaaly.This amazing place is accessed by a jungle path, bone-jarringly rocky and steep! At times the jeep ride almost felt vertical !! The view from the top was mind boggling, literally redefining the word "panoramic", with the reservoir, rivers and mountain ranges all spread in front of you almost giving it a divine touch. The jeep ride for around 10 kms to the peak from the base at Nelliampathy will cost around Rs 500/- which can accomodate upto 4 people. If you are heading Kerala way there are a number of spots like this to explore with a little insider help which can also be arranged.
This is what the famous internet encyclopedia Wickiepedia had to say about this marvellous place -"Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad district in Kerala a small state in south India. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition. It is called as the 'Poor man's Ooty'. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The 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. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. 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".
I sincerely hope these few lines are good enough to wet your appetite ! I hope to see you some of you here in Kerala for a wonderful holiday in the not too distant future. Take care
Cheers,
Kris Kandath